Overhead Power Line UAV Docking Station for Autonomous Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Access to electrical power and data communication is a limiting factor for monitoring and surveillance of overhead power transmission lines, especially in remote areas where infrastructure is scarce, and existing drone inspection methods require manual intervention and frequent battery recharging.
Innovation Solution
A docking and charging station (DDC) mounted on overhead power lines that harvests electromagnetic power for charging drones and provides data communication, equipped with a power supply unit, communication module, and docking port for secure and efficient UAV operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual drone inspection is used, then inspection capability is provided, but productivity is low and loss of time is high due to frequent battery recharging and manual operation
Solution Approach 1:
The drone performs self-charging by docking with the charging station mounted on the power line during inspection operations. The system enables autonomous refueling/recharging without returning to base, allowing continuous operation and eliminating manual intervention for battery changes.
Solution Approach 2:
Charging stations are pre-deployed along the power line at strategic locations before inspection missions begin. Drones can access these pre-positioned charging points during their flight path, enabling seamless continuous operation without waiting for base station availability.
2Ease of operation
If manual drone operation is used, then inspection is possible, but ease of operation is reduced due to need for specialized personnel and manual control
Solution Approach 1:
The drone system operates autonomously with automated navigation, inspection, and self-charging capabilities. The drone docks automatically with charging stations along the power line and performs inspections without continuous manual control, reducing the need for specialized operators.
Solution Approach 2:
Charging stations mounted on power lines serve as intermediaries between the drone and power source. These stations provide automated charging services to passing drones, enabling autonomous operation without direct human intervention in the charging process.
3Use of energy by moving object
If power harvesting devices are mounted on conductors, then power access is improved, but device complexity increases due to installation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The charging station serves multiple functions: it acts as a power harvesting device from the power line, a charging station for drones, and potentially a communication relay. This multi-functionality justifies the installation complexity by providing comprehensive support for autonomous drone operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging station mounted on the power line conductor acts as an intermediary that harvests power from the high-voltage line and makes it accessible to drones through wireless or contactless charging interfaces, enabling power transfer without direct electrical connection to the high-voltage conductor.
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
Enables autonomous and efficient power supply and data transmission to drones, reducing manual intervention and extending inspection duration, with capabilities for real-time data processing and prediction of environmental events.
Implementation Method 1
The power can be supplied permanently such as for surveillance equipment and devices, or temporarily such as for charging drones that attach to the device... power inductive power harvesting
Implementation Method 2
Finally, the device provides data processing for third-party equipment thereby eliminating the need for such power-intensive operations to be performed by the equipment thus saving it power for other operations
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The present invention relates to docking and charging station for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) comprising a housing configured to be fastened to an above-ground structure providing ground clearance underneath the housing, the docking and charging station comprising a power supply unit, a communication module, and a docking port for receiving and docking a UAV. Also provided are UAVs configured to dock in the provided docking and charging stations.