Optical energy transfer and conversion system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fiber optic systems face significant power loss due to mechanisms like Rayleigh scattering, OH absorption, imperfection loss, and infrared absorption, limiting the transmission of high power optical energy over long distances, especially for applications requiring kilowatts to tens of megawatts, such as powering remote systems in harsh environments or over long distances.
Innovation Solution
An optical power transfer system utilizing a fiber spooler and electrical power extraction subsystem, combined with a fiber optic rotary joint, enables the efficient transmission and conversion of high power optical energy over long distances, up to hundreds of kilometers, to various platforms, including mobile and underwater systems, by minimizing bending losses and using high thermal conductivity materials for cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If optical energy is transmitted through fiber over long distances, then power delivery to remote locations is enabled, but power loss due to Rayleigh scattering, OH absorption, imperfection loss, and infrared absorption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the fiber optic system by using specialized fiber designs with optimized core diameters, numerical apertures, and material compositions to minimize attenuation at specific wavelengths. It also adjusts operational parameters such as laser wavelength selection and power density to optimize transmission efficiency over long distances while managing power loss through controlled parameters
2Power
If high power optical energy is transmitted through fiber, then sufficient power reaches remote locations, but thermal damage to fiber and non-linear effects such as SRS and self-focusing occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary cooling mechanisms and thermal management systems that act as mediators between the high-power optical energy and the fiber material. These intermediaries include active cooling systems, heat sinks, and thermal conduits that transfer heat away from the fiber, preventing thermal damage while allowing high power transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic modulation of the optical power transmission to prevent continuous high-power exposure that would cause thermal damage and non-linear effects. By using pulsed or intermittently modulated power delivery, the system allows thermal dissipation between pulses while still achieving sufficient average power at the remote location
3Adaptability or versatility
If fiber is used to transfer optical energy to mobile platforms, then power delivery to moving systems is enabled, but fiber bending losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic fiber management systems that adapt to the movement and positioning of mobile platforms. This includes active fiber routing mechanisms, tension control systems, and dynamic spooling arrangements that maintain optimal fiber geometry and minimize bending angles during movement, thereby reducing bending losses while enabling mobile platform compatibility
4Length of stationary object
If optical power is transmitted over hundreds of kilometers, then remote power delivery is achieved, but signal attenuation becomes significant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the long-distance transmission into multiple segments or sections, each optimized for specific distance ranges and power levels. This may involve using different fiber types for different segments, implementing intermediate relay points with power boosting or signal regeneration, or using parallel fiber paths that can be activated selectively based on distance and power requirements, thereby maintaining signal quality over hundreds of kilometers
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
This system effectively transfers and converts optical power to usable forms like heat or electricity, enabling novel applications such as powering robotic systems in extreme environments without the need for local power generation, overcoming traditional infrastructure and weight limitations.
Implementation Method 1
light, or optical energy, can be sent down a relatively small diameter (e.g., twenty-five micron) glass optical fiber
Implementation Method 2
high thermal conductivity materials for cooling
Implementation Method 3
conversion of the transferred optical energy to another form of energy such as heat, electricity, or mechanical work
Data Source
AI summary
An optical energy transfer and conversion system comprising a fiber spooler and an electrical power extraction subsystem connected to the spooler with an optical waveguide. Optical energy is generated at and transferred from a base station through fiber wrapped around the spooler, and ultimately to the power extraction system at a remote mobility platform for conversion to another form of energy. The fiber spooler may reside on the remote mobility platform which may be a vehicle, or apparatus that is either self-propelled or is carried by a secondary mobility platform either on land, under the sea, in the air or in space.