Solar Aircraft Flight Path Management for Power Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solar-powered aircraft face inefficiencies in power generation due to varying sun positions, leading to suboptimal energy collection, which can impact flight endurance and detectability, especially during low elevation angles like sunrise in winter solstice.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a threat management module to identify sun positions and convert solar power generation signature data into equivalent radar signature data, allowing for adjustments in flight paths to maximize power generation while minimizing detectability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the aircraft maintains a fixed flight path, then navigation simplicity is improved, but solar power generation efficiency deteriorates due to varying sun positions
Solution Approach 1:
The flight management system dynamically adjusts the flight path based on real-time sun position data and power generation predictions. Instead of following a static predetermined path, the system continuously modifies navigation parameters to optimize solar panel alignment with the sun, transforming the rigid navigation approach into a flexible adaptive system that responds to changing environmental conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a closed-loop feedback mechanism where power generation levels are continuously monitored and fed back to the flight management system. This feedback enables real-time adjustments to the flight path, allowing the aircraft to respond to actual power generation performance and environmental variations, ensuring optimal energy collection throughout the mission
2Use of energy by moving object
If the aircraft adjusts flight path frequently to optimize power generation, then solar power collection is improved, but navigation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flight management system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it manages standard flight navigation, optimizes solar power generation, monitors power levels, and adjusts flight parameters. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single multi-functional system, the patent avoids the need for separate dedicated systems for each function, thereby managing complexity while achieving power optimization
Solution Approach 2:
The system optimizes power generation by adjusting flight path parameters such as altitude, speed, and heading angles. Rather than fundamentally changing the navigation system architecture, the patent modifies existing operational parameters within their normal ranges to achieve optimal solar alignment, maintaining system simplicity while improving power collection
3Use of energy by moving object
If solar panels are positioned to maximize power generation, then power generation efficiency is improved, but aircraft detectability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically balances power generation optimization with detectability management by continuously adjusting flight parameters. When solar alignment requires positions that increase detectability, the system modifies the optimization criteria to incorporate detectability constraints, creating a dynamic trade-off that adapts to the operational context rather than prioritizing one factor statically
Solution Approach 2:
The flight management system changes flight parameters such as altitude and heading to achieve optimal solar panel alignment while simultaneously managing detectability. By adjusting parameters like flight altitude and course angle, the system finds operational windows where both power generation and stealth requirements are satisfied
4Duration of action of moving object
If the aircraft flies longer missions without refueling, then operational endurance is improved, but power generation consistency deteriorates due to varying environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculations of sun positions and power generation potential for the entire anticipated mission duration. By pre-computing optimal flight paths and power generation expectations, the system prepares in advance for varying environmental conditions, enabling consistent power management throughout extended missions without requiring frequent mid-mission adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The flight management system maintains continuous monitoring and adjustment of flight parameters to ensure uninterrupted optimal power generation. This continuous active management compensates for varying environmental conditions throughout long missions, maintaining power generation consistency by constantly adapting to changing sun positions, weather patterns, and atmospheric conditions
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 approach optimizes solar power collection by adjusting flight paths to align solar panels with the sun, maintaining desired power levels and reducing detectability, thereby enhancing flight endurance and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The solar powered generation system generates a current that may be used to power electric engines or charge a battery on the solar powered UAV
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and apparatus for managing solar power collection. A position of the sun (108) is identified relative to an aerospace vehicle (102) while the aerospace vehicle (102) is moving along a flight path. A level of power generation is identified by a solar power generation system (106) while the aerospace vehicle (102) moves along the flight path using a threat management module (218) and equivalent radar signature data (227). The threat management module (218) uses the equivalent radar signature data (227) to identify the level of power generation by the aerospace vehicle (102) from different positions of the sun (108) relative to the aerospace vehicle (102), and the equivalent radar signature data (227) is based on solar power generation signature data (226) identifying the level of power generation for the different positions of the sun (108) relative to the aerospace vehicle (102). A change in the flight path that results in a desired level of power generation is identified by the solar power generation system (106).