Remote Power Beam Startup Using Receiver Obstruction Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote power systems lack effective safety mechanisms to safely turn on high-flux power beams without risking obstruction by foreign objects.
Innovation Solution
Implementing startup power monitoring (SPM) logic at the power receiver or transmitter to determine if the path is clear before enabling the high-flux power beam, using low-power pulses and diverged beams for detection, and communicating obstruction information via signaling mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a high-flux power beam is activated immediately, then power delivery efficiency is improved, but safety is compromised due to potential foreign object obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by sending low-power test pulses and diverged detection beams before activating the high-flux power beam. The SPM logic monitors the receiver's power response to these preliminary signals to verify the path is clear, ensuring safety before full power delivery begins
Solution Approach 2:
The transmitter sends periodic low-power pulses during the startup sequence rather than continuous high-power beams. This periodic pulsing allows the SPM logic to monitor power responses at intervals, detecting obstructions while maintaining safety during the activation process
2Reliability
If startup power monitoring logic is implemented, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The SPM logic module performs multiple functions: it monitors power responses from test pulses, detects obstructions in the beam path, validates receiver presence, and controls the activation sequence. By consolidating these safety-critical functions into a single multi-functional module, the system achieves high safety without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The SPM logic acts as an intermediary between the transmitter control system and the high-flux power beam activation. It receives power response data from the receiver, processes this information to determine path clearance, and then signals whether the beam should be activated, serving as a safety mediator in the control chain
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
Ensures safe activation of high-flux power beams by detecting obstructions, preventing accidents, and ensuring safe power delivery to remote receivers.
Implementation Method 1
the transmitter is arranged to send low-power pulses and/or a diverged beam to a remote power receiver
Implementation Method 2
The remote power receiver includes a light reception medium including a plurality of photovoltaic (PV) cells
Data Source
AI summary
A remote power system includes a remote power transmitter arranged to output a power beam in a startup mode and a remote power receiver arranged to receive the power beam. The remote power receiver has a plurality of photovoltaic (PV) cells (or other power converters) mounted to generate electrical power from energy in the power beam, startup power monitoring (SPM) logic to determine, based on electrical power generated by each of the plurality of PV cells, whether or not the remote power transmitter can operate in a high-flux mode, and a receiver-based transmitter circuit arranged to communicate an indication that the remote power transmitter can operate in the high-flux mode.