Wired Drone Power Supply Voltage Regulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power supply systems for rotating wing drones face issues with voltage drop and inefficiency at high power levels, leading to reduced drone performance and potential shutdown due to fixed voltage output from the ground base power converter, which is not optimized over the entire power range.

Innovation Solution

A power supply device with regulated power converters on both the ground and drone, where the ground converter's output voltage increases with current and compensates for wire resistance, maintaining a constant optimal voltage at the drone, and incorporating a capacitive element to stabilize voltage variations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the ground base power converter delivers a fixed voltage to the wire, then the system is simple to operate, but the voltage drop due to wire resistance reduces power efficiency and may cause shutdown at high power levels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixed voltage operationVSAvoidvoltage drop loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a fixed voltage output to a dynamically adjustable voltage output. The ground base power converter now varies its output voltage based on the detected current level and wire resistance characteristics, allowing the system to adapt to different power transmission conditions and minimize energy loss while maintaining ease of operation through automated control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by detecting the current flowing through the wire and using this information to adjust the ground base power converter's output voltage. This closed-loop control system continuously monitors the transmission conditions and modifies the voltage to compensate for wire resistance, thereby reducing energy loss and preventing voltage-related shutdowns at high power levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Loss of energy

If the ground base power converter increases voltage to compensate for wire resistance, then power transmission efficiency improves, but the drone power converter may not operate at optimal efficiency point

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage drop lossVSAvoiddrone power converter efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses feedback control to detect the actual voltage received by the drone and the current flowing through the wire. Based on this information, the ground base power converter dynamically adjusts its output voltage to compensate for wire resistance while ensuring the drone receives a stable, optimized voltage that maintains the drone power converter's operation at its optimal efficiency point across the entire power range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Power

If higher current is used to increase power delivery, then more power reaches the drone, but the wire heats up and may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower deliveryVSAvoidwire temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by shifting from current-based power control to voltage-based power control. By increasing the ground base power converter's output voltage rather than current, the system compensates for wire resistance losses and delivers the required power to the drone while maintaining lower current levels, thereby reducing wire heating and deterioration risks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution ensures a 45% gain in maximum power supplied to the drone while maintaining efficient operation across the power range, preventing voltage-related shutdowns and optimizing power usage.

Implementation Method 1

incorporating a capacitive element to stabilize voltage variations

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

a power converter which converts the current-voltage couple of the external source to a current-voltage couple which flows in the wire

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical energy conversion:

Data Source

PatentUS11059580B2Device for supplying power to a wired drone

Publication Date: 2021.07.13 ELISTAIR

AI summary

The present invention relates to a device for supplying electrical power to a wired system for a drone (1). The device according to the invention includes at least one power converter (4) on the ground and one power converter (2) at the level of the drone (1), regulation at the level of the converter on the ground ensures that the output voltage of the power converter (4) on the ground increases when the output current of the power converter (4) on the ground increases. The method according to the invention is intended for all wired drones, the wire (3) of which is used to supply electrical power to the drone (1).