Helicopter Rotor Blade Piezoelectric Plates for In-Flight Power Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to effectively convert the motion energy generated by aerodynamic loads on helicopter blades into electrical energy, particularly during flight when elastic deformation occurs due to intense loads.
Innovation Solution
A piezoelectric energy generation system is integrated onto helicopter blades, featuring plates made of materials like PZT or quartz, strategically positioned to capture shear and axial strains, converting mechanical energy into electrical energy through elastic deformation, with a battery for storage and distribution to power devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If piezoelectric material is used to convert vibration into electrical energy, then electrical energy generation is improved, but the stiffness of the structural part changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies piezoelectric patches only at specific locations on the rotor blade where vibration energy is most intense, rather than throughout the entire structure. This localized application converts vibration to electrical energy while minimizing the impact on overall blade stiffness and structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates piezoelectric materials as composite layers on the rotor blade structure. These piezoelectric patches are bonded to the blade surface, creating a composite structure that maintains the primary structural properties of the blade while adding the energy harvesting functionality.
2Use of energy by moving object
If piezoelectric material is integrated on rotor blade, then electrical energy is generated from aerodynamic loads, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotor blade serves multiple functions: it provides aerodynamic lift for flight and simultaneously acts as a vibration source for piezoelectric energy harvesting. The blade structure is designed to fulfill both its primary aerodynamic role and its secondary role as a mechanical energy source for electricity generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the natural aerodynamic loads and vibrations that occur during normal helicopter operation to generate electrical energy. The rotor blade's inherent vibration under aerodynamic loading is converted into useful electrical power, making the system self-sufficient without requiring external energy sources or complex additional mechanisms.
3Productivity
If piezoelectric plates are positioned to capture maximum strain, then energy conversion efficiency is improved, but aerodynamic integrity of blade may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Piezoelectric plates are strategically positioned at specific locations on the rotor blade where strain concentration is highest during operation. By placing sensors only at these critical locations rather than uniformly across the blade, the system maximizes energy capture while minimizing interference with aerodynamic flow and blade integrity.
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 system efficiently converts aerodynamic and inertial loads into electrical energy, reducing costs and enhancing renewable energy production, while maintaining the aerodynamic integrity of the blades.
Implementation Method 1
at least one plate which is located on the blade and has an energy conversion function due to its piezoelectric structure
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a body (2) provided at air vehicles: at least one rotor (3) extending longitudinally out of the body (2) and rotating around an axis along which it extends: at least one blade (4) connected to the rotor (3), which, upon triggering of the rotor (3), rotates around the axis along which the rotor (3) extends, thus creating an aerodynamic lifting force required for the body (2) to take-off: a blade tip (5) which is located on the blade (4), at the end of a direction along which the blade (4) extends: and at least one plate (6) made of a piezo-electric material, which is located on the blade (4) and enables energy conversion.