18296792. AIRPLANE WING WITH A STRUCTURALLY-INTEGRATED RECHARGEABLE POWER SOURCE simplified abstract (THE BOEING COMPANY)
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AIRPLANE WING WITH A STRUCTURALLY-INTEGRATED RECHARGEABLE POWER SOURCE
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AIRPLANE WING WITH A STRUCTURALLY-INTEGRATED RECHARGEABLE POWER SOURCE - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 18296792 titled 'AIRPLANE WING WITH A STRUCTURALLY-INTEGRATED RECHARGEABLE POWER SOURCE
The patent application relates to power sources integrated with an airplane wing, including rechargeable batteries and hydrogen fuel cells, located on, inside, or underneath the wing.
- Rechargeable batteries such as Ni-Cd, NiMH, and/or Li-ion batteries can be used as power sources.
- The power sources can be integrated into the metallic or composite structure of the airplane wing.
- Layers of Li-ion batteries can overlay the upper metallic skin of a wing, with the wing itself acting as a cathode or anode.
- Composite wings made of carbon-fiber composites can house power sources within their structure.
- Lithium-ion batteries can be connected in series to increase voltage output.
Potential Applications: - Aerospace industry for improved power sources in aircraft wings. - Military applications for enhanced energy storage capabilities in aircraft. - Renewable energy sector for advancements in hydrogen fuel cell technology.
Problems Solved: - Increased energy storage capacity in aircraft wings. - Integration of power sources without adding significant weight. - Enhanced efficiency and performance of aircraft systems.
Benefits: - Improved range and endurance of aircraft. - Reduced environmental impact with cleaner energy sources. - Enhanced safety and reliability of power systems in aircraft.
Commercial Applications: Title: "Innovative Power Sources Integrated into Aircraft Wings" This technology can revolutionize the aerospace industry by providing more efficient and sustainable power sources for aircraft, leading to potential cost savings and environmental benefits.
Questions about the technology: 1. How does the integration of power sources into aircraft wings impact overall aircraft performance? - The integration of power sources into aircraft wings can improve efficiency, range, and endurance of the aircraft, leading to enhanced performance.
2. What are the potential challenges in implementing this technology on a larger scale in the aerospace industry? - Challenges may include regulatory approvals, safety considerations, and cost implications, which need to be carefully addressed for widespread adoption.
Original Abstract Submitted
This disclosure relates to power sources that are structurally integrated with an airplane wing. The power sources include rechargeable batteries, such as Ni-Cd, NiMH, and/or Li-ion batteries; and/or hydrogen fuel cells. The power sources can be located on the airplane wing, inside of the wing, and/or located on the bottom of the wing, and combinations thereof. The airplane wing can be made of a metallic structural material or a composite structural material. Layers of a Li-ion battery can conformally overlay the upper metallic structural skin of a metallic wing, and the electrically-conductive metallic airplane wing itself acts as a cathode (or anode) of the battery. The airplane wing can be made of laminated sheets of carbon-fiber composites (CFCs). The power sources can be sandwiched inside of an upper and/or a lower section of the composite airplane wing. Lithium-ion batteries can be connected in series to provide a greater voltage.
