Fuzzy Logic Power Management for UAV Subsystems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAVs) face challenges in optimizing power management across multiple energy sources, leading to inefficient flights and potential mission failures due to the complexity of electrical power distribution, which is difficult for remote human controllers or pilots to manage effectively.
Innovation Solution
A power management system utilizing fuzzy logic to automatically allocate electrical power to UAV subsystems based on internal and external variables, and mission-oriented parameters, mimicking human decision-making to optimize mission performance and reduce human workload.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a remote human controller or pilot manages power distribution manually, then the system is easier to understand and control, but the power management efficiency deteriorates and mission reliability worsens due to the complexity of electrical power distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The power management system performs self-service by automatically monitoring its own power sources, loads, and operational state, then autonomously making decisions about power allocation without requiring human intervention. The processor continuously evaluates system variables and adjusts power distribution independently, allowing the system to manage itself effectively while maintaining high reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual human control (mechanical/physical operation) with an automated electronic control system. The processor-based power management unit substitutes the human controller's manual decisions with automated algorithmic decisions, transforming the control mechanism from manual to electronic/automated, thereby improving both efficiency and reliability
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple energy sources are available for power distribution, then the energy availability and flexibility improve, but the device complexity increases making power allocation decisions difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the power management function into distinct modular components: power source monitoring modules, load management modules, and a central decision-making processor. Each energy source (fuel cell, batteries, capacitors) is monitored independently, and power allocation is segmented into priority-based distributions to different subsystems. This modular segmentation makes the complex multi-source system manageable and controllable
Solution Approach 2:
The power management system is designed with universality to handle multiple types of energy sources (fuel cells, batteries, capacitors) and multiple types of loads (propulsion, payload, subsystems) through a single integrated control architecture. The processor universally manages all power sources and loads using the same fuzzy logic algorithm, allowing the system to adapt to different mission requirements and power source combinations without requiring separate control systems for each component
3Ease of manufacture
If manual power allocation is used, then the system is simpler to implement, but the energy efficiency deteriorates leading to wasted energy and inefficient flight
Solution Approach 1:
The power management system implements continuous feedback by monitoring the state of charge of all energy sources, the power consumption of all loads, and the operational requirements of the mission. The processor uses this real-time feedback information to dynamically adjust power allocation decisions, ensuring that energy is efficiently distributed to where it is most needed while maintaining optimal charge levels in energy sources, thereby minimizing energy waste and maximizing flight efficiency
Data Source
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AI summary
Power management method and system for an unmanned air vehicle, wherein the unmanned air vehicle comprises a plurality of power demanding subsystems and a plurality of power sources. The invention establishes mission oriented fixed parameters. A fuzzy logic power management unit, comprised in the system, automatically calculates and assigns priorities for delivering power to the subsystems. It also automatically calculates and assigns amounts of power delivered to each subsystem and automatically decides which of the power sources to deliver power to which subsystem. The fuzzy logic power management system calculates and assigns the priorities and loads in function of a plurality of internal variables, external variables and the mission oriented fixed parameters.