Concept of Modular, Self-Supporting Cable for Powering the Hovering Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

Abstract

Hovering unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, can function as distant platforms for mounted sensors, as signal transceivers or for other purposes. However, they must be tethered, the tether functioning as a power cable which connects a tethered drone with a ground power unit. In this article we developed a concept in which a power cable is of modular structure, consisting of mutually identical modules. Each module has motorised propellers and is capable of preserving itself in a given, hovering position. We formulate an equation for current that, for a given set of parameters, make possible hovering of a drone with such a modular cable. The developed concept does not show significant improvement in maximal height of a drone thereby obtained. Causes of that are extracted from a set of assumptions defining the concept.