In-Flight UAV Battery Replacement for Electric Aircraft Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric aircraft are limited by the range due to the low energy density of current battery technology, which impedes their adoption as a practical alternative to fossil-fuel powered aircraft, and are also costly and prone to safety issues.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where batteries are jettisoned or replaced in-flight by unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) packs that can recharge or replace depleted batteries, allowing the aircraft to extend its range and reduce weight, thereby increasing efficiency and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If batteries are used to power electric aircraft, then zero emissions and low noise output are achieved, but range is severely limited due to low energy density
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is divided into multiple modular battery packs that can be independently managed, replaced, and recharged. This segmentation allows the aircraft to operate with depleted packs while being replenished by UAV-delivered charged packs, effectively extending the operational duration without increasing the energy density of individual batteries.
Solution Approach 2:
UAVs serve as intermediary vehicles that transport charged battery packs to the electric aircraft in flight. This intermediary system bridges the gap between the limited range of individual battery packs and the desired extended range of the aircraft, allowing continuous operation without landing for recharging.
2Duration of action of moving object
If high capacity batteries are used to extend range, then operational duration increases, but weight increases and safety concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using one large heavy battery, the system uses multiple smaller battery packs that are distributed throughout the aircraft. This segmentation reduces the weight penalty while achieving the same total energy capacity, and allows individual packs to be replaced without handling the entire battery system.
Solution Approach 2:
Depleted battery packs are jettisoned from the aircraft and replaced with fresh charged packs delivered by UAVs. This approach eliminates the need to carry heavy depleted batteries back to base, continuously optimizing the aircraft's weight for range while maintaining operational capability.
3Use of energy by moving object
If conventional battery recharging is used, then batteries can be replenished, but the aircraft must land for extended periods, reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
UAVs act as mobile charging stations that deliver charged battery packs to the aircraft in flight, eliminating the need for the aircraft to land for recharging. This intermediary delivery system allows continuous flight operations, dramatically increasing productivity while maintaining the ability to replenish battery energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery packs are designed for periodic replacement rather than continuous recharging. Multiple packs are cycled through use and replacement in a periodic manner, allowing the aircraft to maintain continuous operation while individual packs are periodically swapped out and replaced by UAV deliveries.
Data Source
AI summary
Electric aircraft, including in-flight rechargeable electric aircraft, and methods of operating electric aircraft, including methods for recharging electric aircraft in-flight, through the use of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) packs flying independent of and in proximity to the electric aircraft.