An energy-autonomous display unit for a cabin of a vehicle includes: a display element for displaying information on a display surface; an energy store; a controller; and a photovoltaic element. The photovoltaic element is connected to the energy store and is configured to charge the energy store. The energy store is connected to the display element and the controller for supplying energy. The controller is configured to control the display element and the information displayed on the display surface. The photovoltaic element is a transparent solar cell extending across the entire display surface of the display element. The photovoltaic element is a first layer on the display element.

A solar powered aircraft including a modular main wing and a pair of relatively large modular winglets attached to the transverse end portions of the main wing. To collect solar radiation, including relatively low-angle radiation, solar panels are mounted to both the main wing and the winglets. In some embodiments, the aspect ratio of the main wing is relatively low, such as between 9 and 15, i.e., the main wing is relatively deep compared to its wing span. In some embodiments, the winglets are relatively long, such as in the range of 0.2 to 0.7 times the length of the main wing semi-span. In some embodiments, a truss-like spar passes through and helps support the wing and the winglets.

An aeronautical car comprises a ground-travel system including at least one traction device, an air-travel system including at least one flight mechanism configured to be selectively moved between a first position when the aeronautical car is in a driving mode and a second position when the aeronautical car is in a flying mode, and a weather manipulation device. The weather manipulation device may be configured to manipulate at least one aspect of a weather condition while the aeronautical car is in the air.

A method is described to reduce Global Warming by reflecting solar irradiance. Thin reflective sheets are flown under control in the upper atmosphere above Earth, in contrast to reflecting from Space orbits or the ground. The high altitude enables nearly total reflection. Two general embodiments use translational and/or rotational motion of the sheets to hold sheets stretched while providing aerodynamic lift, while a third uses buoyant aerostatic lift. During the daytime solar power is used. During the night the low wing loading of the sheets facilitates gliding flight without descending into controlled airspace. Sheets can be arrayed to increase aspect ratio and decrease induced drag. By following the summer sun, effectiveness is increased. A swarm of reflectors around the south Polar Circle can reduce summer melting of ice enough to reverse the rise in sea level.

The present disclosure relates to a reconfigurable battery system and method of operating the same. The reconfigurable battery system comprising a plurality of switchable battery modules, a battery supervisory circuit, and a battery pack controller, where the plurality of switchable battery modules electrically arranged in series to define a battery string defining an output voltage. The battery pack controller operably coupled to the battery supervisory circuit to selectively switch, for each of the plurality of switchable battery modules, the battery switch between the first position and the second position such that the output voltage is substantially equal to a predetermined target output voltage.

The present disclosure relates to a multifunction battery switch and method of connecting a battery pack to an external bus via the multifunction battery switch. The multifunction battery switch having a multifunctional controller, a plurality of switches, an inductor, and a resistor. Each of the plurality of switches is independently controllable via switch commands from the multifunctional controller. The inductor, the resistor, and the plurality of switches are arranged to define a buck-boost converter to selectively regulate power transfer between the battery pack and the external bus as a function of the switch commands from the multifunctional controller.

The present disclosure relates to a reconfigurable battery system and method of operating the same. The reconfigurable battery system comprising a plurality of switchable battery modules, a battery supervisory circuit, and a battery pack controller, where the plurality of switchable battery modules electrically arranged in series to define a battery string defining an output voltage. The battery pack controller operably coupled to the battery supervisory circuit to selectively switch, for each of the plurality of switchable battery modules, the battery switch between the first position and the second position based at least in part on the one or more parameters of the battery and in accordance with a predetermined switching routine.

An unmanned air vehicle is provided. The unmanned air vehicle includes a frame having a center portion connecting two substantially parallel transversely spaced apart ele-wings. The ele-wings may store batteries and rotate along a forward axis to provide lift during a transition from vertical flight to linear flight. The landing gear may be connected to the ele-wings and configured to change pitch of the ele-wing to ensure stable flight during flight mode transition. A plurality of propellers, each having propeller drive motors, are attached to the frame and able to rotate from parallel position, relative to the center portion, for vertical flight to a perpendicular position, relative to the center portion, for linear flight. The propeller drives rotate on its axis and may be configured to propel the vehicle in a ground and flight mode.

A micro detecting device includes a flying main body, at least one fluid actuation system, an image capture system and a controller. The fluid actuation system is disposed within the flying main body and includes a driving module, a flow guiding channel, a convergence chamber, plural valves and a fluid discharging zone. The driving module is consisting of plural flow guiding units for transporting fluid. The flow guiding channel includes plural diverge channels which are in fluid communication with plural connection channels. The convergence chamber is in fluid communication between the corresponding diverge channels. The valves are respectively disposed in the corresponding connection channels and controlled in open/closed state for the corresponding connection channels. The fluid discharging zone is in communication with the connection channels. The image capture system is used to capture external image. The controller is connected to the valves to control the valves in the open/closed state.

The present invention relates to an assembly of three wings joined with or without marginal plates, for aerial, water, land or space vehicles, to reduce induced drag and interference drag and provide greater manoeuvrability, independence in the fuselage design, optional installation of propulsion plant systems, an optional system of landing gears, increased maximum speed and reduced minimum speed, it being possible to reach zero speed or hover. The assembly also allows flight forwards, backwards, sideways, upwards and downwards or rotations about the axes of the vehicle.