Techniques to Increase Drone Flight Time

Distributed multi-propeller vertical take-off and landing aircraft hybrid power system for long range flight with improved endurance. The system has a parallel hybrid setup with multiple engines, generators, batteries, and motors. The engines, generators, and batteries are integrated and share cooling/lubrication. The system intelligently manages power allocation between engines, batteries, and motors based on flight mode and accelerator position. In vertical takeoff/landing, all engines start and provide peak power. In hover/cruise, batteries power the motors until needed, then engines ramp up. This allows smaller engines for cruising and avoids oversizing. In emergency, a failed engine is disconnected and batteries/adjacent engine take over.

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A drone with extended flight time can be used by multiple removable battery packs that can be connected in series. The drone has a fuselage with openings between the arms, where battery packs can be inserted. Each battery pack contains multiple battery blocks connected in series. When multiple packs are inserted, their blocks are automatically connected in series to provide higher voltage and endurance.

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A power system for a hydrogen fuel cell drone that efficiently manages the energy distribution between hydrogen fuel cells and lithium batteries to extend flight time. The system has a charging module, power supply module, and control module. The control module collects real-time drone parameters and optimizes the charging and discharging of the batteries based on that data. This allows the drone to intelligently balance the power between the fuel cells and batteries during flight to maximize endurance.

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Long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) hybrid power system that combines a lithium battery with a fuel engine and generator for efficient and lightweight power. The system uses a flight control system to optimize power usage based on altitude and load. It starts with the battery providing power during takeoff, then charges during flight. At high altitudes, the engine shuts off and the battery powers the UAV. This avoids inefficiencies of always using the engine. The engine restarts when descending to recharge the battery. It also uses high-altitude restart and short-term motor overload to save weight. The system switches between subsystems based on sensors like altitude and temperature.

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Combined vertical takeoff and landing UAV that overcomes the limitations of existing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for long-range missions. It involves connecting a small UAV to a large UAV using a clamping and magnetic adsorption device. The large UAV can hover at high altitudes and act as a relay to extend the range and endurance of the small UAV. The connecting device allows stable and reliable connection between the UAVs.

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An automated energy management system for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) operating in near space that enables extended flight times. The system uses both solar power and fuel engines to balance energy generation and storage. It intelligently switches between solar and fuel power based on real-time consumption and availability. This allows the UAV to fly continuously for 24 hours at high altitudes by leveraging both power sources optimally. The system monitors energy needs and dynamically adjusts power generation and storage to maintain flight capability.

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Hybrid power supply system for unmanned aerial vehicles that allows the UAV to fly longer by efficiently managing power sources. The system has a power generation unit like solar panels or fuel cells, and a charging unit like batteries. A distribution unit intermittently switches power between the generation and charging units based on their states. This ensures the charging unit stays full while avoiding over-discharging the gen unit. A control module optimizes power allocation. If the gen unit fails, an emergency control supplies power from the charged unit. If an emergency is detected, it lands the UAV. The gen and charging units report power levels to a UAV controller.

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A fixed-wing drone architecture that enables longer flight endurance and improved aerodynamics compared to prior art drones. The drone has a tandem wing configuration with two wings, one in front of the other. The rear wing is smaller than the front wing. This allows the drone to have a greater surface area covered by photovoltaic cells for solar power generation without excessive wing spans that cause structural stresses. The tandem wing configuration also reduces the shadowing of the cells.

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Optimizing energy management for long-endurance fuel cell drones to improve flight time and efficiency. The method involves testing fuel cell drone endurance with varying hydrogen storage, pressure, stack power, battery SOC, and load. A mathematical model is built based on these tests to optimize fuel cell and battery power allocation. It adapts fuel cell output power based on lithium battery capacity to meet drone loads. This leverages fuel cell advantages while mitigating limitations.

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Power management system for long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicles that allows balancing of battery pack discharge capacity to prevent damage and improve battery life. The system has a power input module, power transmission module, power output module, and power detection and control module. The transmission module has a first-level section with high-frequency inverters, transformers, rectifiers, and filters to lift the power from each battery pack. This allows autonomous balancing of pack discharge since the packs are lifted separately. A second-level section then provides a constant current to the output module to avoid excessive discharge of low-power packs. This improves pack utilization, prevents damage, and maximizes flight time by balancing pack discharge.

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Automated unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) power station that enables autonomous UAV charging and swapping of power modules to extend their range and endurance. The reconfigurable power station has modular power bays to house different types of power cartridges like batteries or fuel cells. It has a mechanism to automatically swap depleted power modules on landed UAVs with ones charged by the station. The station uses markers to guide UAVs to land and take off autonomously.

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Optimizing energy management for hybrid-powered multi-rotor aircraft to improve efficiency, reduce emissions, and extend range compared to purely thermal or electric propulsion. The method involves dynamically balancing electrical and thermal power sources during flight based on factors like payload, altitude, and stage of flight. It uses a hybrid powertrain with both batteries and engines, and calculates an electrification ratio to determine when to switch between pure electric and hybrid modes. This allows optimizing power sources for each phase to balance performance, weight, and cost.

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Retractable propeller blades for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that can extend and retract during flight to provide variability in lift, drag, energy efficiency, and storage. The blades can lengthen outwards to increase propulsion efficiency and lift for longer flights. The blades can retract inwards to decrease drag, increase maneuverability, and enable storage in a compact case. The blade extension/retraction can be automatic based on UAV needs or triggered manually.

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A ground station for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that enables continuous flight by swapping depleted batteries with charged ones. The station has a rotating base plate with linear rails, a scissor lift, and linear sliders. When a UAV's battery charge falls below a threshold, the station deploys a second UAV and rotates the base plate to switch UAV positions. This allows the depleted UAV to land and charge while the fresh UAV continues flying. The station can also communicate battery status and location to coordinate the swap.

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A method to safely operate electric aircraft like drones and stratospheric platforms when their batteries reach low charge levels. The method involves allowing the batteries to discharge below their minimum operating voltage instead of cutting power, and then flying or descending while continuing to discharge. This prevents a sudden power loss and allows controlled landing instead of uncontrolled falls. The aircraft can then be serviced or charged in a low altitude area.

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Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with modular batteries that can be swapped mid-flight to extend endurance. The UAV has multiple batteries that power the flight motors. During flight, a main operating battery is selected based on charge level. When the main battery reaches a threshold, a secondary battery is chosen from a predetermined sequence. The main battery is then separated and dropped from the UAV, reducing weight. This sequence repeats as needed. The UAV calculates a return path if battery charge is too low.

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A hybrid power system for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that combines an engine and battery to improve power and endurance. The system has an engine power generation system, a battery system, and a hybrid management system connecting them. The engine starts and generates power. The battery charges from the engine and powers the UAV. The hybrid management system manages the engine, battery, and UAV electrical systems. This allows leveraging the benefits of both power sources, engine power for high output and battery power for long endurance, to optimize UAV performance.

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Hybrid power system for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that combines an engine and battery to provide high power and longer flight times. The system has an engine for power generation, a battery system, and a hybrid power management system. The engine starts and charges the battery, which in turn powers the UAV. The hybrid management system optimizes power usage based on flight conditions. This allows silent electric flight for stealthy operations, but also high power for specialized tasks. The engine provides backup power if the battery fails.

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Reducing the load of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with a fuel cell system to improve flight time and range. The load reduction involves lightweight hydrogen storage containers, removing the byproduct gases, and cooling the fuel cell using forced convection of the byproducts. This avoids heavy pressurized tanks and prevents heat buildup. Removing byproducts via electrolysis or evaporation helps reduce vehicle weight.

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Method for replacing drone batteries mid-flight by having a second drone fly up to the first drone and swap out the depleted battery. The first drone has a positioning system to locate the specific battery position. The second drone receives the position data and synchronously moves to match the first drone's position. It then uses an operating unit to physically swap out the old battery for a fresh one. This allows extending flight time without landing by replacing depleted batteries in-air.

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A tethered drone system enables long-duration UAV flights for monitoring, surveying, etc. The system uses a ground tether to provide continuous power to the drone so it can stay aloft indefinitely without needing large onboard batteries. The tether also provides a data connection. The drone has an onboard battery and reconfigurable power converter that can receive power from the ground station. This allows the drone to adjust power levels based on payload weight, flight conditions, etc.

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Automated landing, charging, and takeoff systems for UAVs enable the extension of flight times and unmanned operations through autonomous charging and swapping of UAVs. A base station receives the UAV, aligns it using sensors and lasers, charges its battery, and then sends it off.

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A solar-powered UAV with long-duration flights in the stratosphere. The aircraft has a boom fuselage supporting stabilizers and a main wing with a carefully located center of lift, flexural center, and center of mass. These are positioned within a region less than 4% of the wing chord length to achieve longitudinal stability. This allows the UAV to fly for extended periods in the stratosphere powered by solar energy. It is launched vertically and uses a boom fuselage for stability. The careful positioning of lift, flexural center, and mass ensures stable flight over long periods.

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A multi-rotor flying machine, like a drone, provides extended flight times compared to electric motor-powered drones. The machine has multiple head rotors mounted on outriggers and a central motor that drives the rotors. Each outrigger also has a pitch rudder system at the end. This allows independent yaw control from the central motor. The machine can be powered by a single IC engine to achieve much longer flight times compared to electric motors.

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Fixed-wing drone powered by solar cells is designed to maximize endurance without excessive wingspans or structural stress. The drone has two wings, a forward one and an aft one, each covered in solar cells. The aft wing has a smaller wingspan but a larger chord than the forward wing. This balances the lift and compensates for the smaller size of the aft wing. The aft wing also has a positive dihedral angle, while the forward wing has zero dihedral. The asymmetrical design allows the solar cells to capture more sunlight without creating large shadow areas.

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Power management and endurance control method for vehicle-mounted aircraft that allows the aircraft to autonomously return to the vehicle for charging when its battery is low. The method involves monitoring the aircraft's battery state of charge (SOC) in real time, calculating the remaining power, and initiating a return flight when the SOC drops below a threshold. The aircraft uses onboard systems like GPS, sensors, and communication to navigate back to the vehicle and connect for charging. This allows extended flight times by enabling the aircraft to recharge on the vehicle instead of being limited by its own battery.

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Hybrid drone with internal combustion engine and battery that enables high energy efficiency and extended flight time compared to battery-only drones. The hybrid drone has a generator to charge the battery from engine power, and a throttle control to open the engine based on acceleration. In hover, it charges the battery from the generator. In takeoff, it cuts engine power and uses battery. In emergencies, it uses battery instead of engine. The generator can be a regenerative turbine that captures exhaust gas energy. The engine throttle is controlled proportionally based on acceleration.

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Hybrid power system for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that provides high power density for peak loads while maintaining long endurance. The system combines a stable high-energy battery with a high-power density supercapacitor. The supercapacitor provides instant power spikes for tasks like takeoff and maneuvering, while the battery handles sustained flight. The supercapacitors are integrated into the UAV structure like wings or fuselage to reduce weight.

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A flight control system for unmanned aircraft that creates efficient flight plans to reduce battery power consumption and charging time. The system uses past flight records and battery data to optimize flight paths. It also leverages power feeding devices to charge aircraft en route. The system calculates optimal charging amounts based on past records versus flight distances. This allows charging stops at feeding stations to be minimized. The system also corrects flight paths based on weather and past performance. This further reduces power consumption. The system manages multiple aircraft to safely move them between feeding stations if needed.

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Managing power of aerial vehicles like drones to optimize flight duration and prevent powered descent when batteries run out. The system estimates power needs of onboard equipment, generates power budgets based on factors like battery charge, component usage, and flight goals, and selectively allocates power to components. The aerial vehicle controls system uses the budget to decide if it can fly or needs a controlled descent. This allows prioritizing essential components over non-flight-critical ones when batteries are low, preventing mid-air failure.

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High efficiency long-range drone that increases flight time and payload compared to conventional drones. The drone uses an engine generator as a primary power source and a battery as a secondary power source. The drone can selectively use the engine or battery to power the thrust motors. This allows more power for takeoff and landing using the engine, but cruising using the battery for efficiency. The drone has a unique quadcopter configuration with two main and two perpendicular secondary thrust motors.

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Hybrid power system for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and hybrid electric vehicles that allows extended endurance and eliminates the need for separate power sources. The system uses the UAV/vehicle engine as a generator to charge the high-voltage battery when starting and provides power during operation. The motor converts engine power to electricity for the vehicle/UAV and charging. The battery also powers the vehicle/UAV. A transformer steps down voltage from the high-voltage battery. This allows the engine to start, charge the high-voltage battery, and provide power. The motor provides electrical power during operation. The battery can also power the vehicle/UAV. The system enables long endurance by using the engine as a generator and battery charger.

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Hybrid VTOL fixed-wing drone design that improves endurance, stability and reliability. It has two parallel columns of propellers on linear supports with canard forewings attached. This provides redundancy to stay in the air if one propeller fails. The propellers are arranged to minimize aerodynamic drag and disturbance by using two parallel columns rather than stacking propellers. The rear push propeller is used for high speed flight.

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Oil-electric hybrid unmanned aerial vehicle that combines an engine, generator, battery, and motors for longer endurance than electric-only or engine-only propulsion. The engine generates mechanical power that drives the generator to produce electrical power. A power manager allocates power between the engine/generator, battery, and motors based on demand. This allows efficient transition between engine and electric propulsion depending on mission requirements.

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Optimizing aircraft flight time by using batteries with different discharge rates during different flight phases. The aircraft has multiple batteries with varying discharge rates. During takeoff, the high-rate battery is used to meet the power demand. During cruise, a lower-rate battery is used to extend flight time. The flight control system detects the flight phase and switches between the batteries. This improves flight time by matching battery discharge rate to the actual power needs at each phase.

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A hybrid power system for drones that extends endurance and improves efficiency by using a small gasoline engine, an electric motor, and a battery. The engine drives the motor through a variable speed transmission. The motor generates electricity when the drone is flying and charges the battery. The battery provides power when the engine isn't running. A controller manages switching between engine, motor, and battery. A damping module isolates vibrations. A charging/discharging controller equalizes voltages, a temperature controller monitors battery health, and a power supply controller manages engine power. This hybrid system provides extended flight time and improved efficiency compared to just batteries or engines.

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Hybrid power supply system for vertical takeoff and landing drones that allows extended flight times and hovering capability. The system uses a fuel engine, generator, and battery. A control module monitors voltages and adjusts engine and generator outputs. It can increase engine power for takeoff/landing and reduce engine power during cruise. This allows using the engine for initial power needs and switching to the generator for longer flight phases. The battery stores excess. Real-time monitoring of engine, generator, and battery states helps optimize operation.

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Long endurance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with multiple swappable batteries for extended flight times. The UAV has a frame with a central control compartment and multiple independent battery compartments below. Each battery compartment contains a separate battery module and a separation device. The battery modules are connected to a central battery management system (BMS) that monitors voltage. When a battery's voltage drops below a threshold, the BMS switches to a fresh battery module. The battery compartments can be easily accessed and swapped mid-flight to extend range without adding weight. The UAV also has features like rotatable covers and push-down ejectors to simplify battery swaps.

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A multi-rotor drone with extended flight endurance by integrating an onboard fuel cell power generation system. The drone has a body, flight control, multiple rotor systems, and a fuel cell to generate power. A voltage stabilizer regulates the fuel cell output. This allows the drone to fly longer than battery-only drones by refueling or recharging the fuel cell. The fuel cell can be mounted externally or internally, and the drone can have a rechargeable battery too.

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A quadcopter design that improves efficiency and flight duration by using a pushing motor and propeller oriented horizontally to provide forward thrust in addition to the lifting motors. The pushing propeller allows the lifting motors to run at lower speeds when moving horizontally, reducing power consumption. A wing is also included to aid vertical lift during horizontal flight. This configuration allows extended flight duration compared to traditional quadcopters.

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A method for extending the flight endurance of drones used in agriculture by using a vehicle-mounted base station to recharge and refill drones during missions. The method involves landing the drone on a vehicle-mounted landing platform equipped with a guided landing device, locking mechanism, and recharging/refilling equipment. This allows the drone to land, recharge, and refill mid-mission instead of returning to base, increasing endurance and efficiency compared to traditional drone operations.

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Long endurance UAV power supply system and UAV design to enable extended flight times by switching between multiple battery modules mid-flight. The system uses a modular battery compartment design with independent battery modules and a central control board. It allows swapping depleted modules for fresh ones during flight by monitoring battery voltage and triggering a mechanism to open the compartment cover. This allows hot-swapping batteries without stopping the UAV. The modular design enables increasing battery capacity without increasing overall weight. The UAV has T-shaped bumps on the sides to match T-shaped chutes on the belly, allowing mid-air battery swaps.

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An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that uses a dual-battery system with a fuel cell and lithium battery to improve takeoff efficiency, hover stability, and extend range compared to single-battery UAVs. The UAV has a charge and discharge control module connected to the fuel cell and lithium battery. During takeoff or hover, the module simultaneously powers the UAV using both batteries. During cruise, it uses the fuel cell to power the UAV and charge the lithium battery. This leverages the faster startup and higher power density of the fuel cell for takeoff and hover, then uses the lithium battery for longer endurance flights. The UAV also has vertical propellers with tilting mechanisms to adapt to different flight attitudes.

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Hybrid power system for unmanned aerial vehicles that combines a fuel cell and a battery to significantly increase flight time without significantly increasing size, weight, and cost. The system uses a fuel cell to generate electrical energy for flight, a DC-DC boost converter to boost the fuel cell voltage, and a battery to store extra energy. This allows the UAV to fly longer than just the battery alone. The fuel cell uses a metal anode (Mg alloy) and air electrode, boosting efficiency compared to hydrogen fuel cells. The boost converter increases fuel cell voltage for UAV motors.

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Extending the range of drones through strategic utilization of host vehicles to increase the range of drones. The drones can intelligently choose when to transition between traveling solo, riding as a passenger on a host vehicle, or staying stationary. This can involve evaluating the utility of each mode option at each location along the drone's journey and selecting the optimal mode to maximize range, speed or efficiency.

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Energy optimization method for UAV hybrid propulsion systems that improves efficiency and extends flight duration by dynamically adjusting the hybrid system based on mission needs. The method involves estimating energy requirements and optimal modes for each flight phase using the initial mission. During flight, it monitors tasks, status, and system conditions to assess efficiency. If task changes, it re-estimates modes and corrects the hybrid system operation to optimize for the new task. This allows real-time adaptation to efficiently meet changing mission demands while maintaining reliability.

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Reusing motor power in moving objects like drones to increase efficiency and extend battery life. The method involves determining when a motor is decelerating during flight and reclaiming the kinetic energy from the motor instead of wasting it in braking. This recaptured power is then redistributed to other components like accelerating motors or sensors instead of going back to the battery. The redistribution can be optimized based on motor states.

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Fixed wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with dual battery power system that enables improved takeoff efficiency, stabilized hover, and extended range. The UAV has a fuel cell connected to a lithium battery through a charge/discharge control module. The control module simultaneously powers the aircraft from both batteries during takeoff/hover, then during cruise it charges the lithium battery using the fuel cell. This allows efficient vertical lift from the fuel cell while cruising on battery power. The UAV also has vertical propellers with tilt mechanisms to adjust pitch and speed for stable hover and crosswind compensation.

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In-flight charging system for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that extends flight times by converting a portion of the thrust generated during flight into electricity to recharge the battery. The system uses a propeller attached to a generator placed in the rotor wash of the UAV's motors. As the UAV flies, the propeller rotates in the thrust airflow to generate electricity that charges the battery. This allows recharging during flight to significantly increase endurance.

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Method for powering drones using multiple batteries to extend flight time and efficiency compared to single battery drones. The method involves dynamically switching between subsets of the available batteries during flight to provide power to the drone. The drone monitors the operating status of each battery group in real time. If conditions meet a preset switching condition, a new battery group is selected to continue powering the drone. This allows swapping in good batteries if a group fails mid-flight, or balancing degradation between batteries.

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