Solar powered aerial vehicle
US7762495B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 25, 2007 |
| Grant date | Jul 27, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 9, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T50/60
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A solar powered aerial vehicle includes an elongated airframe incorporating lifting and control surfaces, a mechanism for propelling the airframe through the air such that lift developed by the lifting surface is equal to or greater than the weight of the aerial vehicle, a planar solar sail coupled to the airframe and having at least one surface adapted to collect solar energy during the day and to power the propelling mechanism with a first portion of the energy collected, and an apparatus such as a fuel cell/electrolyzer for storing a second portion of the solar energy collected by the solar sail during the day and for powering the propelling mechanism with the second portion of energy during the night. The vehicle is capable of continuous operation at northern latitudes and during the winter months for extended periods without landing or refueling.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.