A New Era of Energy Delivery
The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) just set a remarkable new benchmark in wireless power transmission. They successfully beamed 800 watts of power over a distance of 5.3 miles (8.6 kilometers) using a laser. This achievement, part of DARPA’s Persistent Optical Wireless Energy Relay (POWER) program, signifies a significant leap forward in delivering energy wirelessly and holds immense potential for both military and civilian applications.
Shattering Previous Records
A successful demonstration, conducted in New Mexico, involved transmitting more than 800 watts of electrical power for a duration of 30 seconds. This record-breaking feat “absolutely obliterated all previously reported optical power beaming demonstrations for power and distance,” according to Paul Jaffe, the POWER Program Manager. Previous notable records for transmitting an “appreciable amount” of optical power were significantly lower; for instance, researchers achieved only 230 watts over 1.7 kilometers.
The Innovation Behind the Beam: The PRAD Receiver
At the heart of this breakthrough lies a newly developed receiver technology, referred to as the POWER Receiver Array Demo (PRAD). This innovative receiver features a compact aperture designed to efficiently capture the laser beam. Inside, a parabolic mirror reflects the incoming laser light onto dozens of photovoltaic cells, similar to solar cells, which then convert the energy back into usable electrical power.
Transformative Military Applications
This advancement has profound implications for military operations. Imagine drones that can remain airborne indefinitely, receiving continuous power from ground-based laser stations, or the ability to deliver power instantly to remote battlefields as well as disaster zones without the need for fuel convoys or extensive cabling. This could revolutionize logistics, reduce operational risks, and enable entirely new platform capabilities.
