Hybrid Airship Segmentation for Extended Flight Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional UAVs face limitations in extended flight times due to battery power constraints, as internal combustion engines are not responsive enough to manage flight control systems effectively, and existing lifting technologies do not provide sufficient lift without relying on propulsion systems.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid airship design combining a lightweight, ellipsoid-shaped lifting gas compartment with multirotor technology and an onboard high-power-to-weight ratio internal combustion engine, such as a gas turbine, to extend flight times by providing additional lift and power for battery recharging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional quadcopters use electric motors powered by batteries for flight control and propulsion, then the craft can respond quickly to flight control demands, but flight time is limited by battery power constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The propulsion and control functions are segmented into two separate systems: electric motors for rapid response control and a gas turbine engine for sustained power generation. The electric motors handle flight control maneuvers requiring quick response, while the gas turbine extends duration by providing continuous power to recharge batteries during flight.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas turbine engine serves multiple functions: it generates power to extend flight time, charges the battery system during operation, and provides auxiliary power for high-draw scenarios. This multi-functional approach resolves the contradiction by adding a power source that doesn't compromise the quick response capability of electric motors.
2Duration of action of moving object
If an internal combustion engine is used to power UAVs, then flight time can be extended, but the engine cannot respond fast enough to the demands of the flight controller
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides control functions between two engine types: the gas turbine handles sustained power generation for extended flight time, while electric motors maintain responsibility for rapid response to flight controller commands. This segmentation allows each system to operate in its optimal performance range.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric motors act as intermediaries between the flight controller and the gas turbine system. They receive rapid control signals and translate them into immediate propulsion responses, while the gas turbine provides the underlying power foundation, effectively mediating between the controller's speed demands and the turbine's power generation capabilities.
3Ease of operation
If conventional airships use propulsion systems to provide lift, then maneuverability can be achieved, but flight time is not significantly extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs buoyant lift from the gas-filled envelope as a counterweight to gravitational force, reducing the power demand on propulsion systems. This anti-weight approach allows the gas turbine to extend flight time without sacrificing maneuverability, as the propulsion system only needs to overcome residual weight and provide directional control.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas turbine serves dual purposes: extending flight duration through continuous power generation and maintaining maneuverability by powering the propulsion system. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making a single power source capable of both time extension and operational control.
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
The hybrid airship achieves significantly extended flight times of at least one to two hours, with redundancy in lift systems enhancing safety and reliability, and the ability to maintain flight even if one system fails, while reducing the risk of severe collisions due to low average density.
Implementation Method 1
The lighter-than-air gas contained within the ellipsoid balloon provides the majority of the lift
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of rotors operatively mounted to the frame driven by a plurality of electric motors
Implementation Method 3
an internal combustion engine driving the generator
Implementation Method 4
an on board generator to charge the batteries during flight for extended flight operations
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid airship (drone, UAV) capable of significantly extended flight times can use one of two technologies, or both together. The first technology uses a combination of a lifting gas (such as hydrogen or helium) in a central volume or balloon and multirotor technology for lift and maneuvering. The second technology equips the airship with an on board generator to charge the batteries during flight for extended flight operations, with an internal combustion engine (such as a high power to weight ratio gas turbine engine) driving the generator. A quadcopter or other multicopter configuration is desirable.