How do tethered jet systems address the challenge of traditional water-based tethering systems' limited endurance in the last 100 meters?
Publish Time: 2025-08-07
With accelerating urbanization, the demand for exterior wall maintenance on high-rise buildings, power plants, and chemical plants is increasing. Traditional aerial work methods, such as those performed by the Spiderman, are not only inefficient but also pose significant safety risks. To address these issues, the tethered jet system has emerged. It combines drone technology with advanced tethered power systems to provide an efficient, safe, and environmentally friendly solution.1. Efficient Energy Management SystemA major bottleneck of traditional water-based tethering systems is their limited endurance, especially in scenarios requiring extended operations, such as cleaning or painting high-rise facades. The tethered jet system utilizes an advanced energy management system consisting of a high-efficiency battery pack, an intelligent charger, and real-time monitoring software. These components work together to ensure the drone remains in the air without interruption. Specifically, the system dynamically adjusts power output based on actual load, maximizing battery efficiency. Furthermore, the intelligent charger allows for rapid battery recharge without disrupting the flight mission, further extending the drone's operational time.2. Optimized Cable Management TechnologyAnother key feature of the tethered jet system is its optimized cable management technology. Traditional tethered systems often suffer from cable entanglement or excessive length, leading to operational inconvenience and even failure. To address this, the new tethered jet system utilizes a lightweight, high-strength composite cable and features an automatic reel. This design not only reduces cable weight and minimizes impact on the drone's flight performance, but also effectively prevents cable entanglement mid-flight. More importantly, the automatic reel automatically adjusts the cable length based on the drone's altitude, ensuring sufficient cable for stable flight during the "last 100 meters."3. Dynamic Power Supply Adjustment MechanismTo address power demands at varying altitudes and in complex environments, the tethered jet system incorporates a dynamic power supply adjustment mechanism. Based on a sensor network and real-time data analysis, this mechanism accurately predicts the drone's power requirements and adjusts the output power of the ground power supply accordingly. For example, when approaching a building's top, the power required is higher due to the distance; while closer to the ground, the power supply intensity can be appropriately reduced to conserve energy. This ensures the drone has sufficient power, even in the critical "last 100 meters" zone, for uninterrupted operation.4. Redundancy and Emergency ResponseGiven the unique characteristics of high-altitude operations, any equipment failure can have serious consequences. Therefore, the tethered jet system incorporates multiple redundancy measures to enhance system reliability and safety. First, the system is equipped with a backup battery pack. If the main battery fails, the backup battery can immediately take over power, ensuring a smooth landing for the drone. Second, if an abnormality is detected, the system automatically triggers emergency response procedures, such as an emergency return or hovering on standby until ground personnel can address the problem. These redundancy designs and emergency response mechanisms significantly enhance the system's fault tolerance and effectively prevent mission interruptions due to power shortages or other reasons.5. Intelligent Monitoring and Remote ControlIn addition to hardware improvements, the tethered jet system also integrates intelligent monitoring and remote control capabilities. Using various sensors installed on the drone (such as GPS positioning and anemometers), operators can obtain real-time flight status information and make appropriate adjustments accordingly. Furthermore, with the support of a cloud platform, operators can remotely control drones to perform specific tasks without having to be physically present on-site. This intelligent management model not only improves work efficiency but also provides additional assurance for addressing the "last 100 meters" (range) endurance challenge. For example, in the event of unexpected weather changes, operators can quickly change routes or suspend operations through remote commands, avoiding unnecessary energy consumption.6. Adaptable DesignThe tethered jet system is designed with diverse and complex operating environments in mind. Whether operating in a high-rise building or an industrial plant, the system can flexibly adapt to different environments. Its modular design allows for the selection of appropriate configurations based on specific application scenarios, such as replacing different nozzles to meet different cleaning or painting needs. The system also offers excellent scalability, allowing future software upgrades or hardware additions to further enhance its functionality and applicability. This adaptable design allows the tethered jet system to play a vital role in a wider range of applications and opens up new possibilities for addressing the "last 100 meters" (range) endurance challenge.Through a series of innovative design and technical approaches, the tethered jet system successfully overcomes the "last 100 meters" (range) endurance challenges faced by traditional water-based tethering systems. From efficient energy management systems, optimized cable management technology to dynamic power supply adjustment mechanisms, to redundant design and emergency response, intelligent monitoring and remote control, every technological advancement is driving the entire industry forward.