Hybrid Solid-State Propulsion System for Aerial Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional propulsion systems for UAVs and drones are heavy, expensive, and have low specific energy, leading to short flight times and limited payload capacity due to their reliance on traditional battery technologies and combustion engines.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid solid-state propulsion system incorporating a combustor, thermophotovoltaic generator, and thermoelectric generator that converts heat and radiation into electricity for propulsion, reducing weight and increasing energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional battery technologies (lithium-polymer) are used for propulsion, then the system is simple and reliable, but the specific energy is low and flight time is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a combustor with thermoelectric and thermophotovoltaic generators into a hybrid propulsion system. The combustor burns fuel to produce heat, which is converted to electricity by the thermoelectric generator through the Seebeck effect and by the thermophotovoltaic generator through photovoltaic conversion of thermal radiation. This merging of chemical energy conversion with direct thermal-to-electrical conversion achieves 25 times better specific energy than lithium-polymer batteries while extending flight time.
2Power
If conventional combustion engines are used, then high power is achieved, but the system is heavy and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical combustion engine with a solid-state hybrid system comprising a combustor coupled to thermoelectric and thermophotovoltaic generators. Instead of using mechanical pistons, crankshafts, and moving parts to convert thermal energy to mechanical work, the system directly converts thermal energy to electrical energy through solid-state thermoelectric and thermophotovoltaic effects. This substitution eliminates heavy mechanical components while maintaining high power output and reducing overall system weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by operating the combustor at temperatures optimized for thermoelectric and thermophotovoltaic conversion rather than for direct mechanical work. The system operates in the solid-state regime, utilizing temperature gradients and thermal radiation spectra that maximize electrical generation efficiency. This parameter change from mechanical to thermal-electrical conversion optimizes the power-to-weight ratio.
3Power
If conventional combustion engines are used, then high power is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical combustion engine with a solid-state hybrid system comprising a combustor coupled to thermoelectric and thermophotovoltaic generators. Instead of using mechanical pistons, crankshafts, and moving parts to convert thermal energy to mechanical work, the system directly converts thermal energy to electrical energy through solid-state thermoelectric and thermophotovoltaic effects. This substitution eliminates heavy mechanical components while maintaining high power output and reducing overall system weight.
4Weight of moving object
If lighter aerial vehicle design is pursued, then less thrust is required for flight, but the propulsion system weight must be reduced significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters by operating the combustor at temperatures optimized for thermoelectric and thermophotovoltaic conversion rather than for direct mechanical work. The system operates in the solid-state regime, utilizing temperature gradients and thermal radiation spectra that maximize electrical generation efficiency. This parameter change from mechanical to thermal-electrical conversion optimizes the power-to-weight ratio.
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 system significantly enhances flight time and payload capacity by achieving a specific energy 25 times better than lithium-polymer batteries and providing a more efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional power sources.
Implementation Method 1
The combustor produces heat and radiation, which are converted by the thermoelectric generator and the thermophotovoltaic generator into electricity
Implementation Method 2
The combustor produces heat and radiation, which are converted by the thermoelectric generator and the thermophotovoltaic generator into electricity
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure generally relates to a hybrid solid-state propulsion system for aerial vehicles. The hybrid propulsion system includes a combustor, a thermophotovoltaic generator, and a thermoelectric generator. The combustor burns a chemical based fuel to produce radiation and heat that are converted into electricity used to power the aerial vehicle. The thermophotovoltaic generator is positioned to receive radiation and remnant heat generated by flames in the combustor while the thermoelectric generator receives heat from exhausted flue gases from the combustor.