Coaxial Waveguide Relay for Steered Wireless Power Beams

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Solution Overview

Problem

The practical implementation of Space-Based Solar Power (SBSP) is hindered by engineering challenges associated with kilometre-scale structures in orbit and on Earth, necessitating a more flexible and efficient wireless power transfer system.

Innovation Solution

A Worldwide Energy Matrix (WEM) system utilizing a network of ground-based RF phased-array antennas, satellites with coaxial waveguide phase shifters, and beam steering technology to relay and redirect wireless power beams efficiently across the globe, employing reflective and transmissive phase correcting surfaces to achieve high beam collection efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If kilometre-scale structures are used for SBSP, then wireless power transfer capability is improved, but engineering complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless power transfer capabilityVSAvoidengineering complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the large-scale power transmission system into multiple smaller relay stations distributed across the orbit. Each relay station handles a portion of the power beam, transforming a single complex kilometre-scale structure into multiple manageable segments that can be independently constructed and maintained.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediate relay stations in Earth orbit that act as mediators between ground-based transmitters and ground-based receivers. These relays receive power beams from Earth, store energy temporarily, and retransmit to ground receivers, eliminating the need for direct kilometre-scale transmission structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Length of stationary object

If kilometre-scale structures are used for SBSP, then wireless power transfer distance is improved, but manufacturing and deployment difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transmission distanceVSAvoidmanufacturing and deployment ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission path is segmented into multiple shorter hops between ground stations and orbital relays, and between relays themselves. Each segment is much easier to manufacture and deploy than a single kilometre-scale structure, while the cumulative effect achieves global power distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses movable and reconfigurable relay stations in orbit that can be positioned and adjusted as needed. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt to different transmission requirements without requiring fixed, difficult-to-deploy kilometre-scale structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If beam steering technology is used, then power delivery flexibility is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower delivery flexibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The relay stations are designed with multi-functional capabilities, including beam reception, phase correction, storage, and retransmission. This universal design reduces overall system complexity by using the same infrastructure for multiple functions rather than requiring separate specialized components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs feedback mechanisms where relay stations monitor beam characteristics and automatically adjust phase and direction. This closed-loop control provides flexible power delivery while keeping manual intervention and system complexity to a minimum.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 efficient, flexible, and cost-effective long-range wireless power transfer with high beam collection efficiencies exceeding 99%, reducing complexity and cost of space-borne hardware.

Implementation Method 1

a phase shifting section located between the input and output polarizing sections

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase shifting:

Implementation Method 2

an input polarizing section; an output polarizing section

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPolarization: Polarisation

Implementation Method 3

employing reflective and transmissive phase correcting surfaces to achieve high beam collection efficiency

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 4

employing reflective and transmissive phase correcting surfaces

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS20250337282A1Systems and method for worldwide energy matrix (WEM)

Publication Date: 2025.10.30 EMROD LTD

AI summary

A relay for a beam of wireless power and a satellite with the relay are disclosed. The relay includes: an array of coaxial waveguide elements, each element including: an input polarizing section, an output polarizing section, and a phase shifting section located between said input and output polarizing sections, wherein said input polarizing section, said output polarizing section, and said phase shifting section are controllably rotatable around a longitudinal axis of said coaxial waveguide; and a processor to control rotation of said input polarizing section, said output polarizing section, and said phase shifting section.