Drone project could lead to microwave propulsion
Researchers have kept drone aloft using microwave-powered propulsion, an advance they want to apply to real-world applications such as space flight.
In a study published in the Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, researchers led by the University of Tsukuba in Japan have demonstrated wireless power transmission via microwaves for a free-flying drone and determined the efficiency of this process.
Previous analyses of this kind were carried out decades ago and mostly considered microwaves of a low frequency of a few gigahertz. Power transmission efficiency increases as the operating frequency is raised, so the team behind this latest research used microwaves with a relatively high frequency (28GHz). The team’s drone weighed roughly 0.4kg and hovered for 30 seconds at a height of 0.8m above the source of a microwave beam.
“We used a sophisticated beam-tracking system to ensure that the drone received as much of the microwave power as possible,” lead author Kohei Shimamura said in a statement. “Moreover, to further increase the transmission efficiency, we carefully tuned the phase of the microwaves using an analogue phase shifter that was synchronised with GPS units.”
Register now to continue reading
Thanks for visiting The Engineer. You’ve now reached your monthly limit of news stories. Register for free to unlock unlimited access to all of our news coverage, as well as premium content including opinion, in-depth features and special reports.
Benefits of registering
-
In-depth insights and coverage of key emerging trends
-
Unrestricted access to special reports throughout the year
-
Daily technology news delivered straight to your inbox
Experts speculate over cause of Iberian power outages
I´m sure politicians will be thumping tables and demanding answers - while Professor Bell, as reported above, says ´wait for detailed professional...