Solar UAV Energy Management with Dynamic Voltage Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional energy management systems for solar-powered unmanned aerial vehicles face a contradiction between optimizing power efficiency at the cruising operating point and meeting high-power demands during take-off, climbing, and maneuvering, as they often deviate from the high-efficiency range of the power system.
Innovation Solution
An energy management system with a single battery pack and dual outputs, where the input voltage and accelerator input of the Electronic Speed Controller (ESC) are jointly adjusted through specific control strategies, utilizing a Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) controller, DC-DC circuits, and an onboard controller to optimize power output and efficiency across different flight states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the power system is matched according to the cruise operating point as the design point, then the efficiency at the design point is improved, but the maximum output power of the power system cannot meet the requirements of take-off, climbing or maneuvering flight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the battery operating voltage adjustable rather than fixed. The system dynamically switches between two voltage modes: a first operating voltage for high-power scenarios (take-off, climbing, maneuvering) and a second operating voltage for normal cruise scenarios. This dynamic voltage adjustment allows the power system to adapt to different flight conditions, resolving the contradiction between maintaining high efficiency at cruise point and providing sufficient maximum power for high-power maneuvers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameter (battery voltage) to resolve the contradiction. By switching the battery operating voltage between two distinct levels based on flight conditions, the system can operate at high efficiency during cruise (using the optimized second voltage) while still delivering maximum power during high-power maneuvers (using the first voltage). This parameter change approach directly addresses the trade-off between efficiency and power output capability.
2Power
If higher voltage of battery pack and operating voltage of power unit is used under traditional idea of changing accelerator amount with constant voltage, then the high-power output demand is met, but the operating power at design point deviates from the high-efficiency range of the power system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the traditional constant voltage approach into a dynamic voltage switching approach. Instead of using a single high voltage that works for both high-power and cruise conditions, the system dynamically selects between two voltage levels based on actual flight conditions. This allows the system to meet high-power demands when needed while avoiding efficiency losses during cruise operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage parameter from a fixed high value to a switchable parameter with two distinct levels. The first voltage level supports high-power output requirements, while the second voltage level optimizes efficiency for cruise operations. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to use different voltage settings appropriate for different operational phases.
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 improves the overall efficiency of the power system, enhancing the endurance time of the unmanned aerial vehicle by matching the design point with the cruising operating point and maintaining high efficiency during high-power outputs, with a conversion efficiency of 92%-96% and reduced power loss.
Implementation Method 1
a photovoltaic module, a Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) controller... the MPPT controller is powered by the photovoltaic module
Implementation Method 2
the MPPT controller is powered by the photovoltaic module and is used to adjust the output voltage and current of the photovoltaic module to achieve the maximum power output
Implementation Method 3
a first direct current to direct current (DC-DC) circuit... the output end of the MPPT controller is connected with the input end of the first DC-DC circuit, and the output end of the first DC-DC circuit is connected with the battery pack
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure discloses an energy management system suitable for a solar-powered unmanned aerial vehicle and a control method thereof, which are used for an aerospace vehicle energy system. The system comprises a photovoltaic module, an MPPT controller, a first DC-DC circuit, a battery pack, a first anti-reverse circuit, a second DC-DC circuit, a second anti-reverse circuit, an ESC, a BLDC, an on-board controller, a communication link and a voltage stabilizing module. During cruising, the battery pack directly supplies power to the ESC through the first anti-reverse circuit; when high-power power output is needed, the battery pack supplies power to the ESC through the second DC-DC circuit and the second anti-reverse circuit in sequence, wherein the output voltage of the second DC-DC circuit and the accelerator signal input of the ESC are controlled by the on-board controller.