The battlefield of tomorrow might not be about who controls the most territory but who controls the skies for the longest. In a move that could revolutionize military drone operations, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is pouring resources into far-field wireless power transfer, a technology that promises to keep drones buzzing indefinitely.
Leading the charge is Dr. Ifana Mahbub, an assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering at The University of Texas at Dallas.
A report published May 17, 2024, highlights a significant boost for Dr. Mahbub’s research on far-field wireless power transfer. This comes courtesy of DARPA’s recognition of its potential to revolutionize drone operations.
In 2021, she was selected for the prestigious Young Faculty Award, which provided $500,000 over two years to lay the groundwork for this far-field wireless power transfer technology.
Now, with the additional $250,000 awarded through the Director’s Fellowship, Dr. Mahbub and her team have the resources to further refine and develop their power-beaming system, bringing this game-changing technology closer to reality.
Eliminating the Pit Stop: Powering Drones on the Fly
Imagine a scenario where critical intel-gathering drones never need to return to base for a risky landing and battery swap, exposing them to enemy fire or delaying crucial data collection.
With far-field wireless power transfer, also known as power beaming, this vision becomes a reality.
This technology utilizes focused electromagnetic waves to deliver power directly to a drone in flight, eliminating a major bottleneck in drone operations.
“Our first goal is to deliver as much power as possible over a longer distance,” explains Dr. Mahbub.
This is particularly crucial for military drones like MALE (Medium Altitude, Long Endurance) unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that can operate at staggering heights of 25,000 feet (7,620 meters).
DARPA funding is instrumental in helping Dr. Mahbub and her team tackle the challenge of keeping the power beam focused over such vast distances.
Sharpshooting the Skies: Keeping the Beam Focused
Their solution lies in phased-array antennas, a system akin to a conductor’s baton, directing the electromagnetic waves toward the drone with pinpoint accuracy.
This eliminates the issue of scattered beams that lose energy over long distances.
Additionally, real-time telemetry ensures the beam stays constantly aligned with the moving drone, maximizing power transfer efficiency.
Beyond Extended Missions: Redefining Drone Tactics
The benefits of this technology extend far beyond simply keeping drones in the air longer. Far-field wireless power transfer has the potential to revolutionize drone tactics.
Imagine persistent surveillance drones circling enemy positions for days on end, providing invaluable intel without the need for risky refueling operations.
Alternatively, drones could act as communication relays, maintaining a constant connection between troops on the ground, eliminating communication blackouts, and ensuring critical information flow even in the most hostile environments.
“We can track the unmanned aerial vehicle and steer the beam to ensure we are constantly powering the dynamic vehicles,” noted Dr. Mahbub. “That way, a drone going for a mission doesn’t have to return to a bay station for recharging or a battery change.”
A Future Powered by Air: The Broader Impact of Wireless Power
While the initial focus is on military applications, the implications of this research are vast.
Electric vehicles on the move could receive a top-up while driving on highways, eliminating the need for lengthy charging stops.
Medical implants could receive a safe and continuous charge, potentially improving patient outcomes and reducing the need for invasive procedures.
Even our mobile phones could get a boost on the go, a boon for anyone who experiences battery anxiety in the middle of a busy day.
DARPA’s investment in far-field wireless power transfer is a strategic move towards a future where battlefield dominance hinges on uninterrupted drone operations.
This technology not only promises to extend mission times but also paves the way for a world powered by the invisible hand of electromagnetic waves, fundamentally changing how we utilize drones, vehicles, and even medical devices.
The sky’s the limit for the possibilities unlocked by this groundbreaking research.
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