Mobile-to-mobile power supply system and mobile-to-mobile power supply method

Abstract

To construct a system that avoids limiting factors such as permission to change a monitoring position and dispersion of microwaves, eliminates problems caused by the intrusion of obstacles, transmits energy between mobiles with high efficiency, and enables the flight time or distance of mobiles to be extended.SOLUTION: A mobile-to-mobile power supply system 301 includes a first mobile 101 and a second mobile 201. A retrodirective operation in the microwave power transmitting unit 200 of the second mobile 201 and a retrodirective operation in the microwave power receiving unit 100 of the first mobile 101 are repeated to always keep the leakage energy between a power transmitting unit side array antenna 210 and a power receiving unit side array antenna 110 at a minimum level, and a self-converging beam is formed between the power transmitting unit side array antenna 210 and the power receiving unit side array antenna 110 so as to avoid obstacles to power transmission which intrude the gap between the power transmitting unit side array antenna 210 and the power receiving unit side array antenna 110.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an in - vehicle power supply system for transmitting electrical energy between moving bodies.

Background Art

[0002] An electric aircraft rotates a propeller with a motor using a rechargeable battery as an energy source. This rechargeable battery is charged while being parked on land. Naturally, the flight distance, flight time, etc. of the aircraft are determined according to the charge amount and the power consumption of the motor. The power consumption of the above - mentioned motor is correlated with the total weight of the aircraft body and the load.

[0003] The operation method of the above - mentioned electric aircraft greatly depends on the propulsion force by the motor and the propeller, as well as the energy density and charging speed of the rechargeable battery.

[0004] Patent Document 1 discloses a moored aircraft for controlling an unmanned aircraft to a predetermined position and its utilization system. This system is used, for example, as a system for acquiring information such as an image at a target location while mooring a moored aircraft (airship) at a relatively high altitude position.

[0005] Patent Document 2 discloses a power supply system for an unmanned aircraft configured to receive a power wave wirelessly transmitted from an unmanned power - supply vehicle with the unmanned aircraft, enabling power supply to a plurality of unmanned aircraft without moving them to a power - supply location.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] The energy density and charging speed performance of current rechargeable batteries have been gradually improving. However, depending on the operation of aircraft powered by rechargeable batteries, their performance is still insufficient. In particular, in the case of aircraft that use large amounts of power, their operation methods are restricted by the propulsion force generated by motors and propellers, as well as the energy density and charging speed of rechargeable batteries.

[0008] For example, when using an unmanned aircraft (drone) to monitor the conditions of land, sea, and air from the flight altitude of an aircraft, in terms of quietness and safety, it is essential that the unmanned aircraft is an electric aircraft. However, as described above, electric aircraft are restricted by the propulsion force generated by motors and propellers, as well as the energy density and charging speed of rechargeable batteries, so the monitoring time and monitoring range are determined.

[0009] Also, generally, the performance of an aircraft includes flight range, cruising speed, takeoff speed, landing speed, altitude, etc. However, in the operation of unmanned electric aircraft, flight time or flight distance is particularly important.

[0010] As shown in Patent Document 1, in the case of a system that performs monitoring from a relatively high altitude position, monitoring is performed from a fixed position, so it is not possible to change the monitoring position or perform monitoring while moving, for example.

[0011] Also, in the system shown in Patent Document 2, the rectenna simply receives the microwave transmitted from the unmanned power supply vehicle and converts it into a direct current, and no consideration is given to the leakage (dispersion) of the microwave transmitted from the unmanned power supply vehicle.

[0012] Also, in a system for supplying power by microwave from a power transmission unit to a power reception unit, an obstacle (shielding object) to power transmission may accidentally enter between the power transmission unit and the power reception unit. When such an obstacle enters, not only does the power supply efficiency decrease, but the obstacle is irradiated with microwaves. Due to this, it is conceivable that the problem of the temperature of the obstacle rising due to the influence of microwaves becomes an issue.

[0013] An object of the present invention is to avoid the above-described basic limiting factors, solve the problems caused by the intrusion of obstacles, enable highly efficient energy transmission between moving bodies, and extend the flight time or flight distance of the moving bodies, and to provide a system that can achieve this.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0014] It is important for a moving body that requires power to receive power from another moving body, which is very effective in extending the flight time or flight distance of the moving body. It is also important in terms of enhancing the diversity of the operation of the moving body.

[0015] A power supply system between moving bodies as an example of the present disclosure is configured to include at least a first moving body and a second moving body, the first moving body includes a microwave power reception unit that receives microwaves while in a moving state, and a power reception unit that inputs the received power by the microwave power reception unit, the second moving body includes a power generation unit and a microwave power transmission unit that transmits the generated power by the power generation unit as microwaves while moving, the microwave power transmission unit and the microwave power reception unit each have an array antenna in which a plurality of element antennas are arranged, The microwave power transmission unit includes an element antenna circuit on the power transmission side that receives the radio wave transmitted from the microwave power reception unit, generates a phase conjugate signal that is in a phase conjugate relationship with the received signal from the received signal of the element antenna of the microwave power transmission unit, and drives the element antenna of the microwave power transmission unit with the phase conjugate signal, thereby transmitting power to the microwave power reception unit in a retro-directive operation using the radio wave transmitted from the microwave power reception unit as a pilot signal. The microwave power reception unit includes an element antenna circuit on the power reception side that receives the radio wave transmitted from the microwave power transmission unit, generates a phase conjugate signal that is in a phase conjugate relationship with the received signal from the received signal of the element antenna of the microwave power reception unit, and drives the element antenna of the microwave power reception unit with the phase conjugate signal, thereby transmitting a transmission signal to the microwave power transmission unit in a retro-directive operation using the radio wave transmitted from the microwave power transmission unit as a pilot signal. By repeating the retro-directive operation in the microwave power transmission unit and the retro-directive operation in the microwave power reception unit, both the radio wave transmitted from the array antenna of the microwave power transmission unit and the radio wave transmitted from the array antenna of the microwave power reception unit always keep the leakage energy in the minimum state, and a self-converging beam is formed between the array antenna of the microwave power transmission unit and the array antenna of the microwave power reception unit so as to avoid obstacles to power transmission that enter between the array antenna of the microwave power transmission unit and the array antenna of the microwave power reception unit. This is the gist of the invention.

Effect of the Invention

[0016] According to the present invention, a system is obtained that can efficiently transmit energy between moving bodies while avoiding the influence of obstacles on power transmission and the influence on obstacles, and can increase the flight time or flight distance of the moving bodies.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with respect to a power feeding system between moving bodies to which the present invention is applied. In addition, each element constituting the power feeding system between moving bodies will be described in order.

[0019] 《Power Feeding System between Moving Bodies》 First, the overall configuration of the power feeding system between moving bodies will be exemplified.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a power feeding system 301 between moving bodies including a first moving body 101 and a second moving body 201.

[0021] The power feeding system 301 between moving bodies is configured to include at least the first moving body 101 and the second moving body 201. As an example, the first moving body 101 is an aircraft, and the second moving body 201 is a ship. Further, as another example, both the first moving body 101 and the second moving body 201 are aircraft.

[0022] For example, unlike a configuration in which power is transmitted by microwave between an antenna installed on land and an antenna installed on an island, both the first moving body 101 and the second moving body 201 move. And the microwave beam is directed substantially vertically with respect to the first moving body 101 and the second moving body 201.

[0023] Further, the power supply system 301 between moving bodies is not a system for performing extremely long-distance power transmission so as to transmit power by microwave between an antenna installed on land and an antenna installed on an island, but is a system for transmitting power between moving bodies. The distance between the power transmission unit side array antenna 210 and the power reception unit side array antenna 110 is within a range of 10 times to 200 times the width of the power transmission unit side array antenna 210 or the power reception unit side array antenna 110. Alternatively, the distance between the power transmission unit side array antenna 210 and the power reception unit side array antenna 110 is within a range of several tens of meters to several hundreds of meters.

[0024] The first moving body 101 includes a microwave power reception unit 100 that receives microwaves in a moving state, and a power reception unit 120 that inputs the received power by the microwave power reception unit 100.

[0025] The second moving body 201 includes a power generation unit 220 and a microwave power transmission unit 200 that transmits the generated power by the power generation unit 220 as microwaves.

[0026] The microwave power transmission unit 200 has a power transmission unit side array antenna 210 in which a plurality of element antennas are arranged and a power transmission unit side element antenna circuit 20. The microwave power reception unit 100 has a power reception unit side array antenna 110 in which a plurality of element antennas are arranged and a power reception unit side element antenna circuit 10.

[0027] The configurations of the power transmission unit side element antenna circuit 20 and the power reception unit side element antenna circuit 10 will be described later.

[0028] The first moving body 101 includes a propulsion device 130 that moves using the power input by the power receiving unit 120, and a power storage device 140 that stores the power input by the power receiving unit 120. That is, the power receiving unit 120 of the first moving body 101 charges the power storage device 140 with the power received from the second moving body 201. Further, the propulsion device 130 moves the first moving body 101 using the power of the power storage device 140 or the input power of the power receiving unit 120.

[0029] The power generation unit 220 of the second moving body 201 includes a generator. The second moving body 201 includes an engine 240 that is an internal combustion engine for driving the generator, and a propulsion device 230 that moves using the power of the engine 240 or the power of the power generation unit 220. That is, the engine 240 generates electricity by driving the power generation unit 220, and inputs the power to the power transmission unit side element antenna circuit 20. Further, the propulsion device 230 moves the second moving body 201 using the power of the engine 240 or the power of the power generation unit 220.

[0030] The engine 240 is, for example, an internal combustion engine, such as a reciprocating gasoline engine, a diesel engine, a rotary engine with rotary motion, a gas turbine, a jet engine, or the like. The power generation unit 220 converts rotational kinetic energy into electrical energy.

[0031] The microwave power transmission unit 200 and the microwave power receiving unit 100 always keep the leakage energy to a minimum state for both the radio wave transmitted from the power transmission unit side array antenna 210 and the radio wave transmitted from the power receiving unit side array antenna 110 of the microwave power receiving unit 100 by the two-way (bidirectional) retro-directive operation shown later. Further, a self-converging beam CB is formed between the power transmission unit side array antenna 210 and the power receiving unit side array antenna 110 of the microwave power receiving unit 100 so as to avoid obstacles to power transmission that enter between the power transmission unit side array antenna 210 and the power receiving unit side array antenna 110 of the microwave power receiving unit 100.

[0032] While both the first moving body 101 and the second moving body 201 are moving, power is supplied from the second moving body 201 to the first moving body 101 via the self-converging beam CB of the microwave.

[0033] The perpendicular line passing through the center of the receiving part side array antenna 110 and the perpendicular line passing through the center of the transmitting part side array antenna 210 do not always coincide. The dashed-dotted line in Fig. 1 is a part of the straight line connecting the center of the receiving part side array antenna 110 and the center of the transmitting part side array antenna 210.

[0034] When the second moving body 201 is a ship, the plane of the transmitting part side array antenna 210 is usually a horizontal plane, and the plane of the receiving part side array antenna 110, which is an aircraft, is also usually a horizontal plane. When both the first moving body 101 and the second moving body 201 are aircraft, since both fly horizontally, the plane of the receiving part side array antenna 110 and the plane of the transmitting part side array antenna 210 are usually horizontal planes. Therefore, the perpendicular line passing through the center of the receiving part side array antenna 110 does not always pass through the transmitting part side array antenna 210, and the perpendicular line passing through the center of the transmitting part side array antenna 210 does not always pass through the receiving part side array antenna 110, but the plane of the receiving part side array antenna 110 and the plane of the transmitting part side array antenna 210 are parallel or substantially parallel.

[0035] When the sizes of the transmitting part side array antenna and the receiving part side array antenna are equal, a beam waist with the smallest beam width occurs at the intermediate position of the microwave beam generated between the transmitting part side array antenna and the receiving part side array antenna. However, when the sizes of the transmitting part side array antenna and the receiving part side array antenna are different, a beam waist occurs closer to the smaller array antenna. By making the transmitting part side array antenna 210 larger than the receiving part side array antenna 110, in other words, by making the receiving part side array antenna 110 smaller than the transmitting part side array antenna 210, the positional relationship is maintained such that the receiving part side array antenna exists at a position close to the beam waist, so that the antenna area can be used efficiently.

[0036] 《Both-sided retro-directive operation》 Figure 2(A) is a diagram showing the relationship between the beam pilot signal and the power wave of the power transmission system with bilateral retro-directive operation in the present embodiment, and Figure 2(B) is a diagram showing the relationship between the pilot signal and the power wave in the power transmission system with unilateral retro-directive operation as a comparative example.

[0037] In the power transmission system of the comparative example shown in Figure 2(B), a receiving unit side array antenna 110C for transmitting a pilot signal is provided at a part of the pole at the center of the receiving antenna, and a receiving unit side array antenna 110P for receiving a power wave is provided at most of the surrounding area. Further, an array antenna 210C for receiving a pilot signal is provided at a part of the pole at the center of the transmitting antenna, and an array antenna 210P for transmitting a power wave is provided at most of the surrounding area. The receiving station transmits a pilot signal using the receiving unit side array antenna 110C for transmitting the pilot signal of the receiving antenna, and the transmitting station detects the arrival direction of the pilot signal by receiving the pilot signal using the array antenna 210C for receiving the pilot signal of the transmitting antenna, and transmits a power wave formed into a beam using the array antenna 210P for transmitting the power wave in that direction.

[0038] As described above, in the receiving antenna of the comparative example, since most of the array antenna (large area) is used for power transmission, the remaining part of the array antenna is used for transmitting and receiving the pilot signal. Therefore, the receiving station transmits a so-called spread pilot signal. Therefore, in the power transmission system of this comparative example, the pilot signal is reflected by the scatterer, resulting in multipath with respect to the array antenna 221C for receiving the pilot signal at the transmitting station. As a result, the retro-directivity becomes inaccurate and the power transmission efficiency is greatly reduced.

[0039] In the case of unilateral retro-directive operation, since the pilot signal remains spread and fixed, a Gaussian intensity distribution according to the distance is formed, and since the receiving unit only aims at the center of the antenna, it can be used if both the transmitting unit and the receiving unit are fixed, but it does not work well for moving bodies.

[0040] In addition, in the case of one-sided retro-directive operation, when the pilot signal undergoes multipath, the transmitted carrier microwave will be dispersed.

[0041] Also, when power is supplied to a plurality of first moving objects in one-sided retro-directive operation, in order to avoid interference of the pilot signal, it is necessary to configure all the pilot signals to use different frequency signals, and an application for this is also required.

[0042] In addition, in the case of one-sided retro-directive operation, problems of side lobes (interference) according to the sampling points of the pilot signal occur, and the dispersion of the power transmission wave beam becomes a problem.

[0043] Here, when comparing one-sided retro-directive operation and two-sided retro-directive operation, it is as shown in the following comparison table.

[0044]

Table 1

[0045] In Table 1, the "new method" is the power transmission method by two-sided retro-directive operation used in the present invention, and the "conventional method" is the power transmission method by one-sided retro-directive operation that has been conventionally studied mainly for wireless power transmission for solar power satellites (Solar Power Satellite, abbreviated as SPS).

[0046] In the case of two-sided retro-directive operation, as shown in the comparison table, since beamforming is performed passively, it can be configured with a simple circuit. Also, when controlling the direction of the beam in a necessary direction, it can be dealt with by the two-sided retro-directive method. Also, since the beam of the pilot signal automatically changes direction, there is little leakage of the power wave. Also, since it can handle multi-beams, power transmission can be performed at the maximum transmission distance regardless of the number of beams. Furthermore, obstacles within several wavelengths can be self-avoided in milliseconds. Also, the effective transmission efficiency can always be maintained at a high level.

[0047] Moreover, it is not affected by horizontal, vertical, inclination, rain, fog, etc.

[0048] Also, as will be described later, even if obstacles such as people and large birds enter the path of microwave power transmission, the power supply system is hardly affected by the obstacles, and the obstacles are hardly affected by the microwaves. In particular, since the distance between transmission and reception is short, the response speed is high and it is hardly affected.

[0049] In the power transmission system of this embodiment, first, a beam pilot signal is transmitted from the power receiving unit side array antenna 110 to the power transmitting unit side array antenna 210 using all the element antennas on the entire surface of the power receiving unit side array antenna 110. As a result, the pilot signal is transmitted without being diffused. Each element antenna of the power transmitting unit side array antenna 210 generates a phase conjugate signal that is in a phase conjugate relationship with the received signal from the received signal by receiving the beam pilot signal, and drives the element antenna with this phase conjugate signal, thereby transmitting a power wave that is ultimately beam-formed. That is, the beam pilot signal is transmitted using all or most of the element antennas of the power receiving side array antenna, and reception of the beam pilot signal and transmission of the power wave are performed using all or most of the element antennas of the power transmitting side array antenna. As a result, the retro-directivity becomes accurate and power transmission is performed with high efficiency. The above "most" indicates that it is not necessarily limited to generating a beam pilot signal using all the element antennas. For example, a beam pilot signal may be generated using 90% or more of the element antennas.

[0050] According to this embodiment, since the pilot signal is transmitted by a beam (a self-converging beam described later) that sharply points to the power transmitting unit side array antenna 210, there is little reflection by a scattering reflector or the like, and the beam pilot signal is transmitted to the power transmitting unit side array antenna 210 in a state with almost no multipath. Therefore, the problem caused by the multipath of the pilot signal is solved.

[0051] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the polarization relationship between the above beam pilot signal and the power wave. Each element antenna of the receiving unit side array antenna 110 includes an element for horizontal polarization and an element for vertical polarization. Similarly, each element antenna of the transmitting unit side array antenna 210 also includes an element for horizontal polarization and an element for vertical polarization. In this example, the receiving unit side array antenna 110 transmits a beam pilot signal, and the transmitting unit side array antenna 210 transmits a power wave. This beam pilot signal and the power wave are circularly polarized waves in an orthogonal relationship with each other.

[0052] Since the beam pilot signal and the power wave are orthogonal in the polarization plane and independent of each other in this way, the circuit for supplying the pilot signal connected to each element antenna of the receiving unit side array antenna 110 is not affected by the power wave. Also, the circuit for receiving the pilot signal connected to each element antenna of the transmitting unit side array antenna 210 is not affected by the power wave transmitted by its own element antenna.

[0053] 《Beam Control》 FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a comparison example between the conventional phased array antenna method and the minimum beam waveguide method. In the conventional phased array antenna method, since the electric field strength of each antenna element is flatly distributed, the Gaussian fundamental mode is selected paraxially as the radio wave propagates. In contrast, in the minimum beam waveguide method, it propagates with a distribution where the electric field strength is stronger toward the center.

[0054] In FIG. 4, the distance between the transmitting unit side array antenna and the receiving unit side array antenna is shown for a long distance in km units, but the same applies to a short distance in units of 50 m or 100 m between the transmitting unit side array antenna and the receiving unit side array antenna.

[0055] When the diameter of the array antenna is 50 m, the propagation distance is 10 km, and a microwave of 5.8 GHz is used, the propagation efficiency (complementary rate) is 91.25% in the phased array antenna method, while the propagation efficiency (complementary rate) is 99.996% in the minimum beam waveguide method.

[0056] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the configurations of the circuit connected to the power receiving unit side array antenna 110 and the circuit connected to the power transmitting unit side array antenna 210. The power receiving unit side array antenna 110 includes a plurality of element antennas. Each of these element antennas is composed of a vertically polarized element 11V and a horizontally polarized element 11H. Also, the power transmitting unit side array antenna 210 includes a plurality of element antennas. Each of these element antennas is composed of a vertically polarized element 21V and a horizontally polarized element 21H.

[0057] A power receiving unit side element antenna circuit 10 is connected to the power receiving side array antenna. In a steady state, the signal output from the phase conjugate circuit 14 of the power receiving unit side element antenna circuit is amplified by a power amplifier and supplied to the vertically polarized element 11V.

[0058] By supplying the signal in this way to the vertically polarized element 11V of each element antenna, a beam pilot signal is transmitted from the power receiving unit side array antenna 110. The transmission power of the beam pilot signal is, for example, 1 kW (10 kW in FIG. 5).

[0059] A power transmitting unit side element antenna circuit 20 is connected to the element antenna of the power transmitting unit side array antenna 210. Among the element antennas, the vertically polarized element 21V outputs a received pilot signal by receiving the above pilot signal. The phase conjugate circuit 24 outputs a signal having a phase conjugate relationship with respect to the received pilot signal. Therefore, the frequency of the power wave is the same frequency as the frequency of the pilot signal.

[0060] Note that the phase conjugate circuit 14 and the phase conjugate circuit 24 include a fundamental wave generation circuit and a second harmonic generation circuit, and it is effective to generate the source oscillations of this fundamental wave generation circuit and second harmonic generation circuit based on radio waves from a positioning satellite such as a common GPS satellite. Thereby, in each transmission circuit and reception circuit, it is possible to take phase conjugation having correlation with signals having substantially the same frequency and phase correlation. Also, because of this, the microwave power receiving device can receive coherent microwave power from a number of microwave power transmitting devices.

[0061] In this embodiment, the "same frequency" does not mean that the frequencies are exactly the same, but rather that they are substantially the same. That is, it may be any frequency at which a stable oscillation state occurs for a wave that does not lose its coherence even when the microwave propagates over a very long distance.

[0062] The output signal of the phase conjugate circuit 24 is amplified by the power amplifier 27 and supplied to the horizontally polarized element 21H.

[0063] When each element antenna of the power transmission unit side array antenna 210 performs the above operation, a beam-formed power wave is transmitted from the power transmission unit side array antenna 210. The transmission power of this power wave is, for example, 1 MW.

[0064] Among the element antennas, the horizontally polarized element 11H receives the signal transmitted from the power transmission unit side array antenna 210. This signal is distributed by the distributor 12, and most of the power is rectified by the rectifier 13 and taken out as power. The remaining distributed signal is given to the phase conjugate circuit 14. The phase conjugate circuit 14 outputs a signal having a phase conjugate relationship with respect to the signal received from the power transmission unit side array antenna 210.

[0065] Here, assuming that the amplifier amplification factor of the beam pilot signal is 30 dB and there is a 30 dB margin as the noise level, it is important to achieve an isolation level of -60 dB or less. Therefore, an isolation of -60 dB or less is ensured between the input and output of the vertically polarized element 21V and the horizontally polarized element 21H of each element antenna of the power transmission unit side array antenna 210. Similarly, an isolation of -60 dB or less is ensured between the input and output of the vertically polarized element 11V and the horizontally polarized element 11H of each element antenna of the power reception unit side array antenna 110.

[0066] As described above, the signal transmitted from the power receiving unit side array antenna 110 to the power transmitting unit side array antenna 210 is used as a beam pilot signal for the microwave power transmitting unit 200, and the power wave transmitted from the power transmitting unit side array antenna 210 to the power receiving unit side array antenna 110 is used as a beam pilot signal for the microwave power receiving unit 100. In this way, a bilateral retro-directive system is configured.

[0067] And since the beam pilot signal is generated from the above power wave, a closed loop is formed by the path: beam pilot signal from the power receiving unit side array antenna 110 → propagation path → power transmitting unit side array antenna 210 → power transmitting unit side element antenna circuit 20 → power wave from the power transmitting unit side array antenna → propagation path → power receiving unit side array antenna 110 → power receiving unit side element antenna circuit 10 → beam pilot signal from the power receiving unit side array antenna 110. This closed loop constitutes an oscillation circuit system. Therefore, a dedicated and complex circuit for generating the pilot signal is not required, so the configuration of the device is simplified and the cost is reduced.

[0068] The power receiving unit side array antenna 110 and the power transmitting unit side array antenna 210 do not themselves have a beamforming control circuit for steady operation. However, as will be described later, due to the operation of each element antenna of the power transmitting unit side array antenna 210 and the power transmitting unit side element antenna circuit 20, the power transmitting unit side array antenna 210 effectively acts as a phased array antenna. Similarly, due to the operation of each element antenna of the power receiving unit side array antenna 110 and the power receiving unit side element antenna circuit 10, the power receiving unit side array antenna 110 effectively acts as a phased array antenna.

[0069] When the vertical polarization element 21V and the horizontal polarization element 21H of each element antenna of the power transmission side array antenna 210 receive a pilot signal, a phase conjugate signal having a phase conjugate relationship with the received signal is generated from the received signal, this phase conjugate signal is amplified, and the horizontal polarization element 21H and the vertical polarization element 21V of the element antenna are driven. As a result, each element antenna of the power transmission side array antenna 210 transmits a power wave having a phase conjugate relationship with the pilot signal. Therefore, according to the reciprocity theorem, the power wave propagates so as to return in the reverse direction of the propagation path of the beam pilot signal. That is, the power wave propagates to the power reception side array antenna 110 along the same path as the beam pilot signal.

[0070] Similarly, when the horizontal polarization element 11H and the vertical polarization element 11V of each element antenna of the power reception side array antenna 110 receive (receive) a power wave, a phase conjugate signal having a phase conjugate relationship with the received signal is generated from the received signal, this phase conjugate signal is amplified, and the vertical polarization element 11V and the horizontal polarization element 11H of the element antenna are driven. As a result, each element antenna of the power reception side array antenna 110 transmits a pilot signal having a phase conjugate relationship with the power wave. Therefore, according to the reciprocity theorem, the beam pilot signal propagates so as to return in the reverse direction of the propagation path of the power wave. That is, the beam pilot signal propagates to the power transmission side array antenna 210 along the same path as the power wave.

[0071] Since the beam pilot signal and the power wave have the same frequency, accurate reciprocity can be expected even when the propagation path has frequency dependence.

[0072] FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 are diagrams showing the convergence state of a microwave beam by the bilateral retro-directive operation. In these figures, N indicates the number of times of propagation of the pilot signal beam and the power beam. N = 1 at time t = 0.000 ms, and N = 2 at time t = 0.034 ms. As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the pilot signal beam and the power beam self-converge each time the transmission and reception of the pilot signal and the transmission and reception of the power beam are repeated.

[0073] In FIGS. 6 and 7, the distance between the power transmission side array antenna and the power reception side array antenna is shown for a long distance in km units. However, if the distance between the power transmission side array antenna and the power reception side array antenna is a short distance in units of 50 m or 100 m, since the round-trip distance between the power transmission side array antenna and the power reception side array antenna is short, it self-converges in a shorter time (with fewer propagation times of the pilot signal beam and the power beam).

[0074] Next, the influence of multipath is shown. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the electric field strength (decibel value) of each beam of the beam pilot signal and the power wave in a situation with multipath, represented by shading.

[0075] Within the scope described so far, it has been stated that the beam pilot signal is first transmitted from the power receiving station. However, in the example shown in FIG. 8, the power receiving station transmits the beam pilot signal triggered by the startup pilot signal transmitted from the power transmitting station. As shown in FIG. 8, there is a startup pilot signal source at the power transmitting station. When the startup pilot signal is transmitted from the central region with a diameter of 3 m of the power transmission antenna in a Gaussian distribution with an intensity of 100 at the center and about 10 at the outer periphery and an opening angle of about 2.9 degrees, at a power reception antenna 10 km away, the diameter is 500 m, the area is about 27,778 times, and the power density ratio is -44.4 dB.

[0076] The power receiving station generates a phase conjugate signal of the received signal by each element antenna of the power receiving unit side array antenna 110, and distributes the drive signal of each element antenna according to the gain. (This distribution will be described later.) By doing this, a beam pilot signal is transmitted. Each element antenna of the power transmitting unit side array antenna 210 receives the beam pilot signal, generates a phase conjugate signal in a phase conjugate relationship from this received signal, amplifies this phase conjugate signal, and transmits a power wave by driving the element antenna, so the power wave propagates in such a way as to return in the reverse direction of the propagation path of the beam pilot signal. At this time, multipath occurs, but since the reflection coefficient of the multipath is less than 1 (because of loss in the reflector), the influence of the multipath is gradually suppressed by the repetition of bilateral retrodirectivity.

[0077] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the relationship between the beam convergence rate η and the energy leakage with respect to the above-mentioned number of repetitions N. As described above, when the number of propagations N of the pilot signal beam and the power beam exceeds 6, the beam convergence rate η exceeds 99%, and when the number of repetitions N exceeds 6, the energy leakage is less than 1%.

[0078] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the transmission efficiency (the above-mentioned beam convergence rate η), the transmission loss (the above-mentioned energy leakage), and the difference between the previous time and the transmission loss for each repetition with respect to the above-mentioned number of repetitions N. As shown by the left arrow in FIG. 10, between 100 and 1000 repetitions, the transmission loss is less than 0.01%, and the transmission efficiency reaches approximately 100%.

[0079] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a one-dimensional model of the S matrix by the power transmitting antenna and the power receiving antenna. S i,j The i of is the number of the element antenna on the power receiving side, and j is the number of the element antenna on the power transmitting side. The upper part of FIG. 11 is an array antenna in which the element antennas extend infinitely, and the lower part of FIG. 11 is an array antenna having a virtual antenna region where virtual element antennas exist and an actual region where actual element antennas exist.

[0080] In FIG. 11, the white circles are the element antennas of the array antenna, and the black circles are the element antennas virtually arranged in an infinitely extending region outside the range of the array antenna.

[0081] The S matrix when the power receiving antenna is the input terminal and the power transmitting antenna is the output terminal is represented by S j,i Assume that each terminal is perfectly matched with the load. The pilot signal of the Nth wave received on the power transmitting side is amplified by the gain Gj Tx and undergoes a phase conjugation operation with the reference signal.

[0082]

Equation

[0083] Then, the power receiving antenna receives the power re-radiated from the power transmitting antenna, takes phase conjugation, and further amplifies it to become the pilot signal of the (N + 1)th wave represented by the following equation.

[0084]

Equation

[0085] Here, if Gj Tx is a constant value G const Tx then the average value of the amplitude of the pilot signal of the Nth wave and the average value of the amplitude of the pilot signal of the (N + 1)th wave are represented by the following equation. Here, δ m,i is the Kronecker delta (identity matrix).

[0086]

Equation

[0087] If the electromagnetic field strength is maintained by the amplifiers on the power transmitting side and the power receiving side, oscillation will continue. Therefore, the oscillation condition is represented by the following equation.

[0088]

Equation

[0089] In this way, the space-coupled oscillator composed of the array antennas on the power transmission side and the power reception side and the transmission line therebetween can be regarded as a single oscillator, and the oscillation condition can be determined by a single loop gain.

[0090] As shown in the lower part of FIG. 11, when the array antennas on the power transmission side and the power reception side are finite, the radiated wave from this finite antenna can be expressed by combining the radiation of the time-reversed field from an infinite antenna and the reverse-phase time-reversed field from the virtual antenna region. This is represented by the following relationship.

[0091]

Equation

[0092] In the above equation, the second term in the conclusion equation is the reverse-phase return wave component from the virtual antenna region, which corresponds to the spillover loss. When beam forming is fast and the spillover loss can be regarded as 0, since the second term is 0, [Equation 5] can be treated in the same way as the above [Equation 3].

[0093] When the antenna is small and spillover loss occurs even in the optimal state, first, the distribution of the pilot signal is optimized by the second term above. By this, even if there is leakage loss, the oscillation condition can be satisfied by setting the amplification factor of the amplifier.

[0094] In this way, the pilot signal is corrected so as to cancel the return wave component from the virtual antenna region, and the re-radiation component toward the virtual antenna is attenuated. By this correction action, the beam is gradually formed into the most desirable shape. That is, the self-healing action is achieved in a natural form (passively) without relying on a program or the like.

[0095] Figs. 12 and 13 are diagrams showing the state of microwave propagation when there is a microwave absorber (obstacle) for some reason in the microwave propagation path. In either example, a power transmission antenna with a diameter of 50 m and a power reception antenna with a diameter of 25 m are 5 km apart. In the example of Fig. 12, there is a microwave absorber with a diameter of 5 m in the middle of the transmission path. In this state, after 98 round-trip times (2.5 ms) of the pilot signal and the microwave power, due to the action of the above-mentioned bilateral retro-directive system, the microwave is transmitted with a non-uniform power distribution at the power transmission antenna, the field at the part where the absorber exists has the microwave energy offset, and the microwave power is received at the position of the power reception antenna with a transmission efficiency of 99.3%.

[0096] In the example of Fig. 13, there is a microwave absorber with a diameter of 10 m in the middle of the transmission path. In this state, after 148 round-trip times (3.8 ms) of the pilot signal and the microwave power, due to the action of the above-mentioned bilateral retro-directive system, the microwave is radiated from the power transmission antenna so as to avoid the obstacle, and a field is formed to wrap the absorber so as to avoid the scattering and absorption of the microwave at the location where the absorber exists, and the microwave power is received at the position of the power reception antenna with a transmission efficiency of 98.2%. If the diameter of the power reception antenna is a little larger, a transmission efficiency close to 100% can be obtained. Also, since a field is formed to wrap the absorber (obstacle) so as to avoid the scattering and absorption of the microwave at the location where the absorber exists, only for a very short time of about several ms after the absorber (obstacle) starts to enter the microwave propagation path, the absorber (obstacle) only receives the transmitted power of the microwave. Therefore, it is also possible to avoid the temperature rise problem and the biological and medical risks caused by the absorber (obstacle) receiving the transmitted power of the microwave.

[0097] In FIG. 13, the distance between the power transmission side array antenna and the power reception side array antenna is shown for a long distance in km units. However, if the distance between the power transmission side array antenna and the power reception side array antenna is a short distance within the range of 10 to 200 times the width of the power transmission side array antenna 210 or the power reception side array antenna 110, or a short distance in units of 10 m or 100 m, since the round-trip distance between the power transmission side array antenna and the power reception side array antenna is short, the leakage energy is maintained in the minimum state in a shorter time, and an obstacle to power transmission entering between the power transmission side array antenna and the power reception side array antenna is avoided. A self-converging beam is formed between the power transmission side array antenna and the power reception side array antenna.

[0098] 《Power Supply System between Moving Bodies by Ship and Aircraft》 FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram of the appearance of a power supply system between moving bodies composed of a first moving body 101 and a second moving body 201.

[0099] In the example shown in FIG. 14, the second moving body 201 is a ship (marine moving body) sailing on the sea, and the first moving body 101 is an aircraft flying in the air. The first moving body 101 flies at a predetermined height above the second moving body 201.

[0100] The first moving body 101 is, for example, an electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOL), and takes off and lands on the helicopter deck (heliport on the rear deck) of the second moving body 201. For example, the first moving body 101 accompanies the ship at a height of 200 m above the rear deck of the second moving body 201 (ship).

[0101] Since the ship-accompanying drone corresponds to a bridge equivalent to an altitude of 200 m, monitoring at such an altitude becomes possible. Also, it can maintain a stable posture for 24 hours even in rough weather and can measure with a 360-degree full-angle view. That is, it can continue to sail or remain stationary as a ship equipped with a bridge equivalent to an altitude of 200 m.

[0102] The drone, which is the above-mentioned eVTOL, is, for example, a manned drone as a flying car or an unmanned drone for surveillance. In the case of a flying car, it is applicable to charge while flying over a ship without landing on the ship. In the case of an unmanned drone for surveillance, it constantly monitors the entire direction (entire circumference) optically, electromagnetically, and acoustically.

[0103] Whether it is a manned drone or an unmanned drone, since it can land on the deck of the ship, it is also possible to use this ship for accommodation and operation.

[0104] When the first moving body 101 is an accompanying drone, for example, according to the surveillance purpose and the area to be surveilled, when the first moving body mainly flies to its position, the second moving body 201 (ship) sails near directly below the first moving body 101 so as to follow the first moving body (eVTOL). Conversely, when the first moving body 101 is a following drone, that is, when the second moving body (ship) mainly sails, the first moving body (eVTOL) flies over the second moving body so as to follow the second moving body.

[0105] The first moving body 101 is provided with a circular power receiving part side array antenna 110 at the bottom of its base. The second moving body 201 is provided with a circular power transmitting part side array antenna 210 on its upper surface (deck).

[0106] The power transmitting part side array antenna 210 of the second moving body 201 is, for example, a circularly polarized wave antenna with a diameter of 10 m and also serves as the above-mentioned helipad. The power receiving part side array antenna 110 of the first moving body 101 is, for example, a circularly polarized wave array antenna with a diameter of 5 m.

[0107] Power is transmitted between the power transmitting part side array antenna 210 of the second moving body 201 and the power receiving part side array antenna 110 of the first moving body 101, for example, a 10 kW beam pilot signal and 1 MW of microwaves in a two-sided retro mode.

[0108] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing the intensity distribution of a microwave beam between the power transmission side array antenna 210 and the power reception side array antenna 110. As described above, due to the bilateral retro-directive operation, power can be transmitted with little energy leakage from the propagation path between the power transmission side array antenna 210 and the power reception side array antenna 110.

[0109] According to this embodiment, excellent beam tracking of 99.9% or more can be expected with respect to the sway of the first moving body 101 (aircraft) and the second moving body 201 (ship), and with respect to the atmospheric fluctuations.

[0110] In the examples shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, it is shown that the first moving body 101 flies directly above the power transmission side array antenna 210 of the second moving body 201. However, as will be described later, due to the bi-directional (both-directional) retro-directive operation, the power transmission side array antenna 210 of the second moving body 201 automatically directs the beam toward the power reception side array antenna 110 of the first moving body 101 without spreading. Therefore, the first moving body 101 may be displaced relative to the second moving body 201. The larger this displacement amount, the smaller the effective area of the power reception side array antenna 110 of the first moving body 101 as viewed from the center of the power transmission side array antenna 210 of the second moving body 201, and the smaller the effective area of the power transmission side array antenna 210 of the second moving body 201 as viewed from the center of the power reception side array antenna 110 of the first moving body 101. Therefore, the first moving body 101 may be displaced relative to the second moving body 201 as long as the power transmission efficiency does not fall below a predetermined value.

[0111] Also, as will be described later with reference to FIG. 16, a plurality of first moving bodies may exist, and self-converging beams may be formed by the power reception side array antennas and the power transmission side array antennas respectively possessed by each first moving body. That is, in this case, since a multi-beam is automatically formed between the power transmission side array antenna and the plurality of power reception side array antennas, power can be simultaneously supplied from the second moving body to the plurality of first moving bodies.

[0112] Since the first moving body 101 can continuously receive power supply from the second moving body 201, it can fly continuously for a very long time as the second moving body 201 moves. In addition, since the first moving body 101 also needs to take off and land without receiving power supply from the second moving body 201, it is equipped with a rechargeable battery, and the first moving body 101 charges the rechargeable battery while receiving power supply from the second moving body.

[0113] Thus, the advantages of aerial power supply from a "ship" to an "aircraft" are listed as follows.

[0114] (a) Since the power receiving part side array antenna 110 of the first moving body 101 (aircraft) and the power transmitting part side array antenna 210 of the second moving body 201 (ship) can supply power in a substantially parallel state, the power transmission efficiency can be improved.

[0115] (b) Since the pilot signal and the power wave generated between the power receiving part side array antenna 110 of the first moving body 101 and the power transmitting part side array antenna 210 of the second moving body 201 are transmitted by circularly polarized waves in an orthogonal relationship, even if the plane of the power receiving part side array antenna 110 and the plane of the power transmitting part side array antenna 210 face each other and rotate around the perpendicular line to that plane, the pilot signal and the power wave can be transmitted while maintaining their independence.

[0116] (c) Since the movement of the first moving body 101 (aircraft) and the movement of the second moving body 201 (ship) are completely independent, even in bad weather, the first moving body can perform attitude control on its own without being affected by the sway of the second moving body. Therefore, the first moving body and the second moving body can maintain a certain state. As a result, even in bad weather, the first moving body can continue to receive power supply while normal monitoring is possible, and accurate functions can be realized.

[0117] (d) Since the transmission distance is substantially constant and short, the power receiving part side array antenna 110 of the first moving body 101 (aircraft) and the power transmitting part side array antenna 210 of the second moving body 201 (ship) can be respectively made to have appropriate sizes.

[0118] (e) Since the size of the power transmission side array antenna 210 of the second moving body 201 (ship) with a large overall size can be increased, even if the size of the power receiving side array antenna 110 of the first moving body 101 (aircraft) with a small overall size is reduced, a predetermined power can be supplied. Therefore, it is easy to reduce the weight of the first moving body 101 (aircraft).

[0119] (f) Since a large number of manned drones and unmanned drones can be loaded on the ship, a safe offshore flight system can be configured.

[0120] (g) Since the ship can be used as an infrastructure for the takeoff and landing of drones at sea, the safety on the ground can be enhanced.

[0121] (h) On remote islands, the ship can be easily used as an infrastructure for the takeoff and landing of drones at sea.

[0122] (i) Since the first moving body 101 is an eVToL type drone, it can be operated with relatively quietness even at night.

[0123] (j) The tracking speed of the power with respect to the displacement (movement) of the first moving body 101 can be made about 200 μs or less until the transmission efficiency reaches 99.99%. Expressed in terms of the displacement distance, even if the relative speed is 100 km / h, the power beam can be tracked with the displacement (movement) within the antenna plane being about 5 mm or less. Therefore, even if the displacement of the relative speed between the first moving body 101 and the second moving body 201 is not intentionally slowed down, the microwave power transmission can be maintained at high efficiency at all times.

[0124] In the example shown in FIG. 14, the first moving body 101 is singular, but there may be a plurality of first moving bodies. As will be shown later, it is also possible to share the power transmission side array antenna 210 of the second moving body 201 and supply power to a plurality of first moving bodies simultaneously or alternately.

[0125] In the above example, the second moving body 201 was a ship. A "ship" can be defined as a structure that satisfies buoyancy, mobility, and load-carrying capacity. However, among these, the second moving body 201 is not essential with respect to "load-carrying capacity". Also, the first moving body 101 is not limited to a multicopter that can be stationary in the air, and it may be a helicopter. It may also be a manned drone.

[0126] Moreover, the second moving body 201 may be a ship that obtains propulsion force from a diesel engine (engine), or it may be an electric ship with a large displacement.

[0127] 《Power Supply System between Moving Bodies by Flying Bodies》 FIG. 16 is a conceptual external view of a power supply system between moving bodies composed of the first moving bodies 102 and 103 and the second moving body 202. In this example, the second moving body 202 is an aircraft that flies in the air, and the first moving bodies 102 and 103 are electric aircraft that fly in the air. The second moving body 202 flies at a predetermined height above the first moving bodies 102 and 103.

[0128] The first moving bodies 102 and 103 are, for example, electric drones, take off from a predetermined takeoff and landing site, and land at a predetermined takeoff and landing site. The second moving body 202 is an aircraft that can fly at a relatively low speed.

[0129] The first moving body 102 is provided with a circular array antenna 112 on a part of the upper surface of its base, and the first moving body 103 is provided with a circular array antenna 113 on a part of the upper surface of its base. The second moving body 202 is provided with a circular power transmission unit side array antenna 211 on its lower surface.

[0130] When the second moving body 202 supplies power to the first moving bodies 102 and 103, it flies at an altitude, for example, 25 m to 35 m higher than the altitude of the first moving bodies 102 and 103. The power transmission unit side array antenna 211 of the second moving body 202 is an antenna with a diameter of, for example, 10 m. The array antennas 112 and 113 of the first moving bodies 102 and 103 are each an antenna with a diameter of, for example, 3 m.

[0131] Microwave power of, for example, 200 kW is transmitted between the power transmission side array antenna 211 of the second moving body 202 and the array antenna 112 of the first moving body 102 in a two-sided retro mode. Similarly, microwave power of, for example, 200 kW is transmitted between the power transmission side array antenna 211 of the second moving body 202 and the array antenna 113 of the first moving body 103 in a two-sided retro mode.

[0132] The first moving bodies 102 and 103 fly using a 50 kWh rechargeable battery as a power source respectively. If this rechargeable battery is composed of all-solid-state batteries, the rechargeable battery weighs about 150 kg. When charging this at, for example, 100 kW, it will be fully charged in 30 minutes, and when charging at 200 kW, it will be fully charged in 15 minutes. Substantially, rapid charging up to 10 minutes is possible. In that example, the second moving body 202 can fly parallel to the two first moving bodies 102 and 103 for 10 minutes in the air to charge the first moving bodies 102 and 103 simultaneously.

[0133] In the above description, it was assumed that the beam pilot signal and the power wave are circularly polarized waves in an orthogonal relationship with each other. However, as shown in FIG. 16, if it is premised that power supply is performed in a state where the first moving bodies 102 and 103 and the second moving body 202 fly in the same direction, the beam pilot signal and the power wave may be linearly polarized waves in an orthogonal relationship with each other.

[0134] In addition, the first moving bodies 102 and 103 can fly independently of the second moving body 202 using a rechargeable battery as a power source. Therefore, for example, the first moving body 102 can fly away from the second moving body 202 by itself. For example, the first moving body 102 can also fly at a higher altitude than the second moving body 202. At this time, the multi-beam that has occurred between the power transmission unit side array antenna 211 of the second moving body 202 and the power reception unit side array antennas 112 and 113 of the first moving bodies 102 and 103 automatically changes to a single beam. That is, when the first moving body 102 starts to fly away from the second moving body 202 by itself and the self-converging beam cannot be maintained (when the oscillation circuit system is no longer configured), the power supply from the microwave power transmission unit of the second moving body 202 to the microwave power reception unit of the first moving body 102 automatically and instantaneously stops. Then, only the beam between the power transmission unit side array antenna 211 of the second moving body 202 and the power reception unit side array antenna 113 of the first moving body 103 remains. That is, it automatically changes to power supply with a single beam.

[0135] The state where the first moving body 102 flies away from the second moving body 202 by itself as described above is not limited to a state where the first moving body 102 and the second moving body 202 are separated by a predetermined distance. For example, it also includes a state where the line connecting the center of the surface of the power reception unit side array antenna 112 and the center of the surface of the power transmission unit side array antenna 211 is displaced by 30 degrees or more with respect to the surface of the power reception unit side array antenna 112 or the surface of the power transmission unit side array antenna 211.

[0136] In this way, if the first moving body flies away from the second moving body beyond the power supply possible position by itself, the self-converging beam cannot be maintained. Therefore, for example, it does not continuously emit high-power radio waves like a conventional phased array radar (there is no spreading of radio waves), and does not affect radio wave systems such as other communication systems.

[0137] As an operation method when the first moving bodies 102 and 103 and the second moving body 202 are aircraft, there is an operation in which the first moving bodies 102 and 103 approach the lower part of the second moving body 202 in order to receive power supply from the second moving body 202. Also, an operation in which the second moving body 202 approaches above the first moving bodies 102 and 103 is also possible. Further, the first moving bodies 102 and 103 can return below the second moving body 202 for charging, and repeat the operation of rising above the second moving body 202 again after the charging is completed.

[0138] Enumerating the features of such an ocean surveillance drone is as follows.

[0139] (a) Since a large power can move a large-sized stealth drone, various types of observation equipment can be mounted on the stealth drone.

[0140] (b) It is possible to perform radar surveillance and the like from a low-profile ship at a high altitude (for example, 200 m) up to a long distance (for example, about 53 km) around the entire circumference.

[0141] (c) By continuously receiving power supply from the second moving body, it is possible to perform observation at all times for 24 hours, but it is also possible to operate at a high altitude (for example, 10 km) for a short time.

[0142] (d) Since there is almost no leakage of power microwaves and it has a strong directivity with the vertical radiation leakage suppressed to less than 20 W / 200 kW, high secrecy can be obtained.

[0143] (e) By radiating multi-beams, it is possible to supply power to a plurality of first moving bodies simultaneously.

[0144] (f) Since the direction of the power beam is substantially downward (e.g., toward the sea surface), even if the direction of the power beam deviates significantly, the leaked wave will not reach the satellite communication system or other terrestrial communication systems, preventing interference with the satellite communication system. Incidentally, since the power transmission side array antenna 211 is provided on the lower surface of the second mobile body 202, for example, even if the first mobile body 102 approaches above the second mobile body 202, a self-converging beam is not generated between the power transmission side array antenna 211 and the power reception side array antenna 112, and the power beam is prevented from pointing upward.

[0145] (g) Since the rechargeable batteries of the first mobile bodies 102 and 103 can be charged in a short time, the parallel flight time of these first mobile bodies 102 and 103 and the second mobile body 202 can be shortened.

[0146] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an example of transmitting microwave power beams from the microwave power transmission unit 200 (the microwave power transmission unit 200 shown in FIG. 1) of the second mobile body 202 to the microwave power reception units 100A, 100B, and 100C (the microwave power reception unit 100 shown in FIG. 1) of three first mobile bodies. The microwave power transmission unit 200 of the second mobile body is not limited to transmitting a microwave power beam to a single first mobile body. The microwave power transmission unit 200 transmits a microwave power beam in the direction of the pilot signal in response to the transmission and reception of the pilot signal. Therefore, by transmitting a pilot signal from the microwave power reception units 100A, 100B, and 100C of the first mobile body, microwave power can be received from the microwave power transmission unit 200 of the second mobile body.

[0147] In the example shown in FIG. 17, the microwave power transmission unit 200 includes an array antenna with a diameter of 50 m, and is 10 km away from the microwave power reception units 100A, 100B, and 100C. The distance between the microwave power reception unit 100A and the microwave power reception unit 100B is 70 m, and the distance between the microwave power reception unit 100A and the microwave power reception unit 100C is 90 m. 1000 kW of microwave power is transmitted from the microwave power transmission unit 200 to the microwave power reception unit 100A, 360 kW of microwave power is transmitted from the microwave power transmission unit 200 to the microwave power reception unit 100B, and 90 kW of microwave power is transmitted from the microwave power transmission unit 200 to the microwave power reception unit 100C.

[0148] In addition, in FIG. 17, the distance between the power transmission unit side array antenna and the power reception unit side array antenna is shown for a long distance in km units, but the same applies to a short distance in units of 50 m or 100 m between the power transmission unit side array antenna and the power reception unit side array antenna.

[0149] FIG. 18(A) shows the energy density in the microwave power reception units 100A, 100B, and 100C of the first moving body in linear shading, and FIG. 18(B) shows the energy density in the microwave power reception units 100A, 100B, and 100C in a graph.

[0150] FIG. 19 is an external view of the first moving body 104, which has a different structure of the power reception unit side array antenna from the first moving body 101 shown in FIG. 14. The power reception unit side array antenna 114 of the first moving body 104 includes a folding part FS.

[0151] The state shown at the top of FIG. 19 is a state where the folding part FS is fully opened, that is, a state where the area of the power reception unit side array antenna 114 in plan view is maximized.

[0152] The state shown at the bottom of FIG. 19 is a state where the folding part FS is fully closed, that is, a state where the area of the power reception unit side array antenna 114 in plan view is minimized.

[0153] When the first mobile body 104 is landed (onboarded) on the ship, it is in the state shown in the lower part of FIG. 19, and the planar size is minimized. Also, when the first mobile body 104 is taking off (departing) from the ship, it is in the state shown in the upper part of FIG. 19, and the area of the power receiving unit side array antenna 114 in plan view is maximized.

[0154] With the above configuration, the storage space for the first mobile body on the ship can be reduced, and the storage space can be effectively utilized. Also, when multiple first mobile bodies are mounted on the ship, the onboard capacity can be increased.

[0155] As shown in the lower part of FIG. 19, in the state where the power receiving unit side array antenna 114 is folded at the folding part FS, an array antenna may also be provided on the surface that is exposed downward (in the ship direction). By doing so, even in the state where the power receiving unit side array antenna 114 is folded, the power receiving unit side array antenna 114 acts as a small array antenna. Also, by doing so, the wind pressure received by the power receiving unit side array antenna 114 can be minimized, and unnecessary displacement can be easily suppressed. On the other hand, as shown in the upper part of FIG. 19, in the state where the power receiving unit side array antenna 114 is fully opened, the received power from the power transmitting unit side array antenna (210 shown in FIG. 12) on the ship can be maximized, so the altitude from the ship can be increased.

[0156] The figure shown in the upper part of FIG. 20 is an external view of the first mobile body 105, which has a different structure of the power receiving unit side array antennas 112 and 113 from the first mobile bodies 102 and 103 shown in FIG. 16. The power receiving unit side array antenna 115 of the first mobile body 105 is provided with a folding part FS.

[0157] The middle and lower parts of FIG. 20 are views showing only the separation of the power receiving unit side array antenna 115.

[0158] The state shown in the middle part of FIG. 20 is the state where the folding part FS is fully opened, that is, the state where the area of the power receiving unit side array antenna 115 in plan view is maximized.

[0159] The state shown at the bottom of FIG. 20 is the state where the folding part FS is closed most, that is, the state where the area of the power receiving part side array antenna 115 in plan view is minimized.

[0160] When the first moving body 105 is flying, it is in the state shown at the top of FIG. 20, and the planar size is the largest. Also, when the first moving body 105 is landing (on the ship), it is in the state shown at the bottom of FIG. 20, and the area of the power receiving part side array antenna 115 in plan view is minimized.

[0161] With the above configuration, the storage space of the first moving body can be reduced, and the storage space can be effectively utilized.

[0162] Also, in the bottom part of FIG. 20, an example is shown where the folding part FS is closed most and the rising part rises in a state close to perpendicular to the base part. However, the rising part may rotate up to 180 degrees so that the entire power receiving part side array antenna 115 becomes planar. In that case, an array antenna may also be provided on the surface that is exposed upward (in the direction of the second moving body 202 shown in FIG. 16) when the power receiving part side array antenna 115 is folded most. As a result, even in the state where the power receiving part side array antenna 115 is folded, the power receiving part side array antenna 115 acts as a small array antenna. Also, as a result, the wind pressure received by the power receiving part side array antenna 115 can be minimized, and unnecessary displacement can be easily suppressed. On the other hand, as shown at the top of FIG. 20, in the state where the power receiving part side array antenna 115 is fully opened, the power received from the second moving body (in the direction of the second moving body 202 shown in FIG. 16) can be maximized, so the necessary distance from the second moving body 202 can be increased.

[0163] In the examples shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, two folding parts FS are provided for one array antenna, but this folding part FS may be single or three or more. Also, the folding direction is not limited to one direction and may be two or more directions. Further, the direction in which the folding part FS extends is not limited to one direction and may be two or more directions.

[0164] In the examples shown in FIGS. 14, 16, 19, and 20, an array antenna with a circular planar shape is shown. However, the planar shape of each array antenna may be elliptical, oval, or polygonal such as a quadrilateral. Also, it may have a shape including a straight portion and a curved portion, such as an oval. The shape of this array antenna is preferably such that it does not affect the flying object (e.g., does not reduce the propulsive force) when the first moving body is not in a power supply state.

[0165] Also, in the examples shown in FIGS. 14, 16, 19, and 20, the array antenna of the flying object is in a shape and arrangement not related to lift. However, an array antenna may be provided on a wing that generates lift during flight.

[0166] The array antennas exemplified above usually have a shape that is not designed for a single array antenna for communication or power supply.

[0167] Also, when the folded state of the folding portion FS and the non-folded state are involved in flight, the folding portion FS may be controlled according to the flight state. For example, when it affects the airflow by the flight propeller or the airflow by flight, regardless of the presence or absence of power supply from the second moving body, the state of the folding portion FS may be selected. In the example shown in FIG. 20, when the folding portion FS of the array antenna 115 is open and the array antenna 115 has an adverse effect on the airflow of the four propellers of the first moving body 105, the folding portion FS may be opened only when power is supplied from the second moving body, and the folding portion FS may be closed when flying alone. The same applies to the example shown in FIG. 19. When the folding portion FS of the array antenna 114 is open and the array antenna 114 has an adverse effect on the airflow of the four propellers of the first moving body 104, the folding portion FS may be opened only when power is supplied from the second moving body, and the folding portion FS may be closed when flying alone.

[0168] Further, the driving of the folding part FS shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 may be automatic or may be performed by control from the power transmission part side. For example, when the first moving body 104 takes off and reaches a predetermined altitude, the first moving body may automatically fully open the folding part FS. Alternatively, it may be fully opened by control of the second moving body (201 shown in FIG. 14, 202 shown in FIG. 16).

[0169] In general, in order to protect the antenna, a radome that covers the antenna is provided. This radome is a dome-shaped structure that covers the antenna system without affecting the electromagnetic wave, meteorologically, or mechanically. If such a radome is provided on the power receiving part side array antennas 114 and 115, the aerodynamic performance due to air resistance deteriorates. On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, if the structure is such that the bent part of the power receiving part side array antenna is bent, the entire array antenna can be protected without providing a radome. Therefore, a useless space like a radome can be saved, and the deterioration of the aerodynamic performance is drastically reduced.

[0170] FIG. 21(A) is a perspective view of one element antenna, and FIG. 21(B) is a perspective view with its interior seen through. The element antennas 11 and 21 include a dielectric DH protruding from a conductor plane GP and two pairs of magnetic coupling probes (Px1, Px2) (Py1, Py2) provided in the dielectric DH.

[0171] The dielectric DH has an overall hemispherical shape and is cross-shaped in plan view of the conductor plane GP. That is, as shown in FIG. 21(A), it has a shape in which notches CO are formed at four locations of the hemispherical dielectric, or a shape in which two dielectric pieces in a half-moon cut shape are combined in a cross shape. As shown in FIG. 21(B), when the center of the dielectric DH (the center of the surface of the dielectric DH in contact with the conductor plane GP) is the origin of the orthogonal x, y, z coordinates, one of the two dielectric pieces extends in the x-z plane and the other extends in the y-z plane.

[0172] The first pair of magnetically coupled probes (Px1, Px2) has their loop planes in the x-z plane, and the second pair of magnetically coupled probes (Py1, Py2) has their loop planes in the y-z plane.

[0173] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the dimensions of each part of the above-described element antenna. In this example, the relative dielectric constant εr of the dielectric DH is 12.6, the diameter d of the dielectric DH is 16 mm, the radius r of the magnetically coupled probes Px1, Px2 is 1.75 mm, the center height h of the semi-circular loops of the magnetically coupled probes Px1, Px2 is 1.35 mm, and the pitch P from the center to the feeding point of the magnetically coupled probes is 6 mm. By adjusting the height h of the magnetic field coupling probes, the matching between the input / output ports and the antenna can be adjusted. For the magnetically coupled probes Py1, Py2, the dimensions of each part are the same as those of the magnetically coupled probes Px1, Px2. Note that the conductor plane GP for each element antenna is a metal disk with a diameter of 30 mm, and is arranged two-dimensionally on a metal plate with a diameter of 50 m, for example, at a predetermined interval.

[0174] FIG. 23(A) is a diagram showing the configuration of the feeding section connected to the first pair of magnetically coupled probes (Px1, Px2), and FIG. 23(B) is a diagram showing the configuration of the feeding section connected to the second pair of magnetically coupled probes (Py1, Py2). For the first pair of magnetically coupled probes (Px1, Px2), the ends closer to the center are each connected to the conductor plane (ground), and power is fed from the ends farther from the center. The magnetically coupled probes Px1, Px2 are differentially fed (balanced fed) by feeding signals with a 180° phase difference from a 180° hybrid circuit, and currents flow in the directions of the arrows. The same applies to the second pair of magnetically coupled probes (Py1, Py2).

[0175] FIG. 24(A) is a diagram showing the magnetic flux generated when the current shown in FIG. 23(A) flows. Also, FIG. 24(B) is a diagram showing the distribution of the magnetic field strength generated when the current shown in FIG. 23(A) flows. Thus, by differentially feeding the magnetically coupled probes Px1, Px2, the dielectric DH is excited by the magnetically coupled probes Px1, Px2, and the dielectric DH has a TE (equivalent radiated electromagnetic field to a magnetic dipole).11 X acts as a dielectric resonator in the mode. This TE 11 X The dielectric resonator in the mode is an element antenna for X polarization. Similarly, by differentially feeding the magnetic coupling probes Py1 and Py2, the dielectric DH is excited by the magnetic coupling probes (Py1, Py2), and the dielectric DH has a TE (with a radiated electromagnetic field equivalent to a magnetic dipole) 11 Y acts as a dielectric resonator in the mode. This TE 11 Y The dielectric resonator in the mode is an element antenna for Y polarization. TE 11 X mode and TE 11 Y Since the mode and the mode are independent of each other, each element antenna acts as a TE11 dual-mode dielectric resonator. In this example, the radiation Q factor (Qrad) of the resonator is about 20. This TE11 dual-mode dielectric resonator is an example of an orthogonal dual-mode dielectric resonator antenna.

[0176] Next, another configuration of the element antenna is shown. Fig. 25(A) is a perspective view of a magnetic probe provided in the dielectric of one element antenna, and Fig. 25(B) is a plan view of one element antenna. This element antenna includes a dielectric DH protruding from a conductor plane GP and two magnetic coupling probes Px and Py provided in the dielectric DH.

[0177] The shape of the dielectric DH is the same as that shown in Figs. 21(A) and 21(B). The loop plane of the magnetic coupling probe Px is in the x-z plane, and the loop plane of the magnetic coupling probe Py is in the y-z plane.

[0178] The midpoints of the magnetic coupling probes Px and Py are each connected to a conductor plane (ground conductor) GP. Each of the magnetic coupling probes Px and Py is differentially fed (balanced fed) from both ends.

[0179] Even with such a cross-loop structure, magnetic fluxes similar to those shown in FIGS. 24(A) and 24(B) are generated, and the magnetic coupling probe Px couples to the TE mode having a magnetic dipole moment along the Y axis, and the magnetic coupling probe Py couples to the TE mode having a magnetic dipole moment along the X axis. 11 X By using the orthogonal dual-mode dielectric resonator antenna shown above, a sufficiently high polarization isolation can be obtained between the pilot signal and the power wave, and a system without interference between the pilot signal and the power wave can be configured while using the same frequency. 11 Y Next, an example is shown in which each element antenna transmits and receives a pilot signal and transmits and receives a power wave in a circular polarization.

[0180] FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a circuit connected to the X-polarization port and the Y-polarization port of the two 180° hybrid circuits shown in FIGS. 23(A) and 23(B). The Input-port of the 90° hybrid circuit shown in FIG. 26 is an input / output port for right-handed circular polarization, and the Isolated-port of the 90° hybrid circuit is an input / output port for left-handed circular polarization. Since the phase difference between the 0°-port and the 90°-port of the 90° hybrid circuit is 90°, the two pairs of magnetic coupling probes shown in FIGS. 23(A) and 23(B) are fed with a 90° phase difference. With this configuration, for example, a pilot signal is transmitted in right-handed circular polarization, and a power wave is transmitted in left-handed circular polarization orthogonal thereto.

[0181] In this way, even if the pilot signal and the power wave have different rotation directions, since the polarization of the received signal and the transmitted signal is in an orthogonal relationship, a power transmission system in which the pilot signal and the power wave do not interfere can be configured while using the same frequency.

[0182] FIG. 26 is a diagram showing a circuit connected to the X-polarization port and the Y-polarization port of the two 180° hybrid circuits shown in FIGS. 23(A) and 23(B). The Input-port of the 90° hybrid circuit shown in FIG. 26 is an input / output port for right-handed circular polarization, and the Isolated-port of the 90° hybrid circuit is an input / output port for left-handed circular polarization. Since the phase difference between the 0°-port and the 90°-port of the 90° hybrid circuit is 90°, the two pairs of magnetic coupling probes shown in FIGS. 23(A) and 23(B) are fed with a 90° phase difference. With this configuration, for example, a pilot signal is transmitted in right-handed circular polarization, and a power wave is transmitted in left-handed circular polarization orthogonal thereto.

[0183] In this way, even if the pilot signal and the power wave have different rotation directions, since the polarization of the received signal and the transmitted signal is in an orthogonal relationship, a power transmission system in which the pilot signal and the power wave do not interfere can be configured while using the same frequency.

[0184] Figures 27(A), 27(B), and 27(C) are diagrams showing the structure of an array antenna as a small-scale model. Figure 27(A) is a plan view of the array antenna, Figure 27(B) is a front view of the array antenna, and Figure 27(C) is a bottom view of the array antenna. This array antenna is used as a transmitting-side array antenna or a receiving-side array antenna.

[0185] A plurality of element antennas 11(21) are arranged on the conductor plane GP. In this example, a total of 177 element antennas are arranged vertically and horizontally at a pitch of 0.7λ (36 mm).

[0186] As shown in Figure 27(B), a large number of RF units RFU are arranged between the reference signal grid substrate GB and the conductor plane GP. These RF units RFU are provided for each element antenna 11(21). A wiring pattern LP is formed on the reference signal grid substrate GB, and a reference signal with equal amplitude and equal phase is supplied to each RF unit RFU through this wiring pattern LP.

[0187] Finally, the description of the above embodiments is illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. Modifications and changes are appropriately possible for those skilled in the art. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above embodiments but by the claims. Furthermore, it is intended that the scope of the present invention includes all changes within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0188] For example, in each figure, an example is shown in which the surface of the array antenna of the first moving body and the surface of the array antenna of the second moving body are in a parallel relationship, but the surface of the array antenna of the first moving body and the surface of the array antenna of the second moving body may be non-parallel.

[0189] Also, an example is shown in which an element antenna such as a dielectric resonator is exposed on the surface of each of the above-described array antennas, but a protective film or a protective layer may be formed on the entire surface of the array antenna to prevent deterioration such as corrosion. Further, this can smooth the airflow on the surface layer of the array antenna and reduce air resistance.

[0190] Also, power supply from the second moving body to the first moving body is performed when they are in a predetermined positional relationship, but the first moving body and the second moving body are not always operated in a set state. As described above with reference to FIG. 16, power can be received at a necessary time point, and in other states, the first moving body and the second moving body can move independently.

[0191] Also, in the examples shown in FIGS. 14, 16, 19, and 20, a moving body provided with an array antenna facing the lower surface direction or an array antenna facing the upper surface direction is shown, but the moving body may be provided with array antennas on both the lower surface and the upper surface. As a result, power supply is possible regardless of the vertical positional relationship between the first moving body and the second moving body.

[0192] Also, in the examples shown above, a single second moving body and a single or a plurality of first moving bodies are combined to supply power from the second moving body to the first moving body, but a plurality of second moving bodies may exist. In this case, among the plurality of second moving bodies, by moving from the first moving body to the second moving body at a short distance, power supply can be started in a shorter time.

[0193] Also, in the examples shown above, a single second moving body and a single or a plurality of first moving bodies are combined to supply power from the second moving body to the first moving body, but a device having the same function as the second moving body may be configured and fixedly arranged on land. As a result, the first moving body can, for example, travel between both land and a ship.

[0194] The mobile body power supply system of the present invention may be provided in each of the following aspects.

[0195] <1> Comprising at least a first moving body and a second moving body, The first moving body includes a microwave power receiving unit that receives microwaves in a moving state, and a power receiving unit that inputs the received power by the microwave power receiving unit. The second moving body includes a power generation unit and a microwave power transmission unit that transmits the generated power of the power generation unit as microwaves in a moving state. The microwave power transmission unit has a power transmission unit side array antenna in which a plurality of element antennas are arranged. The microwave power reception unit has a power reception unit side array antenna in which a plurality of element antennas are arranged. The microwave power transmission unit generates a phase conjugate signal that is in a phase conjugate relationship with the received signal from the received signal of the element antenna of the microwave power transmission unit by receiving the radio wave transmitted from the microwave power reception unit, and drives the element antenna of the microwave power transmission unit with the phase conjugate signal, thereby transmitting the power transmission power to the microwave power reception unit in a retro-directive operation using the radio wave transmitted from the microwave power reception unit as a pilot signal. It includes a power transmission unit side element antenna circuit. The microwave power reception unit generates a phase conjugate signal that is in a phase conjugate relationship with the received signal from the received signal of the element antenna of the microwave power reception unit by receiving the radio wave transmitted from the microwave power transmission unit, and drives the element antenna of the microwave power reception unit with the phase conjugate signal, thereby transmitting a transmission signal to the microwave power transmission unit in a retro-directive operation using the radio wave transmitted from the microwave power transmission unit as a pilot signal. It includes a power reception unit side element antenna circuit. By repeating the retro-directive operation in the microwave power transmission unit and the retro-directive operation in the microwave power reception unit, both the radio wave transmitted from the power transmission unit side array antenna and the radio wave transmitted from the power reception unit side array antenna always keep the leakage energy in the minimum state, and avoid obstacles to power transmission entering between the power transmission unit side array antenna and the power reception unit side array antenna. A self-converging beam is formed between the power transmission unit side array antenna and the power reception unit side array antenna to supply power from the microwave power transmission unit to the microwave power reception unit. A power supply system between moving bodies.

[0196] <2> The distance between the power transmission side array antenna and the power reception side array antenna is within a range of several times to 200 times the width of the power transmission side array antenna or the power reception side array antenna in order to quickly form the self-converging beam. The in-vehicle power feeding system according to <1>.

[0197] <3> The distance between the power transmission side array antenna and the power reception side array antenna is within a range of several tens of meters to several hundreds of meters, and the distance between the first moving body and the second moving body is kept substantially constant. The in-vehicle power feeding system according to <1> or <2>.

[0198] <4> By the opposition of the power transmission side array antenna and the power reception side array antenna, the repetition of the retro-directive operation in the microwave power transmission unit and the retro-directive operation in the microwave power reception unit is started, and by the non-opposition of the power transmission side array antenna and the power reception side array antenna, the repetition of the retro-directive operation in the microwave power transmission unit and the retro-directive operation in the microwave power reception unit is stopped, and the power feeding from the microwave power transmission unit to the microwave power reception unit is instantaneously stopped. The in-vehicle power feeding system according to any one of <1> to <3>.

[0199] <5> Both the first moving body and the second moving body are flying bodies flying in the air. The first moving body includes the power reception side array antenna facing upward, and the second moving body includes the power transmission side array antenna facing downward. The first moving body receives the microwave by the microwave power reception unit during flight. The second moving body transmits the microwave by the microwave power transmission unit during flight. The first moving body and the second moving body perform the power feeding during parallel flight in a vertical relationship. The in-vehicle power feeding system according to any one of <1> to <4>.

[0200] <6> The first moving body is an aircraft that flies in the air using the power received by the microwave power receiving unit during flight, and the second moving body is a ship that sails on the sea. The first moving body includes the power receiving unit side array antenna facing downward, and the second moving body includes the power transmitting unit side array antenna facing upward. During flight, the first moving body receives the microwave by the microwave power receiving unit. During navigation, the second moving body transmits the microwave by the microwave power transmitting unit. Power supply is performed while the first moving body is flying above the second moving body. The in - vehicle power supply system according to any one of <1> to <5>.

[0201] <7> The plane of the power receiving unit side array antenna is a plane along the direction in which the airflow due to the flight of the first moving body flows. The in - vehicle power supply system according to <5> or <6>.

[0202] <8> There are a plurality of the first moving bodies, and the power receiving unit side array antenna and the power transmitting unit side array antenna respectively possessed by each first moving body form the self - converging beam. The in - vehicle power supply system according to any one of <1> to <7>.

[0203] <9> The power receiving unit side array antenna of the first moving body has a bent portion that reduces the area in plan view with respect to the power receiving unit side array antenna by bending. The in - vehicle power supply system according to any one of <1> to <8>.

[0204] <10> The power receiving unit side array antenna is smaller than the power transmitting unit side array antenna. The in - vehicle power supply system according to any one of <1> to <9>.

[0205] <11> The first moving body has a propeller for flight, and in a vertical view, the power receiving unit side array antenna is arranged at a position where it does not overlap with the propeller. The power feeding system between moving bodies according to any one of <1> to <10>.

[0206] <12> The first moving body includes a power storage device that stores the power input by the power receiving unit, and a propulsion device for movement that moves by the power of the power storage device or the power input by the power receiving unit. The power generation unit of the second moving body includes a generator. The second moving body includes an engine driven by an internal combustion engine that drives the generator, and a propulsion device for movement that moves by the energy of the engine or the electrical energy generated by the power generation unit. The power feeding system between moving bodies according to any one of <1> to <11>.

Explanation of Signs

[0207] CB…Self-converging beam CO…Notch DH…Dielectric GB…Reference signal grid substrate GP…Conductor plane LP…Wiring pattern P…Pitch Px,Py…Magnetic coupling probe Px1,Px2…Magnetic coupling probe Py1,Py2…Magnetic coupling probe RFU…RF unit 10…Power receiving unit side element antenna circuit 11,21…Element antenna 11H…Horizontal polarization element 11V…Vertical polarization element 12…Divider 13…Rectifier 14…Phase conjugate circuit 20…Transmission unit side element antenna circuit 21H…Horizontal polarization element 21V…Vertical polarization element 24…Phase conjugate circuit 27…Power amplifier 100…Microwave power receiving unit 100A, 100B, 100C…Microwave power receiving unit 101, 102, 103, 104, 105…First moving body 110…Power receiving unit side array antenna 110C…Power receiving unit side array antenna 110P…Power receiving unit side array antenna 112, 113, 115…Power receiving unit side array antenna 120…Power receiving unit 130…Propulsion device for movement 140…Power storage device 200…Microwave power transmission unit 201, 202…Second moving body 210, 211…Power transmission unit side array antenna 210C…Array antenna for receiving pilot signal 210P…Array antenna 220…Power generation unit 221C…Array antenna for receiving pilot signal 230…Propulsion device for movement 240…Engine 301…Power supply system between moving bodies

Claims

1. Comprising at least a first moving body and a second moving body, The first moving body includes a microwave power receiving unit that receives microwave power while in motion, and a power receiving unit that inputs the received power by the microwave power receiving unit. The second moving body includes a power generation unit and a microwave power transmission unit that transmits the generated power by the power generation unit as microwave power while in motion. The microwave power transmission unit has a power transmission unit side array antenna in which a plurality of element antennas are arranged. The microwave power receiving unit has a power receiving unit side array antenna in which a plurality of element antennas are arranged. The microwave power transmission unit generates a phase conjugate signal that is in a phase conjugate relationship with the received signal from the received signal of the element antenna of the microwave power transmission unit by receiving the radio wave transmitted from the microwave power receiving unit, and drives the element antenna of the microwave power transmission unit with the phase conjugate signal, thereby using the radio wave transmitted from the microwave power receiving unit as a pilot signal and transmitting power to the microwave power receiving unit in a retro-directive operation. The power transmission unit side element antenna circuit is provided. The microwave power receiving unit generates a phase conjugate signal that is in a phase conjugate relationship with the received signal from the received signal of the element antenna of the microwave power receiving unit by receiving the radio wave transmitted from the microwave power transmission unit, and drives the element antenna of the microwave power receiving unit with the phase conjugate signal, thereby using the radio wave transmitted from the microwave power transmission unit as a pilot signal and transmitting a transmission signal to the microwave power transmission unit in a retro-directive operation. The power receiving unit side element antenna circuit is provided. By repeating the retro-directive operation in the microwave power transmission unit and the retro-directive operation in the microwave power receiving unit, both the radio wave transmitted from the power transmission unit side array antenna and the radio wave transmitted from the power receiving unit side array antenna always keep the leakage energy in the minimum state, and avoid obstacles to power transmission entering between the power transmission unit side array antenna and the power receiving unit side array antenna. A self-converging beam is formed between the power transmission unit side array antenna and the power receiving unit side array antenna to supply power from the microwave power transmission unit to the microwave power receiving unit. A power supply system between moving bodies.

2. The distance between the power transmission side array antenna and the power reception side array antenna is within a range of several times to 200 times the width of the power transmission side array antenna or the power reception side array antenna in order to quickly form the self-converging beam. The mobile body power feeding system according to claim 1.

3. The distance between the power transmission side array antenna and the power reception side array antenna is within a range of several tens of meters to several hundreds of meters, and the distance between the first mobile body and the second mobile body is kept substantially constant. The mobile body power feeding system according to claim 1.

4. By the opposition of the power transmission side array antenna and the power reception side array antenna, the repetition of the retro-directive operation in the microwave power transmission unit and the retro-directive operation in the microwave power reception unit is started, and by the non-opposition of the power transmission side array antenna and the power reception side array antenna, the repetition of the retro-directive operation in the microwave power transmission unit and the retro-directive operation in the microwave power reception unit is stopped, and the power feeding from the microwave power transmission unit to the microwave power reception unit is instantaneously stopped. The mobile body power feeding system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. Both the first mobile body and the second mobile body are flying bodies flying in the air. The first mobile body includes the power reception side array antenna facing upward, and the second mobile body includes the power transmission side array antenna facing downward. The first mobile body receives the microwave by the microwave power reception unit during flight. The second mobile body transmits the microwave by the microwave power transmission unit during flight. The first mobile body and the second mobile body perform the power feeding while flying in parallel in a vertical relationship. The mobile body power feeding system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. The first mobile body is a flying body flying in the air with the power received by the microwave power reception unit during flight, and the second mobile body is a ship sailing on the sea. The first mobile body includes the power reception side array antenna facing downward, and the second mobile body includes the power transmission side array antenna facing upward. The first mobile body receives the microwave by the microwave power reception unit during flight. The second mobile body transmits the microwave by the microwave power transmission unit during navigation. The power feeding is performed while the first mobile body is flying above the second mobile body. The mobile body power feeding system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. The surface of the power receiving unit side array antenna is a surface along the direction in which the airflow due to the flight of the first moving body flows. The mobile body power feeding system according to claim 5.

8. There are a plurality of the first moving bodies, and the power receiving unit side array antenna and the power transmitting unit side array antenna of each first moving body form the self-converging beam respectively. The mobile body power feeding system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

9. The power receiving unit side array antenna of the first moving body has a bent portion that reduces the area in a plan view with respect to the power receiving unit side array antenna by bending. The mobile body power feeding system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

10. The power receiving unit side array antenna is smaller than the power transmitting unit side array antenna. The mobile body power feeding system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

11. The first moving body has a propeller for flight, and in a vertical view, the power receiving unit side array antenna is arranged at a position where it does not overlap with the propeller. The mobile body power feeding system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

12. The first moving body includes a power storage device that stores the power input by the power receiving unit, and a propulsion device for movement that moves by the power of the power storage device or the power input by the power receiving unit. The power generation unit of the second moving body includes a generator. The second moving body includes an engine driven by an internal combustion engine that drives the generator, and a propulsion device for movement that moves by the energy of the engine or the electric energy generated by the power generation unit. The mobile body power feeding system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

Images