Autonomous Soaring Method for Harnessing, Accumulation, and Release of Atmospheric Energy

Case ID:
UA25-071
Invention:

This technology is a dynamic soaring method for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) application. This dynamic soaring method consists of a novel set of maneuvers to enhance efficiency in long-distance UAV flights in the presence of unsteady winds. By using maneuvers following elliptical and helical trajectories through winds to harness maximal atmospheric energy, UAVs can autonomously exploit atmospheric energy, resulting in longer mission durations with reduced reliance on onboard power sources. These maneuvers can be integrated into existing UAV autopilot systems to achieve more optimal flight paths and increase the range and endurance achievable by UAVs. 

Background: 
Existing UAV flight path planning methods center on thermal soaring techniques. However, this method has limitations, especially in energy-deprived environments. Dynamic soaring allows UAVs to gain additional energy by exploiting wind gradients and rapid maneuvers in unsteady wind conditions. More efficient flight path planning is possible using precisely calculated cyclic flight paths. This invention addresses those challenges by developing novel flight path algorithms that automate dynamic soaring, enabling UAVs to efficiently harness atmospheric energy without human intervention, ultimately enhancing their operational capabilities for long-endurance missions. By taking advantage of cyclic flight paths, this technology aims to improve UAV efficiency through enhanced flight path planning.

Applications: 

  • Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
  • Aerospace engineering
  • Defense
  • Surveillance and monitoring
  • Scientific research


Advantages: 

  • Increased energy efficiency
  • Greater range
  • Enhanced flight endurance
Patent Information:
Contact For More Information:
Scott Zentack
Licensing Manager, College of Engr
The University of Arizona
zentack@arizona.edu
Lead Inventor(s):
Adrien Bouskela
Sergey Shkarayev
Keywords: