Hybrid Rotary Drone Gas Engine Generator Power System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drones face challenges in achieving an adequate lift-to-weight ratio due to the weight and limited power density of typical batteries, which restricts flight duration and increases costs as the vehicle size grows.
Innovation Solution
The use of a gas engine to power a brushless electric generator, which in turn powers the rotor assemblies, reducing the need for large battery packs and allowing the onboard battery to only start the engine and power electronics, while the gas engine generates power for flight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If conventional batteries are used to power the drone, then the drone can achieve adequate lift-to-weight ratio, but the flight duration is greatly reduced and costs increase as vehicle size grows
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a gas engine with an electric motor system to create a hybrid power plant. The gas engine serves as a range extender that generates mechanical power to drive the propellers directly and/or generate electricity to charge batteries or power the electric motor, thereby extending flight duration without proportionally increasing battery weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas engine acts as an intermediary energy source that converts chemical energy from fuel into mechanical work and/or electrical energy. This intermediary system bridges the gap between limited battery capacity and extended flight duration requirements, allowing the drone to operate beyond the constraints of battery-only power systems.
2Duration of action of moving object
If battery size is increased to extend flight duration, then flight duration increases, but weight and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the gas engine power system with the electric motor and battery system. This combination allows the vehicle to use the gas engine as a supplemental power source that can directly drive propellers or generate electricity, reducing the reliance on large battery packs while extending flight duration.
3Power
If conventional gasoline or diesel engines are used, then high power density is achieved, but direct application to multi-rotor aircraft is problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The electric motor serves as an intermediary between the gas engine and the propellers. The gas engine drives the electric motor, which then drives the propellers, allowing the high power density of the gas engine to be utilized while maintaining the controllability and precision of electric motor operation in multi-rotor aircraft.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the direct mechanical connection between a conventional engine and propellers with an electric motor intermediary. This substitution allows the use of high power density internal combustion engines while achieving the precise control and operational characteristics required for multi-rotor aircraft through electric motor control systems.
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 enhances the lift-to-weight ratio, increases flight duration, and reduces costs by leveraging the higher power density of gas engines, allowing for more efficient and longer flights.
Implementation Method 1
a gas engine to power a brushless electric generator, which in turn powers the rotor assemblies
Implementation Method 2
providing lift for the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A hybrid rotary aircraft includes a body having an inner area; a plurality of arms rigidly attached to and extending from the body; a plurality of rotor assemblies pivotally engaged with the plurality of arms; a first gas engine; and a first brushless electric generator rotatably attached to the first gas engine and conductively coupled to each of the brushless electric motors. The plurality of rotor assemblies each having a brushless electric motor; and a rotor blades rotatably attached to the brushless electric motor.