Universal UAV Tether Power Supply for Multi-Voltage Flight Endurance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery-powered unmanned aerial vehicles have limited flight duration due to the limited charge storage capacity of power packs, and tethered systems require tailored equipment for each specific vehicle, leading to equipment proliferation and maintenance burdens.
Innovation Solution
An electrical power supply system with a ground station and aerial power supply that delivers a range of discrete voltages via a tether, using a common connector and DC-DC converter to adapt to different unmanned aerial vehicles, allowing flexibility and reducing power losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tethered unmanned aerial vehicles use tailored power packs and tethers for each specific vehicle, then the power delivery meets the specific vehicle demand voltage, but equipment proliferation and maintenance burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ground station is designed with a universal power supply system that can deliver multiple discrete voltages (e.g., 5V, 12V, 24V, 48V) through a single tether interface. The aerial power supply unit is configured to accept these different voltages and internally regulate them to match the specific requirements of any connected unmanned aerial vehicle. This multi-functional design allows one ground station to serve multiple vehicle types without requiring tailored equipment for each vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables parameter changes by allowing the ground station to output different voltage levels based on the connected vehicle's requirements. The aerial power supply detects or is configured to receive the appropriate voltage from the ground station and adjusts its internal regulation parameters accordingly. This parameter adaptability resolves the contradiction by providing vehicle-specific power delivery through a universal interface rather than requiring dedicated tailored equipment for each vehicle type.
2Loss of energy
If high voltage is delivered through the tether to reduce power losses, then power transmission efficiency improves, but tether heating and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the voltage level delivered through the tether based on real-time conditions. The ground station can switch between different voltage levels (e.g., 5V, 12V, 24V, 48V) depending on the tether characteristics, transmission distance, and power requirements. This dynamic adjustment optimizes the balance between power transmission efficiency and tether heating, allowing high voltage to be used when necessary while preventing excessive heating through lower voltage operation when appropriate.
Solution Approach 2:
The power transmission function is segmented into two stages: high-voltage transmission through the tether from the ground station, followed by local voltage regulation at the aerial power supply unit. This segmentation allows the tether to handle high voltage for efficient power transmission over distance, while the aerial power supply performs the final voltage adjustment close to the vehicle, minimizing tether heating by limiting the voltage conversion process to the ground-based equipment.
3Ease of operation
If conventional battery packs are used in unmanned aerial vehicles, then the vehicles can operate independently, but flight duration is limited by battery capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The aerial power supply unit acts as an intermediary between the tethered power source and the unmanned aerial vehicle. It receives high-voltage power through the tether from the ground station and internally regulates it to the appropriate voltage for the vehicle's battery systems or direct motor control. This intermediary approach enables extended flight duration by providing access to ground-based power infrastructure while maintaining the vehicle's operational independence through onboard power management and regulation.
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 power supply to various unmanned aerial vehicles with differing power requirements, reduces equipment proliferation, and minimizes maintenance by using a common connector and DC-DC converter, while ensuring safe landings with backup power and smart emulation.
Implementation Method 1
The aerial power supply includes a unmanned aerial vehicle DC-DC converter
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical power supply system for a tethered small unmanned aerial vehicle has a ground station (1) connected to a universal aerial power supply (13) by a tether (10). The universal aerial power supply is capable of installation into the battery dock of a conventional free flying small unmanned aerial vehicle to deliver power to the small unmanned aerial vehicle systems during flight. The universal aerial power supply is compatible with a range of different small unmanned aerial vehicles and a range of classes of small unmanned aerial vehicles.