US 9,317,043 B2 · Path based power generation control for an aerial vehicle

Abstract

Methods and systems described herein relate to power generation control for an aerial vehicle. An example method may include operating an aerial vehicle in a crosswind-flight orientation substantially along a first flight path to generate power. The first flight path may include a substantially circular path that allows the aerial vehicle to generate the power. While the aerial vehicle is in the crosswind-flight orientation the method may include determining to reduce the power being generated by the aerial vehicle, and responsive to the determination, determining a second flight path that will reduce the power generated by the aerial vehicle when operating on the second flight path. Once determined, the aerial vehicle may operate substantially along the second flight path.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A method comprising:

operating an aerial vehicle in a crosswind-flight orientation substantially along a first flight path to generate power, wherein the first flight path is constrained by a tether that defines a tether sphere having a radius based on a length of the tether, wherein the aerial vehicle is coupled to a ground station through the tether, and wherein the first flight path is substantially on the tether sphere and allows the aerial vehicle to generate the power;
and
while the aerial vehicle is in the crosswind-flight orientation:
determining that a wind speed of apparent wind-flow being applied to the aerial vehicle is above a wind speed threshold, wherein the wind speed threshold corresponds to a maximum power that may be generated by the aerial vehicle;
responsive to the determination, determining a different second flight path;
and
operating the aerial vehicle substantially along the different second flight path.

4 more elements

A system comprising:

a tether coupled to a ground station;
an aerial vehicle coupled to the tether, wherein the aerial vehicle is configured to operate in a crosswind-flight orientation substantially along a first flight path to generate power, wherein the first flight path is constrained by the tether that defines a tether sphere having a radius based on a length of the tether, and wherein the first flight path is substantially on the tether sphere and allows the aerial vehicle to generate the power;
and
a control system configured to:
determine that a wind speed of apparent wind-flow being applied to the aerial vehicle is above a wind speed threshold, wherein the wind speed threshold corresponds to a maximum power that may be generated by the aerial vehicle;
and
responsive to the determination, determine a different second flight path.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Path based power generation control for an aerial vehicle

Life of this patent

Path based power generation control for an aerial vehicle

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20