Mobile Autonomous Hydrogen Refueling Station for Vertical Lift Aircraft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refueling systems for autonomous vertical-lift aircraft are limited by their immovable location and require human interaction, restricting the autonomous nature of the aircraft and limiting their operation.
Innovation Solution
A mobile autonomous refueling system that allows drones and air taxis to refuel without human presence, using a mobile landing pad, sensors for precise positioning, a refueling arm, and a hydrogen storage tank with a compressor and power source, enabling autonomous, around-the-clock refueling in various weather conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional refueling systems are used, then refueling can be performed, but the system is constrained by immoveable location and requires human interaction
Solution Approach 1:
The refueling system enables autonomous vertical-lift aircraft to refuel themselves without human intervention. The aircraft autonomously navigates to the refueling station, positions itself using sensors, and the refueling arm automatically connects and transfers fuel, eliminating the need for human operators at the refueling point.
Solution Approach 2:
The refueling system transitions from a static, human-operated setup to a dynamic, autonomous system. The mobile refueling station can move to different locations, and the refueling arm can dynamically adjust its position and orientation to match the aircraft's approach, enabling fully autonomous operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional refueling systems are used, then refueling can be performed, but the system is constrained by immoveable location
Solution Approach 1:
The refueling station is designed as a mobile platform rather than a fixed structure. It can be transported to various locations and deployed as needed, allowing the system to adapt to different operational environments and follow the movement of autonomous aircraft fleets.
Solution Approach 2:
The refueling system is divided into modular components including the mobile platform, hydrogen storage tanks, compressor system, and refueling arm. This segmentation allows for flexible deployment configurations and easy transport to different locations.
3Productivity
If autonomous refueling is implemented, then operational efficiency increases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical positioning with automated sensor-based navigation. Sensors on both the aircraft and refueling station detect each other's position and automatically guide the aircraft into the correct alignment for refueling, eliminating the need for complex manual positioning procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous positioning system uses sensor feedback to continuously monitor the relative position between the aircraft and refueling station. This feedback is processed to automatically adjust the aircraft's position or the refueling arm's orientation, ensuring precise alignment without requiring complex manual intervention.
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 efficient and autonomous refueling of aircraft, increasing operational efficiency by allowing fuel supply to move with the aircraft, reducing return trip distances, and facilitating deployment in remote or challenging environments for both civilian and military operations.
Implementation Method 1
A compressor is configured to compress the hydrogen fuel into a pressurized state
Implementation Method 2
A fuel cell is configured to convert the hydrogen fuel into electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
A system and a method for mobilized autonomous hydrogen refueling of vertical lift aircraft using a framed landing pad with sensors, an onboard hydrogen storage tank, an onboard refueling arm configured to couple the hydrogen storage tank to the aircraft and an onboard controller configured to control a flow of fuel from the hydrogen storage tank to the aircraft.