Tethered UAV Power Circuit for Stable High-Power LED Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tethered UASs face challenges in efficiently delivering electrical power to both propulsion systems and high-powered LEDs, leading to weight inefficiencies and power variances that affect lighting duration and stability.
Innovation Solution
An aerial vehicle electrical power system utilizing a DC buck converter in series with LEDs and an amperage boost regulator in parallel, connected via a two-conductor tether, regulates power variances to minimize weight and ensure stable lighting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If higher voltage DC is delivered through the tether from the ground-based power source to power high-powered LEDs, then lighting intensity is improved, but amperage variances increase causing power delivery issues
Solution Approach 1:
A constant current diode (CCD) is introduced as an intermediary component in the electrical circuit between the power source and the LEDs. The CCD acts as a mediator that automatically adjusts its resistance to maintain constant current flow, thereby stabilizing power delivery despite variations in voltage or load conditions. This resolves the contradiction by enabling high-intensity lighting while maintaining reliable and stable power delivery through the tether.
2Power
If a larger DC converter and heat sink are used to provide more power for lighting, then lighting power is improved, but UAS weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The constant current diode serves as an efficient power management intermediary that eliminates the need for large, heavy DC converters and heat sinks. By placing the CCD in series with the LEDs, it directly regulates current at the load level, achieving high-power lighting output without requiring bulky power conversion equipment on the UAS. This resolves the contradiction by delivering high lighting power while maintaining minimal additional weight.
3Power
If the UAS size is increased to carry extra weight for higher power lighting, then lighting power is improved, but portability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The constant current diode enables a minimal-weight configuration that maintains high lighting power output. By using the CCD's efficient current regulation mechanism instead of bulky power conversion systems, the UAS can remain small and lightweight while still delivering the required lighting power. This resolves the contradiction by achieving high-power lighting performance without compromising the portability and ease of operation of the UAS system.
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
The system enables extended and stable lighting by minimizing power variances, allowing smaller, lighter UASs to operate efficiently with reduced weight and flicker, and supports higher power LEDs without needing heavier converters or additional wires.
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
A plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) is carried by an aerial vehicle
Implementation Method 3
plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) is carried by an aerial vehicle
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 (LEDs) 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 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.