US DOW invests in wireless laser self-charging tech to keep autonomous drones airborne almost indefinitely — ARC can deliver 'kilowatt-class' power to units 5,000 ft away
- Laser-based technology is being trialed in the US to remotely charge UAV batteries while the craft are in flight
- The “power beaming” technology from PowerLight Technologies is known as Aerial ReCharge (ARC)
- ARC can recharge UAVs remotely as well as their payloads, where appropriate
The United States Department of War’s (DOW) Operational Energy - Innovation (OE-I) Directorate has awarded a contract for the development of a laser-based remote recharging system for drones.
Known as the Aerial ReCharge (ARC) system, it uses directed lasers to recharge an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or a payload, and can be used over long distance.
Described as “power beaming” the system relies on a wireless power beaming transmitter and a receiver on the UAV. With remote recharging capabilities, drones can be deployed and retain use of the same battery without landing and recovery, which saves time -- and potentially even lives.
Power beaming over distance
...
Copyright of this story solely belongs to www.techradar.com. To see the full text click HERE
