Power Beaming. © DARPA
In a recent series of tests in New Mexico, the Persistent Optical Wireless Energy Relay (POWER) program set new records for sending power over long distances.
Proving that the new receiver technology works is a key step toward changing how power is delivered in remote areas.
During one test by the DARPA-led team, a laser delivered over 800 watts of power in just 30 seconds from 8.6 kilometers (5.3 miles) away. Altogether, more than a megajoule of energy was transmitted during the test series.
Before this, the longest successful power transmission of this kind was 230 watts over 1.7 kilometers for 25 seconds, with another test at 3.7 kilometers delivering less power (exact amount not shared).
The optical power beaming receiver designed for PRAD. © DARPA
To break the record, PRAD used a new kind of receiver. It has a small opening that captures the laser beam and keeps light from escaping. Inside, the beam hits a curved mirror that reflects it onto many solar cells, which then turn the light into usable energy.
POWER Program Manager Paul Jaffe, said:
“It is beyond a doubt that we absolutely obliterated all previously reported optical power beaming demonstrations for power and distance.”
source DARPA
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