Solar-Powered UAV Flight Control for High-Altitude Energy Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solar-powered Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) face challenges in maximizing solar energy capture, especially when the Sun is low on the horizon or at night, leading to reduced propulsion and battery charging efficiency due to weight constraints from additional batteries needed for nighttime operation.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a flight control computer (FCC) and power tracker, which adjusts the UAV's airspeed and angle relative to the Sun to maximize solar array exposure, and a battery pack system to sustain flight at night, optimizing solar energy capture by slowing down when flying away from the Sun and increasing speed when flying towards it, while maintaining a steady voltage for battery charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If additional batteries are added to sustain nighttime flight, then flight duration is extended, but aircraft weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by maximizing solar energy capture during daytime flight patterns before nighttime arrives. The UAV optimizes its trajectory and orientation during daylight hours to accumulate sufficient energy in the battery, enabling nighttime operation without requiring additional battery capacity. This is achieved through real-time adjustment of flight path to maintain optimal solar array exposure to the Sun.
2Use of energy by moving object
If UAV flies faster towards the Sun, then solar capture time is reduced, but energy efficiency improves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the UAV's airspeed based on its position relative to the Sun and the desired solar capture objective. The flight control system modifies velocity parameters in real-time, slowing down when optimal solar exposure is available and accelerating when transitioning between solar capture zones, thereby optimizing the balance between energy capture duration and overall mission efficiency.
3Use of energy by moving object
If UAV adjusts angle to maximize solar exposure, then solar energy capture is improved, but flight stability is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing real-time, continuous adjustment of the UAV's pitch and roll angles in response to changing Sun position and flight phase. The flight control system dynamically modifies orientation parameters to maintain optimal solar array exposure while compensating for the impact on aerodynamic stability, ensuring both energy capture efficiency and safe flight characteristics are maintained throughout the mission.
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 solution enhances solar energy capture and extends flight duration by optimizing airspeed and angle adjustments based on Sun position, reducing the need for additional batteries and minimizing weight, thereby improving overall UAV performance and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a solar array onboard the UAV may capture solar energy and propel the UAV by applying the solar power to a motor
Implementation Method 2
the solar energy may be used to charge the power source
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods including at least one flight control computer (FCC) (113) associated with at least one UAV (108), where the at least one FCC is configured to: determine a direction of travel of the at least one UAV relative to the Sun; adjust a UAV airspeed to a first airspeed if the determined direction of travel is towards the Sun; and adjust the UAV airspeed to a second airspeed if the determined direction of travel is away the Sun; where the first airspeed is greater than the second airspeed to maximize solar capture of a solar array (110) covering at least a portion of the UAV.