UAV Docking Station Using Power-Line Energy Harvesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
The monitoring and surveillance of overhead power transmission lines are hindered by the lack of accessible electrical power in remote areas, requiring extensive manpower and time for drone inspections due to the need for frequent battery recharging and the presence of harsh terrain.
Innovation Solution
A UAV docking and charging station system that harnesses power from overhead power lines using electromagnetic fields, enabling fast charging and data communication, allowing drones to autonomously dock, charge, and transmit data without the need for external power sources or extensive manpower.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If power harvesting devices are mounted on overhead power lines to provide electricity to monitoring equipment, then access to electrical power is improved, but the complexity of the device increases due to the need for voltage transformation and power regulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power harvesting function from the monitoring equipment itself and places it directly on the overhead power line conductor. By using a current transformer that clips onto the power line, the system harvests electrical energy directly from the power line's electromagnetic field, eliminating the need for complex voltage transformation and power regulation systems in the monitoring equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring equipment is designed to perform multiple functions: it monitors power line conditions, harvests electrical power from the power line, and communicates data wirelessly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate power supply systems and simplifies the overall device architecture.
2Reliability
If manually operated drones are used for inspecting powerline infrastructure, then monitoring capability is improved, but the time required for inspection increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system enables drones to autonomously dock with charging stations mounted on power line structures. The drones self-navigate to docking stations, automatically dock, and recharge without human intervention. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual operation and significantly reduces inspection time while maintaining monitoring reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Charging stations are pre-positioned on power line structures along the inspection route. Drones can autonomously navigate to these predetermined locations and recharge without waiting for manual battery replacement. The preliminary placement of charging infrastructure enables continuous autonomous operation.
3Measurement precision
If specialized service personnel are deployed to operate drones through harsh terrain, then inspection quality is improved, but the cost and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables autonomous drone operation with automatic navigation, docking, and charging capabilities. Drones independently perform inspection tasks without requiring specialized service personnel to physically escort them through harsh terrain. This dramatically reduces manpower requirements while maintaining inspection quality through automated data collection and analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of manual drone operation with human operators with an automated electronic control system. The drones use GPS navigation, autonomous flight control, and automated docking systems to perform inspections without human physical presence, eliminating the need for personnel deployment to harsh environments.
4Use of energy by moving object
If diesel generators, wind turbines, or solar panels are installed to power monitoring equipment, then electrical power availability is improved, but the environmental impact and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the high-voltage electrical energy already present in the power line into a useful resource for powering monitoring equipment. By using a current transformer to harvest electrical energy directly from the power line conductor, the system transforms the potentially harmful high-voltage electricity into low-voltage power suitable for electronics, eliminating the need for separate power generation systems and reducing environmental impact.
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 system provides efficient and autonomous power and data communication to drones, reducing the time and effort required for inspections, enabling continuous monitoring and surveillance of power transmission lines while minimizing the risk of outages and environmental hazards.
Implementation Method 1
a power harvesting and surveillance device using one or several current transformers and associated rectification and power regulating circuitry to generate a direct current power output from the electromagnetic field generated by the alternating current passing through phase wires of high voltage power lines
Data Source
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.