Skycharge Secures European Patent for VTOL Charging
European Patent #VTOL #Charging
As BVLOS deployments start scaling, the need for reliable and efficient charging infrastructure becomes increasingly important. At Skycharge GmbH, we are pleased to share that we have been granted European Patent 3999375 “BASE AND CONTACT SYSTEM FOR RECHARGING ENERGY ACCUMULATOR IN MOBILE DEVICES”. This development marks a significant step forward in our efforts to provide robust solutions for VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) vehicles, including drones and eVTOLs.
From Vision to Reality: The Evolution of VTOL Charging
When we launched the world’s first drone charging pad in 2014 experimenting from the Qualcomm Research Center, the market was still in its infancy. Drones, as we know them today, were a novelty with limited commercial applications. Believing in the vision that drones would revolutionize entire industries ranging from logistics to defense, “we knew” that reliable, autonomous charging infrastructure would be key to unlocking that potential.
Skycharge @Qualcomm Research Center
Skycharge @Qualcomm Research Center
Fast-forward to 2021, and the industry started catching up with our vision. The first BVLOS regulations were implemented together with a roadmap for a much broader adoption. Over the years, contact charging emerged as the only meaningful solution for medium-sized drones and larger VTOLs, offering unmatched power delivery and operational efficiency that other technologies couldn’t match.
In 2024, 10 years later, as companies scale their operations and demand sustainable, future-proof solutions, our cross-platform technology and integrated products are answering the call. The granting of European Patent 3999375 is a testament to our foresight and our commitment to leading the way in VTOL charging.
Key Features Charging System
Our patented charging technology is simple to explain. It ensures VTOLs can land and automatically charge without human need, with unparalleled safety, reliability and efficiency. Here’s how:
Automated Contact Charging: Delivers consistent, high-power charging with the efficiency of wired systems, making it far more reliable than wireless alternatives.
Advanced Contact Detection: Guarantees effective power transfer even in challenging environmental conditions such as rain or humidity, making contact charging safe to implement in unattended production environments.
Universal Compatibility: The system is versatile, working seamlessly with various battery chemistries and models, making it adaptable across any battery-powered VTOL platform.
Key Features Docking System
In addition to power delivery, our system excels in providing a reliable docking solution:
Contact-Based Docking: Operates without the need for mechanical parts, minimizing maintenance and energy losses while maximizing reliability.
Universal Compatibility: Designed to accommodate a wide range of VTOL sizes, shapes, and landing orientations, ensuring a smooth and error-tolerant docking process.
Fluid Draining and Redundant Protections: Incorporates fluid drainage and redundant protections against electrolysis, ensuring safe operation even in wet environments.
Designed for the Future of VTOLs
Since our inception, we’ve focused on creating technology that specifically meets the demands of VTOLs. Our system is lightweight, integrates easily, and is optimized for the highest power-to-weight ratio (on the market) without impacting aerodynamics. This makes it an ideal choice for a wide range of VTOL applications, from commercial drones to advanced defense platforms.
Our technology has proven resilient over the years, supporting all the battery-powered drone models we came across, from the first DYI drones in 2014 to today's full-fledged commercial and modern defense platforms.
"In 2024, as companies started scaling BVLOS operations after proving ROI, find in our USP a sustainable and resilient solution. This patent underscores our commitment to building a collaborative VTOL infrastructure with our friends, partners, and clients." - Andrea Puiatti, Skycharge CEO.
Looking Ahead
Skycharge is dedicated to maintaining its leadership in VTOL charging technology and infrastructure. We invite drone manufacturers and infrastructure clients to discover how our solutions can enhance their products and operations, future-proofing their investment, and keeping them at the forefront of this rapidly evolving industry.
With European Patent 3999375 now in hand, we’re excited to continue our pioneering work in the VTOL charging industry—providing the tools and technology that will power the next generation of autonomous aerial vehicles.
Stay tuned for more updates, and feel free to reach out if you’re interested in learning more about how our solutions can support your product and/or operations.
