IN-FLIGHT REFUELLING DEVICE FOR ELECTRIC STORAGE SYSTEM AND AIRCRAFT EQUIPPED WITH SUCH A DEVICE
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A system for recharging the batteries carried on board an electrically powered aircraft. The system includes a charging aircraft, a device to temporarily and electrically connecting the charging aircraft to the electrically powered aircraft. The electrically powered aircraft includes a charge-regulating device.
51 Citations
32 Claims
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1-16. -16. (canceled)
- 17. A system for recharging on-board batteries in an electrically propelled aircraft, comprising a charging aircraft and a temporary electrical connection device to electrically connect the charging aircraft to the electrically propelled aircraft temporarily, and a charge regulation device residing in the electrically propelled aircraft.
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32. A method for recharging batteries of an electrically propelled aircraft, comprising the steps of:
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detecting a low state of charge of the batteries of the electrically propelled aircraft; contacting a closest charging aircraft of a recharging system to recharge the batteries of the electrically propelled aircraft, the recharging system comprises a temporary electrical connection device to electrically connect the charging aircraft to the electrically propelled aircraft temporarily; calculating a flight time by the electrically propelled aircraft or its pilot to reach a refueling area in accordance with diversion terrains in the refueling area and a power reserve remaining at a time of refueling; releasing an electric cable to the electrically propelled aircraft approaching the closest charging aircraft, the electrically propelled aircraft and the closest charging aircraft being equipped with compatible temporary electrical connection device; establishing an electrical connection between the electrically propelled aircraft and the closest charging aircraft through the temporary electrical connection device; activating a recharging process of recharging the batteries by a charge regulation device of the electrically propelled aircraft; requesting a disconnection and release of the temporary electrical connection device by the electrically propelled aircraft at an end of the recharging process.
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Specification