Performance of vertical multi junction solar cell for long distance wireless power transfer using high intensity laser beam

Abstract

Wireless Power Transfer to long distance objects has been a much awaited task for researchers and scientists but old technologies like magnetic resonance coupling method were failed to provide any satisfactory result for long distance power transfer though it was good for small or very near distance power transfer. Far distant moving objects like space stations, lunar modules, rovers, unmanned aerial vehicles or drones largely suffer from lack of power providing mechanism resulting in short flight time of these vehicles. Major limitation is poor endurance for helicopters and quad-copters due to their very less efficient design and nature of vertical take-off and landing in comparison to those vehicle having fixed wings. Unlimited flight endurance can be achieved by using laser power beaming to recharge any target having optical tracking system done by beam riding method. Here wireless power transmission using a high intensity laser beaming (HILB) system by illuminating vertical multi-junction solar cell (VMJSC) has been discussed and its performance is studied and analyzed. Many of the HILB systems have been used to examine the performance of VMJSC under different types of conditions. Here many of the methods like optimal receiver geometry, parallel cell back-feeding, laser wavelength, thermal effects and non-uniform illumination at high intensities are studied and analyzed. Suggestions are made to further improve the system and to achieve sufficient power densities. Study shows that VMJSC mechanism can be used for high intensity laser beaming to power transfer without being damaged and retaining its efficiency.