Fuel Cell Strut Integration for UAV Weight Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) face limited flight time due to high power demands from propulsion and on-board systems, and photovoltaic panels are unreliable in varying weather conditions, especially for applications requiring high power or heavy systems.
Innovation Solution
Integration of fuel cell stacks as both power sources and structural components within the UAV's struts, with each strut containing vertically aligned bipolar plates and air flow paths for oxidant and coolant delivery, providing power for propulsion and auxiliary functions while reducing weight and enhancing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If photovoltaic panels are used to extend flight range, then flight time is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to dependence on ambient weather conditions and time of day
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines photovoltaic panels with fuel cell stacks in a hybrid power system. The fuel cell stack provides reliable power generation independent of weather conditions, while the photovoltaic panels supplement power generation when conditions permit. This merging of two different power generation technologies resolves the contradiction by maintaining reliability through the fuel cell while extending flight time through combined power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel cell stack serves multiple functions: it generates electrical power reliably in all weather conditions, provides structural support as load-bearing struts, and can operate independently or in conjunction with photovoltaic panels. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain reliability while extending operational duration through flexible power management.
2Power
If conventional power sources are used to meet high power demands, then power availability is improved, but weight increases reducing flight efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fuel cell stack with the structural strut components of the UAV. The fuel cell stack serves as both a power source and a load-bearing structural element, eliminating the need for separate structural components. This combining of power generation and structural support functions provides high power availability while minimizing weight increase, as the power source replaces rather than adds to the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuel cell stack performs dual functions as both a power generation device and a structural support component. By making the power source multi-functional, the system achieves high power availability without proportionally increasing weight, since the same component provides both mechanical support and electrical power.
3Strength
If separate structural components and power sources are used, then structural integrity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the fuel cell stack directly into the strut structure, creating a unified component that provides both structural integrity and power generation. This merging eliminates the need for separate structural components and power sources, reducing device complexity while maintaining structural strength through the load-bearing design of the fuel cell stack.
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 configuration improves the power/weight and power/volume ratios of UAVs, enabling longer flight times and reliable power generation, even in adverse conditions, by utilizing fuel cells that perform both power generation and structural support.
Implementation Method 1
each strut comprises a fuel cell stack as a fuel cell system component
Implementation Method 2
each fuel cell stack comprises bipolar plates vertically aligned within the respective strut
Implementation Method 3
each fuel cell stack has an air inlet on a top surface of the strut and an air outlet on a bottom surface of the strut with an air flow path therebetween
Implementation Method 4
each propulsion module is configured to provide oxidant and/or coolant to the associated fuel cell stack
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
The disclosure relates to an unmanned aerial vehicle, wherein the fuel cell provides a structural component of the vehicle.