Support to a Wireless Power System Design
Abstract
In order to meet the increasing power demands of operations around the world, the U.S. Department of Defense has been exploring alternate sources of power beyond conventional land lines or diesel-electric generators. The latter have proven problematic in hostile environments where the supply chain can be disrupted by adversary actions and a great many lives are lost transporting diesel fuel. Fixed land power lines pose additional constraints and vulnerabilities. Photovoltaic power systems offer a convenient source of power in sunny climates, but such power is generally variable on a daily basis. A fourth option that appears to offset some of these disadvantages is the use of wireless power transmission. Wireless Power Transmission (WPT) is a technology that offers a significant tactical advantage for activities such as remotely powering perimeter security sensors, recharging in-flight Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), and a host of other. This project explores development of a laser wireless power transmission system using an infrared laser to send power to remote sensors (approximately 1 km) using photovoltaic laser power converter cells. This report describes the planning, laser selection and testing, laser hazard analysis, the solar cell selection and its testing, the data acquisition system and experimental results of a short field test.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2011
- Accession Number
- ADA564824
Entities
People
- Henry W. Brandhorst Jr.
- Marcus D. Smith