Hybrid VTOL Drone Power Distribution Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hybrid fixed-wing VTOL drone aircraft face weight and efficiency challenges due to limited battery capacity for electric VTOL propulsion, limiting hover time and the number of take-offs and landings possible on a single charge.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates small chemical batteries for VTOL operations, which are recharged in-flight using a gas-powered engine, allowing for a hybrid propulsion system that combines the efficiency of fixed-wing flight with VTOL capabilities, reducing overall weight and increasing the number of take-offs and landings possible.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If battery capacity is increased to extend hover time and number of VTOL operations, then duration of action is improved, but weight of moving object increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power system is segmented into two separate power sources: a chemical battery for VTOL operations and a fuel tank for fixed-wing cruise. This segmentation allows each power source to be optimized for its specific function, with the battery sized only for VTOL phases rather than the entire mission duration, thereby reducing overall battery weight while extending total operational duration through in-flight recharging.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the energy storage parameter by using a fuel tank instead of a larger battery. The chemical energy stored in liquid fuel provides a higher energy density alternative to electrical energy storage, enabling extended mission duration without proportionally increasing weight. The fuel serves as a portable power plant that can recharge the battery during cruise phases.
2Productivity
If battery capacity is increased to enable more take-offs and landings, then productivity is improved, but weight of moving object increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by using the gas-powered engine to recharge the chemical battery during fixed-wing cruise phases. This allows the aircraft to replenish its electrical energy storage without external intervention, enabling multiple VTOL cycles to be performed throughout the mission duration. The battery is reused repeatedly after recharging, increasing productivity without requiring a larger or heavier battery capacity.
3Weight of moving object
If chemical battery size is reduced for weight savings, then weight of moving object is improved, but duration of action worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system ensures continuity of useful action by seamlessly transitioning between power sources. The chemical battery provides continuous power for VTOL operations, while the fuel tank provides continuous power for fixed-wing cruise and battery recharging. This continuous operation across different power sources eliminates the limitation of a single battery capacity, allowing the aircraft to perform multiple VTOL cycles throughout an extended mission duration despite using a smaller battery.
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 approach enables drones to travel hundreds of miles with multiple take-off and landing stops, enhancing the efficiency and range of drone-based delivery systems by leveraging the best qualities of both electric and gas-powered propulsion systems.
Implementation Method 1
A first power source may include a chemical battery and a second power source may include a fuel tank with a gas-powered engine
Implementation Method 2
a liquid fuel tanks for gas powered fixed-wing operation
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are configured for power distribution in a hybrid fixed-wing VTOL drone aircraft. A drone aircraft includes two modes of operation. In a first mode of operation, the internal combustion engine is shut off while an electric motor-based VTOL system provides lift and thrust. In a second mode of operation, an internal combustion engine provides thrust while a set of fixed wings provide lift. In the second mode of operation, mechanical power from the internal combustion engine provides for power generation to charge an electrical battery to power the electric motor-based VTOL system.