Hydrogen Fuel Cell Golf Drone for Continuous Course Service
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drones used for golf course services, powered by batteries, face limitations in flight duration and power availability, making it difficult to provide extended services like swing analysis and course information, and requiring frequent charging or battery replacement, which can delay golf rounds.
Innovation Solution
A fuel cell drone system utilizing a hydrogen fuel cell as a power source, with a dual hydrogen fuel tank configuration and a docking station for efficient hydrogen replenishment, enabling extended flight times and continuous service without the need for lengthy charging cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a battery is used as a power source for the drone, then the drone can be operated, but the flight duration is limited to about 30 minutes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the power source parameter from battery to hydrogen fuel cell, fundamentally altering the energy storage and delivery mechanism. This enables continuous operation throughout the entire golf rounding process without interruption for charging, as hydrogen can be quickly refueled at the docking station.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electrochemical battery system with a hydrogen fuel cell system that uses chemical energy conversion. This substitution eliminates the charging time constraint by using a refueling mechanism similar to conventional vehicles, where hydrogen can be rapidly replenished at the docking station.
2Adaptability or versatility
If most of the battery power is used for flying and photographing, then the drone can maintain flight operations, but additional services requiring power cannot be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrogen fuel cell system provides sufficient power to support multiple functions simultaneously: flight operations, photographing, swing analysis, course information provision, and product recommendations. The higher energy density of hydrogen fuel cells compared to batteries enables this multi-functional operation without power constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing from battery to hydrogen fuel cell power source, the system gains access to higher sustained power output and energy density, enabling the drone to operate multiple service modules concurrently without the power limitations that constrain battery-operated drones.
3Reliability
If battery replacement or charging is performed, then the power source can be replenished, but the rounding process is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the battery charging mechanism with a hydrogen refueling system. At the docking station, the drone can quickly refill its hydrogen tank, a process that takes minimal time compared to battery charging. This eliminates rounding delays while maintaining continuous operational reliability throughout the golf course.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrogen fuel cell system with quick refueling capability enables continuous operation during the entire rounding process. The drone can maintain uninterrupted service provision, including flight, photographing, and data transmission, without the downtime associated with battery replacement or charging cycles.
4Adaptability or versatility
If additional modules are mounted on the drone to provide various services, then service capability is enhanced, but operating time is rapidly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrogen fuel cell power source provides sufficient energy to support multiple service modules including swing analysis cameras, course information displays, and product recommendation systems. The high energy density of hydrogen enables these additional modules to operate simultaneously without significantly reducing the drone's operating time.
Solution Approach 2:
By transitioning from battery to hydrogen fuel cell power, the system achieves higher sustained power output that can accommodate multiple service modules. The energy density and continuous power delivery capability of hydrogen fuel cells allow the drone to maintain extended operating hours even with additional equipment mounted.
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 fuel cell drone system provides continuous and extended service on golf courses, minimizing delays and improving golfer experience by offering real-time swing analysis, course information, and product recommendations, while reducing operational downtime.
Implementation Method 1
a power pack configured to generate power to drive the fuel cell drone using the hydrogen in the hydrogen fuel tank
Data Source
AI summary
A system and a method for providing service on a golf course using a fuel cell drone using a hydrogen fuel cell as a power source to provide various services while preventing a rounding delay of golfers are provided. A fuel cell drone of a system for providing service on a golf course may include a hydrogen fuel tank in which hydrogen is charged, a power pack configured to generate power to drive the fuel cell drone using the hydrogen in the hydrogen fuel tank, and a controller configured to move the fuel cell drone to a docking station or a gas supply place in response to determining that an amount of hydrogen remaining in the hydrogen fuel tank is below a set value.