Solar Shutter UAV Charging for Long-Endurance Hover Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drones require periodic landing for power replenishment, as they rely on non-renewable power sources that deplete quickly with increased operational demands, necessitating a continuous and automatic power replenishment solution.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a solar power unit with a curtain-type shutter embedded with photovoltaic cells, which extends and retracts to maximize solar energy absorption, coupled with an energy storage unit and a controller that manages energy distribution and storage, allowing the drone to autonomously charge and extend its operational time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If conventional non-renewable power sources are used in drones, then the drone can operate with simple power supply systems, but the power source depletes quickly requiring periodic landing for recharging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple power sources (rechargeable battery and solar panels) into a unified power supply system. The solar panels are integrated with the drone structure, and both power sources work together to extend operational duration without requiring frequent landings for recharging.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar panels continuously charge the rechargeable battery during flight operations, performing preliminary charging action before the battery depletes. This ensures the drone maintains sufficient power reserves and can operate for extended periods without landing.
2Duration of action of moving object
If solar panels are added to extend operational duration, then the drone can charge automatically during flight, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The solar panels serve multiple functions: they generate electrical energy during flight, act as part of the drone's structural covering, and provide automatic charging capability. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby limiting the increase in overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar panels are designed to be adjustable or movable, allowing them to optimize their angle for maximum solar energy absorption during flight. This dynamic capability enhances power generation efficiency while maintaining a relatively compact integrated structure.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the solar panel assembly extends to maximize energy absorption, then more solar energy can be captured, but the drone's stability may be affected by wind diffusion
Solution Approach 1:
The solar panel assembly incorporates a curtain-type shutter design with spaces between slats, allowing wind to pass through rather than creating excessive pressure on the structure. This porous configuration maintains hovering stability while still capturing sufficient solar energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The curtain-type shutter can adjust its position and configuration dynamically. When extended, it maximizes solar energy absorption; when retracted or adjusted, it reduces wind resistance and maintains stability. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between energy capture and stability.
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 continuous operation for 24 hours without manual intervention, reducing labor costs and eliminating the need for manual battery changes, as the drone automatically charges using solar energy, ensuring prolonged task performance and stability.
Implementation Method 1
The solar panel assembly is composed of a curtain-type shutter embedded with a plurality of photovoltaic cells
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An unmanned aerial vehicle such as drone (100) integrated with solar power unit, is disclosed. The solar power unit comprises a solar panel assembly (104) positioned at a hull of the drone. The solar panel assembly is composed of a curtain-type shutter embedded with a plurality of photovoltaic cells (110). The shutter may be formed of a plurality of slats having space between each of the slats, wherein the space facilitates for an effective dislocation of wind diffusion to maintain the stability of the hovering drone. The shutter may further comprise a means for twisting and turning the shutter to provide balance for the hovering drone. Further, the solar power unit comprises an energy storage unit operably coupled to the solar panel assembly for storage of the electrical energy from the solar panel. Further, the shutter may be configured to spin cyclically diffusing the gust of wind harmlessly for stabilizing the hovering drone.