Tethered UAS Power Circuit for Stable LED Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tethered unmanned aerial systems (UASs) face challenges in efficiently delivering electrical power to both the propulsion systems and high-powered LEDs, leading to increased weight and limited operational duration due to the need for larger, heavier DC converters and heat sinks to manage power variances.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system that uses a DC buck converter in series with LEDs and an amperage boost regulator in parallel, connected via a two-conductor tether, which regulates power variances across the tether, allowing for efficient power distribution and minimizing weight by using a lighter tether and smaller, less power-hungry UAS.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If higher voltage DC is delivered through the tether and down converted by an onboard DC converter to power the drone and high power lighting, then the lighting power can be increased, but the DC converter and heat sink size must increase, leading to increased weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power distribution function by separating the DC conversion function from the onboard equipment. Instead of using a single onboard DC converter to handle both drone and lighting power needs, the system uses the existing tether power infrastructure to deliver power directly, with the DC converter function being minimized or eliminated onboard. This segmentation allows high power lighting to be supported without proportionally increasing onboard converter and heat sink weight.
2Power
If more power for the light accessory is required, then a larger and heavier DC converter and heat sink are required, but this increases the overall UAS weight and required power from the ground-based power system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the DC conversion and heat management functions from the onboard UAS equipment and relocates them to the ground-based power system. By taking out the heavy DC converter and heat sink components from the airborne platform and placing them on the ground, the system can support high power lighting without increasing the weight of the moving UAS object.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If a tether with wire conductors enveloped in sheathing or light-weight rope is used to deliver electrical power, then continuous power can be provided to the UAS and lighting system, but the tether weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality to the tether by designing it to serve both as a mechanical support structure and as an electrical power transmission medium. The tether is configured with integrated conductors that can deliver power for both UAS propulsion and high power lighting simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate power delivery mechanisms and reducing overall system weight.
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 enables extended and stable operation of UAS-mounted lighting systems by minimizing power variances, allowing for brighter and more sustained lighting without the need for heavier converters or additional wires, resulting in a more weight-efficient and portable UAS.
Implementation Method 1
Higher voltage DC delivered through the tether from the ground-based power source is down converted by an onboard DC converter to a lower voltage for use by the drone and accessories including high power lighting
Implementation Method 2
An amperage boost regulator is in parallel with the DC buck converter, and the amperage boost regulator minimizes voltage variances across the parallel circuit formed between the amperage boost regulator and the DC buck converter
Implementation Method 3
A plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) is carried by an aerial vehicle
Implementation Method 4
plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs)
Data Source
AI summary
An aerial vehicle electrical power system for use with a tethered aerial vehicle, and related methods are provided. The aerial vehicle electric power system includes a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LED) carried by an aerial vehicle. At least one electrical circuit is carried by the aerial vehicle. The at least one electrical circuit has a DC buck converter electrically in series with at least a portion of the plurality of LEDs. A tether is connected between the aerial vehicle and a power source positioned remote from the aerial vehicle. Electrical power is transmitted to the aerial vehicle and at least a portion of the plurality of LEDs through the tether. The electrical circuit minimizes variances in power supplied to the aerial vehicle and the plurality of LEDs.