Hybrid power for ducted fan unmanned aerial systems
AssigneeHoneywell International Inc.
InventorsRichard E. Annati, Patrick L. O'Brien
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A propulsion system for a vertical take-off and landing ducted fan aerial vehicle is provided, the propulsion system comprising an internal combustion engine, an electric motor that comprises a motor generator, a motor drive and a battery. The motor drive and battery are integrated into the aerial vehicle and provide power to the ducted fan aerial vehicle. The electric motor may comprise a ring motor generator. In operation, this dual propulsion system serves as a weight-efficient option to allow for two sources of power on a ducted fan unmanned aerial vehicle.
Claims20
A propulsion system for a vertical take-off and landing ducted fan aerial vehicle, comprising:
- an engine;
- and
- an electric motor, wherein the electric motor is connected to a fan impeller on the ducted fan aerial vehicle and the engine, the electric motor comprising a motor drive and a battery;
- wherein the engine and the electric motor each provide power to the ducted fan aerial vehicle.
An unmanned aerial vehicle comprising:
- a shrouded propulsive fan, the shrouded propulsive fan comprising a fan impeller;
- an engine, wherein the engine provides propulsion power to the unmanned aerial vehicle;
- a motor-generator, wherein the motor-generator comprises a motor portion;
- and
- a shaft, wherein the shaft is connected to the engine, the motor-generator, and the fan impeller;
- wherein the motor portion of the motor generator provides power to the unmanned aerial vehicle in addition to the propulsion power provided by the engine.
A ducted fan aerial vehicle, comprising:
- an engine;
- a plurality of fan blades, wherein each of the plurality of fan blades comprises an end, wherein each end comprises a periphery;
- and
- an electric motor-generator, wherein the electric motor-generator is integrated into the periphery of at least one of the ends of the plurality of fan blades;
- wherein the engine and the electric motor-generator each provide power to the ducted fan vehicle.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.