Some features pertain to a quad-rotor or other aerial drone having a thermoelectric generator (TEG) for harvesting waste heat from a processor of the drone. The TEG is positioned, in some examples, with its inner metal electrode coating adjacent the drone processor to function as the “hot” side of the TEG. The outer metal electrode coating of the TEG forms a portion of the outer surface of the housing of the drone to function as the “cold” side of the TEG. The inner and outer metal coatings of the TEG are coupled to a battery recharger so current generated by the TEG during operation of the drone can help recharge the drone battery to extend flight time. In some examples, an outer perimeter of the TEG extends into an airflow region near the drone rotors so propeller wash serves to cool the perimeter of the TEG.
MULTI-ROTOR AERIAL DRONE WITH THERMAL ENERGY HARVESTING
2019-02-28
Patent
Electronic Resource
English