Hybrid Fuel Cell Power Supply for Drone Peak Load Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to enhance the flight time of flying tools, such as drones, by providing an efficient power supply method that balances the high energy density of hydrogen fuel cells with the need for extra power during sudden environmental changes, without increasing weight and reducing flight time.
Innovation Solution
A power supply device comprising a fuel cell, a secondary battery, a transformer, and a controller that dynamically manages power distribution, using the fuel cell for base load and the secondary battery for instant power needs, optimizing energy efficiency by minimizing energy loss through the transformer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a large amount of fuel cells are used to provide extra power for instant changes in flight environment, then the power supply capability is improved, but the weight is increased and flight time is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into two distinct components: fuel cells for base load power supply and secondary batteries for instant power needs. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with fuel cells providing sustained power at lower weight compared to using only batteries for all power needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between fuel cell power and battery power based on real-time power requirements. The controller monitors power density demands and automatically adjusts the power source mix, using batteries for sudden power spikes and fuel cells for steady-state operation, thereby optimizing the overall weight-power balance.
2Power
If a large amount of fuel cells are used to provide extra power for instant changes in flight environment, then the power supply capability is improved, but the flight time is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Secondary batteries are pre-charged to provide immediate power for instant changes in flight environment. This preliminary preparation of energy storage allows the system to respond to sudden power demands without requiring oversized fuel cell stacks, thereby maintaining optimal flight time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically coordinates between fuel cells and batteries to match power output with actual flight conditions. During steady flight, fuel cells provide base power while batteries are recharged. During sudden maneuvers or gusts, batteries supplement power instantly, allowing the fuel cell system to remain compact and efficient for extended flight duration.
3Device complexity
If rechargeable battery is used under the constraint of limited space and weight, then the device complexity is reduced, but the flight time is limited to less than an hour
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply is segmented into fuel cells for extended energy duration and batteries for immediate power delivery. This segmentation enables flight times exceeding one hour by combining the high energy density of fuel cells with the high power density of batteries, overcoming the limitations of using either technology alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the energy storage parameters by introducing hydrogen fuel cells with vastly superior energy density compared to conventional batteries. This parameter change enables extended flight duration while maintaining manageable weight through the hybrid architecture, where fuel cells provide long-term energy and batteries handle peak demands.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution extends flight time by ensuring efficient power delivery, with the fuel cell providing 70% of the power and the secondary battery covering 30%, achieving an overall energy transmission efficiency of 99.7% and maintaining a lightweight design.
Implementation Method 1
The fuel cell can transform hydrogen into a large amount of energy
Implementation Method 2
a transformer coupled between the secondary battery and the flying tool
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~2A
Figure 2B~2C
AI summary
A power supply device disposed on an aircraft to provide a power to the aircraft is provided. The aircraft has an average required power value. The power supply device includes a secondary battery, a transformer and a fuel cell. The transformer is coupled between the secondary battery and the aircraft. The fuel cell is coupled to the aircraft and is adapted to provide a first output current to the aircraft. The transformer has an output voltage set value. When the first output end voltage of the fuel cell is lower than the output voltage set value, the transformer provides a second output current of the secondary battery to the aircraft. The output voltage set value is in a voltage range with a fuel cell output power between the maximum power value of characteristic curve of the fuel cell and the average required power value of the aircraft.