Hybrid Helicopter Power System for Extended Flight Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional helicopters with multiple rotors face challenges in long-time flight capabilities due to reliance on engines, which can lead to flight impossibility during engine abnormalities, increased noise, and high costs associated with power source management in UAVs.
Innovation Solution
A helicopter configuration utilizing multiple batteries and a generator, where the engine charges the batteries when their capacity is low, allowing for extended flight time while minimizing engine operation and noise, with an auxiliary battery for safe landing in case of emergencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the engine is used as the main power source to generate thrust, then the helicopter can achieve long-time continuous navigation, but it is impossible to fly when the engine has abnormality and noise and exhaust are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The power generation system is segmented into two independent parts: an engine-driven generator and a battery. The engine can charge the battery when functioning, and the battery can independently power the motor when the engine is abnormal, ensuring continuous flight capability without relying solely on the engine.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery acts as an intermediary energy storage device between the engine and the motor. It stores energy from the engine and provides energy to the motor when needed, enabling the system to transition smoothly between power sources and maintain flight during engine abnormalities.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the engine is used as the main power source to generate thrust, then the helicopter can achieve long-time continuous navigation, but noise and exhaust are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The engine operates periodically rather than continuously - it charges the battery when capacity is low and stops when the battery is sufficiently charged. This periodic operation reduces cumulative noise and exhaust emission while still enabling long-time navigation through battery power.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a finite battery capacity that needs periodic recharging, accepting the engine's harmful effects only when necessary for recharging, rather than continuous operation. This approach tolerates temporary harmful effects to achieve overall reduction in noise and exhaust.
3Weight of moving object
If a power source is thrown every flying phase in two-phase flight configuration, then weight can be reduced for continued flying, but costs increase considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The battery provides continuous power throughout the entire flight duration without interruption or removal. The engine periodically recharges the battery during flight, eliminating the need to discard power sources between flight phases while maintaining continuous operation and reducing overall costs.
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
Enables long-time flight by switching between batteries for continuous power, reduces noise and fuel consumption, and ensures safe landing capabilities even in abnormal situations.
Implementation Method 1
a battery that supplies the electric power with the motor (first electric power source)
Implementation Method 2
a generator that charges the battery with the electric power when the remaining capacity of the battery is less than a threshold (second electric power source)
Data Source
AI summary
A multicopter having a plurality of propellers is provided with electric motors, at least one main battery, a generator, and an engine. The electric motors drive the propellers. The main battery is a first electric power source that supplies the electric power to the electric motors. The generator is a second electric power source that supplies the electric power to the electric motors. The engine drives the generator. When a remaining capacity of the main battery is less than a threshold, the generator charges the main battery with the electric power that has been converted from motive power from the engine.