Hybrid UAV Power Supply Using Genset and Battery Augmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power supplies for multi-rotor UAVs, such as DC batteries, have limited energy density, leading to reduced endurance and stability issues due to unpredictable power fluctuations, which hinder long-range travel and stable flight.
Innovation Solution
A DC power supply system utilizing high energy density liquid fuel through an internal combustion engine and a brushless direct current alternator, combined with a battery module, to provide a stable power source for multiple rotors across various operational modes, including Engine Start Mode, Generator-Only Mode, and Battery-Only Mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If DC batteries are used as power supplies for multi-rotor UAVs, then the power supply structure is simple, but the energy density is limited and endurance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines an internal combustion engine system and a battery system into a hybrid power supply configuration. The engine drives a generator to produce electricity that powers the motors directly and charges the battery, creating a synergistic system where both power sources work together to extend operational duration while maintaining manageable complexity through integrated design.
2Duration of action of moving object
If alternative power sources are used to extend range, then endurance is improved, but power supply stability deteriorates due to unpredictable fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a controller that continuously monitors the operational state of the UAV and dynamically adjusts the contribution of the engine-generator system versus the battery. This feedback mechanism ensures stable power delivery by compensating for fluctuations in real-time, maintaining reliability while extending endurance through optimized power source utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply system functions as a composite energy system, combining two different power sources (engine-generator and battery) with complementary characteristics. The engine provides sustained energy for long-duration operation while the battery provides stable, responsive power for immediate needs, creating a hybrid system that achieves both extended range and stable power delivery.
3Use of energy by moving object
If an internal combustion engine and generator are added to extend range, then energy density is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The engine-generator assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it generates electricity to power the motors directly, charges the battery for later use, and can operate independently or in conjunction with the battery. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing high energy density while maintaining operational flexibility and efficiency.
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 enhances the travel endurance of multi-rotor vehicles by stabilizing power supply, improving flight stability, and extending operational range through efficient energy conversion and battery augmentation.
Implementation Method 1
an internal combustion engine (ICE) and a brushless direct current (BLDC) alternator
Implementation Method 2
a brushless direct current (BLDC) alternator
Data Source
AI summary
UAV configurations and battery augmentation for UAV internal combustion engines, and associated systems and methods are disclosed. A representative configuration includes a fuselage, first and second wings coupled to and pivotable relative to the fuselage, and a plurality of lift rotors carried by the fuselage. A representative battery augmentation arrangement includes a DC-powered motor, an electronic speed controller, and a genset subsystem coupled to the electronic speed controller. The genset subsystem can include a battery set, an alternator, and a motor-gen controller having a phase control circuit configurable to rectify multiphase AC output from the alternator to produce rectified DC feed to the DC-powered motor. The motor-gen controller is configurable to draw DC power from the battery set to produce the rectified DC feed.