Turboelectric Power and Propulsion System for Unmanned Aircraft

Case ID:
2020-022

­BACKGROUND

Current level of technology (LOT) multi-rotor unmanned aircraft (UAS) platforms is limited in range and endurance by the inherently low energy density of current LOT batteries. With more rigorous requirements being imposed by commercial, industrial, and defense users, the UAS market is leaning heavily on hybrid systems to fill this gap. Piston based hybrid systems exist; however, they struggle to overcome issues such as cylinder wall cooling, vibration, and the ability to run on heavy fuels. Turboelectric power and propulsion systems leverage the high energy density of hydrocarbon fuels for extended change and endurance while retaining the high-power density of electric motors and batteries for vertical take-off and hover. This is particularly attractive for inspection, monitoring and surveillance applications such as oil and gas pipeline inspection.

SUMMARY OF TECHNOLOGY

A turboelectric power and propulsion systems combines a 5kW to 15kW gas turbine engine with a compatible electric generator, power management unit, and throttle controller to generate and condition electrical power at desired voltages for electric propulsors as part of an unmanned aircraft system or power system. The aviation system has the capability to full authority digital engine control and configurable electronic components to enable this technology. The system can be configured for and retrofitted to supply rectified DC power to existing battery powered fixed-wing and multi-rotor unmanned aircraft for increased range and endurance.  The innovative power management system including a configurable full authority digital controller and active throttle control increases efficiency and is available through agreement with University.

POTENTIAL AREAS OF APPLICATION

  • Inspection, monitoring, and surveillance of infrastructure (oil and gas pipelines, electric power lines, etc.)
  • Food and/or delivery supplies

MAIN ADVANTAGES

  • Lower engine vibration
  • No cooling systems needed
  • Versatility to run on different fuels
  • Better power-to-weight ratio

STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT

  • There is a Prototype for this technology.
Patent Information:
For Information, Contact:
Amanda Aker
Licensing Associate
Oklahoma State University
(405) 744-1450
amanda.aker@okstate.edu
Inventors:
Kylar Moody
Cole Replogle
Kurt Rouser
Keywords:
Energy & Environment
Software
Transportation
Unmanned Systems
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