Distributed Power Beam Network Architecture for Aircraft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power beaming systems for aircraft are limited by reliance on single source nodes, interoperability issues, and atmospheric obstacles, which restrict flight altitude and duration, and do not effectively support high-altitude, long-duration flights or multiple user nodes.
Innovation Solution
A distributed network architecture for power beaming that includes multiple source nodes, a control system, and a communication system allowing user nodes to request and receive power beams from various source nodes, with relays to overcome obstacles, enabling multiple source handoffs and reducing unit size and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single source node is used for power beaming, then the system is simple to operate, but the user node is constrained to flight within the direct line-of-sight of the source node and reliability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the power beaming function into multiple independent source nodes instead of relying on a single source. Each source node can independently provide power to user nodes, enabling handoff capabilities and eliminating the constraint of being limited to a single line-of-sight source. This segmentation improves reliability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system implements universal protocols that enable multiple source nodes to interact with multiple user nodes using standardized interfaces. This multi-functionality allows any source node to potentially serve any user node, creating a flexible network where power beaming services can be dynamically allocated and handed off between sources without requiring complex node-specific configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If power beam characteristics are customized for a particular aircraft, then the power transmission is optimized for that aircraft, but interoperability becomes difficult and the value of each source node and aircraft type is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables dynamic adjustment of power beam parameters such as intensity, duration, and frequency based on the specific requirements of each user node and environmental conditions. This parameter adaptability allows a single standardized source node design to efficiently serve multiple different aircraft types without requiring custom hardware configurations, thereby maintaining both interoperability and transmission efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically configures power beam characteristics in real-time based on the identity, position, and power requirements of the requesting user node. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize power transmission for each specific aircraft type while using a universal source node platform, resolving the conflict between standardization and customization.
3Reliability
If ground-based power beam source nodes are used, then the infrastructure is stable, but atmospheric obstacles such as clouds or turbulence interfere with power transmissions by scattering light
Solution Approach 1:
The control system acts as an intermediary that receives power requests from user nodes, identifies suitable source nodes based on line-of-sight and atmospheric conditions, and coordinates the power transmission. This intermediary function enables the system to dynamically select optimal transmission paths that avoid atmospheric obstacles, improving reliability without requiring physical infrastructure changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from fixed ground-based power beam sources to a multi-dimensional network including airborne and space-based source nodes. By adding vertical and orbital dimensions to the power beaming infrastructure, the system can bypass atmospheric obstacles such as clouds and turbulence by transmitting power from above the atmosphere or through less obstructed atmospheric paths.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a distributed network of power beaming source nodes is created, then the system can support multiple user nodes and relays, but the system complexity increases and proper functioning requires sophisticated interoperability protocols
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into distributed intelligent agents at each source node and user node, rather than requiring a centralized complex controller. Each node independently runs simplified control logic for power request processing, source selection, and handoff coordination. This segmentation reduces individual node complexity while enabling sophisticated network-wide capabilities through emergent behavior.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-establishes communication protocols and power transmission parameters before actual power transfer begins. User nodes broadcast their power requirements in advance, allowing source nodes to pre-calculate optimal transmission parameters and prepare for handoff sequences. This preliminary action simplifies real-time control by moving complex decision-making to the planning phase.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables aircraft to fly at higher altitudes and for longer durations, increases travel range and reliability, and reduces logistical burdens by allowing multiple power sources and efficient power distribution, while maintaining interoperability and reducing communication complexity.
Implementation Method 1
Power beaming includes a set of technologies that transmit large, non-destructive amounts of power from some source to some receiver via electromagnetic waves, e.g. microwaves or light
Implementation Method 2
Since some user nodes receive the power via arrays of photovoltaic cells that are limited in area
Data Source
AI summary
A method of providing power beams via a network of source nodes. Source nodes are configured to receive requests for power beam service from airborne user nodes such as aircraft equipped with photovoltaic receivers. User nodes are configured to communicate a set of parameters, such as location, mobility, field of regard, one or more beam wavelengths compatible with the receiver, the beam wavelength further described with a maximum sustained power, duty cycle and pulse repetition rate. Source nodes publish parameters to a network control system. Source nodes publish their location, velocity vector, orientation, available beam capacity, and a schedule of user nodes currently receiving service from the node. Source nodes selectively receive requests from user nodes, and respond to the requests to satisfy the user node parameters. Relays may be used to avoid obstructions, and deconflicting sensors and obstruction sensors may be used detect unauthorized or unusable beam paths.