Modular Landing Surface Wind Recovery for Remote Vehicle Recharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote vehicle landing zones do not effectively harness the kinetic energy from air turbulence generated by the movement of remote vehicles during takeoff and landing to recover and store energy.
Innovation Solution
A landing surface with independently moveable modules equipped with wind power generation modules that detect air turbulence exceeding a threshold, expose and reorient towards the turbulence source to generate electrical power, and store it for vehicle recharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If wind power generation modules are installed at the landing zone, then electrical energy can be recovered from air turbulence, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The landing surface is divided into multiple independently movable modules, each capable of three-dimensional movement. This segmentation allows the system to selectively position wind power generation modules only where air turbulence is detected, rather than having a fixed complex structure throughout the entire landing zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The landing surface modules are designed to be dynamically reconfigurable, able to move in three dimensions to expose or shield wind power generation modules based on real-time detection of air turbulence. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize energy recovery while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that only becomes complex when and where needed.
2Loss of energy
If landing surface modules are made independently moveable for optimal power generation, then energy recovery efficiency improves, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The landing surface modules are equipped with sensors that automatically detect air turbulence and autonomously control the movement of modules to optimize wind power generation. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex manual operation or centralized control systems, allowing the modules to self-adjust based on environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where sensors continuously monitor air turbulence patterns and this information is used to automatically adjust the position and orientation of landing surface modules. This closed-loop feedback system simplifies operation by allowing the modules to self-regulate their configuration based on real-time conditions.
3Power
If wind power generation modules are exposed to generate power, then electrical energy is produced, but the reliability of landing surface functionality may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The landing surface modules can dynamically change their configuration, moving between different positions and orientations. When wind power generation is needed, modules can be positioned to expose wind turbines to air turbulence. When landing operations are prioritized, modules can be repositioned to provide a smooth, stable landing surface, thus maintaining reliability while enabling power generation.
Solution Approach 2:
By dividing the landing surface into independent modules, the system can selectively activate only those modules needed for power generation while keeping other modules in their standard landing configuration. This segmentation ensures that power generation activities do not compromise the overall reliability and functionality of the landing surface.
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
Efficiently converts air turbulence into electrical energy for remote vehicle recharging, enhancing energy recovery and reducing potential landing hazards by stabilizing vehicle descent.
Implementation Method 1
wind power generation module that performs the following operations... generating electrical power based on the wind force(s) of the air turbulence
Implementation Method 2
Wind energy refers to the kinetic energy of air in motion, also called wind. A wind turbine is a device which transforms the wind's kinetic energy into electrical energy.
Implementation Method 3
Lift is the component of this force that is applied perpendicular to the oncoming flow direction. It is in contrast with the drag force, which is the component of the force parallel to the flow direction. Lift frequently acts in an upward direction to counter the force of gravity
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are techniques for recovering power from remote vehicles near a landing surface. Air turbulence from a remote vehicle near a landing surface is detected and measured. When the air turbulence exceeds a threshold, a subset of landing surface components corresponding to sections of the landing surface with attached wind power generators are determined for wind power generation from the detected air turbulence. The wind power generators of the subset of landing surface components are exposed from their protective coverings, and the subset of landing surface components are reoriented towards the source of the air turbulence, tracking the remote vehicle generating the air turbulence. Power generated by the wind power generators can be stored and used to recharge remote vehicles that land at the landing surface.