Hybrid Generator System for Passenger UAV Endurance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-rotor unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) lack the capability to efficiently transport passengers and their personal items over long distances due to limited power generation and endurance, and they often require conventional infrastructure for operation, which can be impractical in remote or hard-to-reach areas.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid generator system integrated into the UAV, combining a rechargeable battery and a gasoline-powered engine with a generator motor, providing sufficient electrical energy to power rotor motors and generate lift, along with a climate control system and sensors for safe operation, enabling extended endurance and payload capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rechargeable battery is used to power rotor motors, then the UAV can operate independently without conventional infrastructure, but the endurance and payload capacity are limited due to battery energy constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a rechargeable battery system with a hybrid generator system (engine + generator motor) to create a dual power source. The battery provides immediate power for independence, while the hybrid generator extends endurance by replenishing battery energy during flight or ground operation, resolving the contradiction between infrastructure independence and extended endurance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between battery power and hybrid generator power based on operational needs. The hybrid generator can engage during flight to extend range or when grounded to recharge the battery, creating a dynamic power management system that adapts to extend endurance while maintaining independence.
2Duration of action of moving object
If a hybrid generator system is added to extend endurance, then the UAV can travel longer distances, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid generator system serves multiple functions: it generates electrical energy to charge the battery during ground operation, can provide power during flight to extend endurance, and includes an engine that can directly drive the propeller in certain configurations. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing extensive operational flexibility and extended range.
Solution Approach 2:
The power system is segmented into distinct modular components: rechargeable battery, engine, generator motor, and control systems. This segmentation allows for independent optimization of each component and simplifies maintenance and troubleshooting, partially offsetting the complexity increase through modular architecture.
3Power
If the hybrid generator system is configured to generate high electrical power (150 kW to 1 MW), then the payload capacity and lift capability are improved, but the weight of the power generation system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the engine and generator motor into a coupled hybrid generator assembly where the engine drives the generator motor to produce electrical power. This combined configuration allows the heavy power generation components to work together efficiently, with the engine providing mechanical power and the generator converting it to electrical energy for the battery and motors, achieving high power output while managing the weight through integrated design.
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 generator system allows for safe and efficient transportation of passengers and their items over longer distances, including remote areas, with enhanced safety features like redundancy and automatic flight plan modification based on weather and component conditions, significantly improving UAV endurance and payload capacity.
Implementation Method 1
a generator motor coupled to the engine and configured to generate electrical energy from the mechanical power generated by the engine
Implementation Method 2
a rechargeable battery configured to provide electrical energy to the at least one rotor motor
Implementation Method 3
at least one rotor motor configured to drive at least one propeller to rotate
Data Source
AI summary
An unmanned aerial vehicle includes at least one rotor motor configured to drive at least one propeller to rotate; a passenger compartment sized to contain a human or animal passenger; and a hybrid generator system configured to provide power to the at least one rotor motor and to generate lift sufficient to carry the human or animal passenger. The hybrid generator system includes a rechargeable battery configured to provide power to the at least one rotor motor; an engine configured to generate mechanical power; and a generator motor coupled to the engine and configured to generate electrical power from the mechanical power generated by the engine.