Remote Aircraft Power via Millimeter Wave Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electric propulsion systems for aircraft, particularly those with electric or hybrid power plants, face limitations due to the low energy density of battery storage and fuel cells, leading to significant mass, reduced autonomy, and increased operational costs, especially in urban and short-duration flights.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for remotely powering an aircraft using electromagnetic waves, where a power station with a transmitting antenna supplies energy to a receiving antenna on the aircraft, ensuring continuous electrical power supply while minimizing onboard energy storage, and allowing for long-duration flights with reduced environmental impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If electromagnetic waves are transmitted over long distances to power the aircraft, then the distance between transmitting and receiving antennas increases, but the energy transfer efficiency deteriorates due to signal attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic beam steering and tracking mechanisms that allow the transmitting antenna to continuously adjust its radiation pattern and orientation to maintain optimal alignment with the receiving antenna as the aircraft moves. This dynamic adaptation compensates for distance variations and maintains energy transfer efficiency over extended ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts transmission parameters including power output, frequency, and beam direction based on real-time distance measurements and relative position data. By changing these parameters in response to varying distances, the system optimizes energy transfer efficiency while extending the operational range of the wireless power transmission.
2Reliability
If a displacement device is added to track and orient antennas, then the energy transfer reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical tracking systems with electronic beam steering mechanisms and software-based position tracking. Instead of physically moving large antenna structures, the system uses electronic phase control and signal processing to achieve precise beam orientation, significantly reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining or improving tracking reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates autonomous tracking algorithms that automatically adjust antenna orientation and beam direction based on real-time position data from GPS and other navigation systems. The displacement device operates self-regulating, using feedback from position sensors to maintain optimal alignment without requiring complex external control mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If electromagnetic induction systems are used for energy transfer, then wireless power transmission is achieved, but the transmission distance is limited to very close proximity
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from traditional electromagnetic induction to directed energy transmission using focused microwave or millimeter-wave beams. By changing the transmission medium and frequency parameters, the system extends the effective transmission distance from centimeters (induction) to kilometers (directed waves) while maintaining efficient energy transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a directed electromagnetic wave beam as an intermediary carrier between the transmitting and receiving antennas. This focused beam acts as an energy conduit that can traverse long distances through the atmosphere, bridging the gap between ground-based power sources and airborne receivers without requiring physical contact or proximity.
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 solution enables aircraft to operate with reduced weight and environmental impact by providing continuous electrical power, extending flight duration and reducing operational costs, while maintaining efficient energy transfer over varying distances.
Implementation Method 1
A system and method for remotely powering an aircraft using electromagnetic waves, where a power station with a transmitting antenna supplies energy to a receiving antenna on the aircraft
Implementation Method 2
a receiving antenna configured to receive the electromagnetic waves and to convert them into an electrical current powering a propulsion system of the aircraft
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system (1) for remotely supplying electrical power to an aircraft (20) and comprising one or more power stations (10) equipped with a transmitting antenna (11) emitting high-frequency millimeter waves (4). The system (1) comprises a receiving antenna (21) carried by an aircraft (20), receiving said millimeter waves (4) and converting them into an electrical current powering a propulsion system of said aircraft (20). The system (1) also comprises a device for locating said aircraft (20) relative to said transmitting antenna (11) and a displacement device for moving said transmitting antenna (11) or receiving antenna (21) according to the position of the other antenna among said transmitting antenna (11) and receiving antenna (21).Thus, said aircraft (20) can fly while being powered by an external electrical power source, a power station (10), without time and distance limitations as long as the receiving antenna (21) receives millimeter waves (4) emitted by a transmitting antenna (11).