Reversible Wind Turbine for LTA Platform Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power systems for lighter-than-air (LTA) platforms, including fossil fuels and batteries, limit the endurance and range of LTA systems for ISR&C applications due to limited energy capacity and reliance on daylight and weather conditions, restricting their full potential for persistent operations.
Innovation Solution
The Anchored Power Generation (APG) system employs a reversible wind turbine and deployable anchor to harness wind energy at altitude, generating electricity and storing it for propulsion and payload use, with optional hydrogen generation for extended range and buoyancy, eliminating the need for ground refueling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If fossil fuels or batteries are used for power systems in LTA platforms, then the platform can operate with existing technology, but the endurance and range are limited due to finite energy capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The wind turbine enables continuous power generation by harnessing wind energy throughout the flight duration. The system maintains continuous useful action by converting kinetic energy from wind into electrical power, eliminating the need to wait for fuel depletion or battery exhaustion. This continuous energy conversion process extends the operational duration indefinitely as long as wind resources are available.
Solution Approach 2:
The LTA platform serves its own power needs by generating electricity onboard through the wind turbine system. The platform harvests wind energy directly during flight and converts it to electrical power for its own propulsion and payload systems, eliminating dependence on external refueling or recharging infrastructure. This self-sufficient energy generation resolves the limitation of finite energy capacity.
2Power
If solar cells are used to enhance power, then additional power is provided, but the system is restricted to daylight operations and affected by weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying on solar cells that convert light to electricity during daylight hours, the invention inverts the approach by using wind turbines that convert kinetic wind energy to electricity. This inversion allows power generation to occur independently of sunlight availability, enabling continuous operation during nighttime and in various weather conditions where wind is present, thus resolving the operational flexibility limitation.
3Power
If conventional fuel cell powered systems are used, then power is provided, but the transit range and time-on-station remain limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts between different operational modes: during transit phases, the wind turbine generates power for propulsion; during station-keeping phases, it generates power for payloads and systems. The reversible propulsor-turbine allows the platform to switch between consuming stored energy during transit and generating energy during station operations, dynamically optimizing the balance between transit range and time-on-station to extend both parameters simultaneously.
4Power
If a deployable anchor is used to constrain movement for wind-driven turbine operation, then electrical power can be generated, but the platform loses mobility
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The anchor is deployable and retractable, allowing the platform to switch between anchored power generation mode and mobile transit mode as needed. During power generation phases, the anchor constrains the platform to maximize turbine efficiency; during transit phases, the anchor is retrieved to restore full mobility. This dynamic configuration resolves the contradiction between power generation and mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The reversible propulsor-turbine serves multiple functions: it acts as a propulsor during mobile transit phases and as a wind turbine during anchored power generation phases. This multi-functionality allows the same component to support both mobility and power generation requirements, eliminating the need for separate systems and resolving the apparent contradiction between the two opposing needs.
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 APG system provides continuous power for on-station operations and extended range for LTA platforms, enabling indefinite flight and versatile, unmanned ISR&C missions without ground support, leveraging high-altitude wind energy for efficient energy harvesting and storage.
Implementation Method 1
allowing wind to drive the turbine
Implementation Method 2
a generator/motor coupled to the turbine to produce electrical power
Implementation Method 3
a generator/motor coupled to the turbine to produce electrical power when movement of the lighter than air platform is constrained
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a lighter than air platform, a reversible propulsive/wind turbine, a deployable anchor to constrain movement of the lighter than air platform with respect to an anchor point allowing wind to drive the turbine, and a generator/motor coupled to the turbine to produce electrical power when movement of the lighter than air platform is constrained. A method performed by the apparatus is also provided.