Abstract: This disclosure generally relates to lightweight thermionic microengines for aerial vehicles. The aerial vehicles include a propulsion system. The propulsion system includes a combustor. The propulsion system further includes a thermionic generator that receives heat from the combustor and generates electricity. The propulsion system further includes one or more propulsion motors that receive the electricity generated by the thermionic generator. The propulsion motors may provide power to one or more propellers to generate lift and thrust for a UAV.

Abstract: This disclosure generally relates to lightweight thermionic microengines for aerial vehicles. The aerial vehicles include a propulsion system. The propulsion system includes a combustor. The propulsion system further includes a thermionic generator that receives heat from the combustor and generates electricity. The propulsion system further includes one or more propulsion motors that receive the electricity generated by the thermionic generator. The propulsion motors may provide power to one or more propellers to generate lift and thrust for a UAV.

Abstract: This disclosure generally relates to lightweight thermionic microengines for aerial vehicles. The aerial vehicles include a propulsion system. The propulsion system includes a combustor. The propulsion system further includes a thermionic generator that receives heat from the combustor and generates electricity. The propulsion system further includes one or more propulsion motors that receive the electricity generated by the thermionic generator. The propulsion motors may provide power to one or more propellers to generate lift and thrust for a UAV.

Abstract: This disclosure generally relates to a hybrid solid-state propulsion system for aerial vehicles which includes a thermoelectric generator. The thermoelectric generator includes a first heat exchanger disposed within an exhaust duct of an unmanned aerial vehicle. The thermoelectric generator further includes a first ceramic layer disposed on the first heat exchanger and a first and second metal tab bonded to the first ceramic layer. The thermoelectric generator further includes a second metal tab bonded to a second ceramic layer. At least one N-type thermoelectric leg is disposed between the first metal tab bonded to the first ceramic layer and the metal tab bonded to the second ceramic layer. Further, at least one P-type thermoelectric leg is disposed between the second metal tab bonded to the first ceramic layer and the metal tab bonded to the second ceramic layer.

Abstract: This disclosure generally relates to lightweight thermionic microengines for aerial vehicles. The aerial vehicles include a propulsion system. The propulsion system includes a combustor. The propulsion system further includes a thermionic generator that receives heat from the combustor and generates electricity. The propulsion system further includes one or more propulsion motors that receive the electricity generated by the thermionic generator. The propulsion motors may provide power to one or more propellers to generate lift and thrust for a UAV.

Abstract: This disclosure generally relates to a hybrid solid-state propulsion system for aerial vehicles. The hybrid propulsion system includes a combustor, a thermophotovoltaic generator, and a thermoelectric generator. The combustor burns a chemical based fuel to produce radiation and heat that are converted into electricity used to power the aerial vehicle. The thermophotovoltaic generator is positioned to receive radiation and remnant heat generated by flames in the combustor while the thermoelectric generator receives heat from exhausted flue gases from the combustor.

Abstract: This disclosure generally relates to a hybrid solid-state propulsion system for aerial vehicles. The hybrid propulsion system includes a combustor, a thermophotovoltaic generator, and a thermoelectric generator. The combustor burns a chemical based fuel to produce radiation and heat that are converted into electricity used to power the aerial vehicle. The thermophotovoltaic generator is positioned to receive radiation and remnant heat generated by flames in the combustor while the thermoelectric generator receives heat from exhausted flue gases from the combustor.