Generating electric power within vicinity of powerlines using electric field and electrical pathway to ground
US10491021B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 18, 2018 |
| Grant date | Nov 26, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 18, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T90/16
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Apparatus for generating electric power within vicinity of powerlines using varying electric fields and an electrical pathway to ground are disclosed. Such apparatus preferably include, for example, UAVs, charging stations, and power strips mountable to a powerline transmission tower. Methods and systems utilizing such apparatus further are disclosed. The electrical pathway to ground may include an interface that is tethered to a UAV and that is dragged along a shield wire behind the UAV as the UAV travels along the powerlines. The electrical pathway to ground alternatively may include an electrical connection to a ground of a support structure of the powerlines when the apparatus is a power strip mounted to the support structure.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.