With the development of technology and policy promotion, the low-altitude economy has become a dark horse in emerging industries. Drones, as one of the “main forces” in the development of the low-altitude economy, play an indispensable role.
Recently, China’s self-developed first solar-hydrogen hybrid drone successfully completed its maiden flight at Mingyue Lake, filling a gap in the field of hybrid drones. While celebrating this significant achievement, people can’t help but wonder, how do drones achieve autonomous flight? What is hybrid power?
Solar-powered drone
(Image Source: Veer Library)
How do drones achieve autonomous flight?
To achieve autonomous flight, a drone must first take off. The principle of a drone taking off is similar to that of a manned aircraft, both utilizing the principles of aerodynamics. During the takeoff process, the air is split into two parts by the wings, with the airflow speed on the top side of the wings being greater than that on the bottom side. According to the “Bernoulli’s Principle”, the faster the airflow, the lower the pressure. Therefore, the pressure of the air on the top side of the wing is less than that on the bottom side, generating an upward “lift” that allows the aircraft to ascend.
Aircraft wings
(Image Source: Veer Library)
The flight control system is an essential part of achieving stable flight for drones, often referred to as the “brain” of the drone. The flight control system consists of various high-precision sensors, such as GPS (Global Positioning System) for determining location, barometers for measuring altitude, IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) for sensing angular velocity and acceleration, and compasses for determining direction.
Aircraft cockpit
(Image Source: Veer Library)
We often see such scenes in movies, where pilots sit in the cockpit, facing numerous instruments and control buttons, methodically controlling the aircraft. So who controls the drone?
In fact, drones are still controlled by humans, just from different locations and timings.
Operators can control the flight attitude and trajectory of the drone from the ground using a remote control. The drone’s remote control displays various flight data, such as flight status, location information, and sensor data. Based on this information, operators issue commands to the drone using joysticks or buttons, and the drone will fly according to the expected route and actions.
With the continuous development of communication technology, the speed at which operators issue commands and drones receive them has increased significantly, allowing ground operators to almost achieve a “first-person” control of the drone, as if they were “sitting” inside the drone.
Remotely controlled drone
(Image Source: Veer Library)
Since drones are also controlled by humans, with one drone corresponding to one remote control and operator, doesn’t that mean that drone formations require hundreds or thousands of people to operate?
The reality is different; drones can not only be controlled by humans but can also “fly by themselves”. However, this requires professionals to program the drone’s flight attitude and lights in advance. The drone can then autonomously complete the processes of takeoff, formation change, etc., according to preset flight plans and task requirements, without human intervention.
Thus, a large drone performance formation might only require two people and a computer to control it, with operators responsible for monitoring the drone’s flight status, adjusting flight parameters, and responding to emergencies, while the computer centrally controls the drone’s performance actions through pre-programmed software.
Drone performance formation
(Image Source: Veer Library)
What are the advantages of hybrid drones?
The power system is crucial for whether a drone can take off successfully and how long it can fly. Currently, most drones use battery power, which, while convenient and technically mature, limits flight time and significantly reduces user experience. For example, purely electric-powered photography drones have a single flight time of around 30 minutes, and even with advanced battery technology and better airframe structures, their endurance rarely exceeds one hour.
Hybrid drones, similar to hybrid cars, are expected to achieve breakthroughs in endurance. It is reported that the hybrid drone that successfully completed its maiden flight at Mingyue Lake uses a self-developed energy management system that combines solar power generation and hydrogen power generation.
As clean energy, solar and hydrogen energy are not only environmentally friendly but also have the advantage of energy complementarity. By utilizing a precise energy output control system, the solar energy generated is prioritized for output, while the hydrogen energy serves as a supplementary source, allowing for continuous flight day and night, with flight times exceeding 24 hours.
Why was hydrogen energy chosen for drones?
Hydrogen energy is a clean secondary energy source, released through the chemical reaction of hydrogen and oxygen, and is hailed as the “ultimate energy of the 21st century”. The hydrogen involved in the reaction has a high combustion heat value (142MJ/kg), which is higher than fossil fuels and chemical fuels, about three times that of gasoline. Additionally, the only byproduct of the reaction between hydrogen and oxygen is water, making it almost pollution-free for the environment.
Hydrogen energy
(Image Source: Veer Library)
The conversion of hydrogen and electricity in drones is inseparable from hydrogen fuel cells, which provide the necessary reaction conditions for the reaction of hydrogen and oxygen. When the fuel cell operates, hydrogen is introduced at the anode and oxygen or air at the cathode, allowing for the conversion of chemical energy into electrical energy through a special electrolyte.
Hydrogen fuel cells exhibit high low-temperature performance, allowing for lossless cold starts at temperatures as low as -20 degrees Celsius or lower, providing higher safety and stability. Therefore, the “addition” of hydrogen energy can not only extend the drone’s flight time but also enable it to perform well in harsher flying environments.
Besides the advanced energy system, what else do hybrid drones have?
Integrated lightweight carbon fiber body: The body is made of stronger and lighter carbon fiber material, reducing the weight of the drone while improving its resistance to environmental conditions, ensuring the drone’s safety and stability.
Large size long wingspan aerodynamic shape: A larger wing area can generate more lift for the drone, achieving a greater payload. A longer wingspan can more effectively utilize aerodynamic principles, reduce drag, improve flight efficiency, and lower energy consumption.
Innovative hydrogen-powered electric propulsion pod: Hydrogen fuel cells have high energy conversion efficiency, minimizing energy loss and improving the drone’s energy utilization efficiency. The compact structure ensures sufficient power output while reducing the overall weight and complexity of ancillary components.
What are the applications of drones in our lives?
Environmental monitoring: Drones equipped with high-definition cameras, infrared sensors, and other devices can efficiently monitor air quality, detect water pollution, and patrol forest fire situations, providing timely and accurate data support for environmental protection.
Agricultural planting: Drones can precisely spray pesticides and fertilizers, greatly improving operational efficiency, reducing the excessive use of chemicals, saving manpower and resources, and promoting the development of green, high-tech agriculture.
Drones spraying pesticides
(Image Source: Veer Library)
Emergency rescue: Drones can swiftly navigate complex terrains to provide aerial reconnaissance, material delivery, and communication relay services to disaster areas, becoming an indispensable “aerial assistant” for rescue teams.
Drone rescue
(Image Source: Veer Library)
Logistics delivery: Drones, with their speed and flexibility, are gradually exploring new logistics models for urban short-distance delivery and supplying remote areas, bringing convenience to people’s lives.
Drone delivering packages
(Image Source: Veer Library)
Additionally, drones play important roles in film shooting, sports event broadcasting, urban planning, and archaeological exploration, providing new visual experiences and working methods with their unique perspectives and efficient operational capabilities.
Conclusion
The drones we see in sci-fi movies have transitioned from concept to reality, achieving rapid breakthroughs in flight stability, endurance, and application fields. Drones present themselves to us with their convenience and efficiency, and let us look forward to them serving our daily lives even better in the future.
Source: China Science Popularization
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