Three teams to create new technology for wireless energy transfer in military applications
In a bid to revolutionize the future of energy distribution, DARPA is moving into the initial stage of its Persistent Optical Wireless Energy Relay (POWER) program. Three teams led by RTX Corporation, Draper Laboratory, and BEAM Co., are set to design and develop wireless optical power relays, promising an innovative approach to national defense capabilities.
“This project has the potential to advance power beaming by orders of magnitude, which could radically reshape society’s relationship with energy,”
Dr. Paul Jaffe, DARPA POWER program
Resilient speed-of-light energy network
The POWER program aims to create key components for a fast and robust energy network. These airborne energy relays will eventually be demonstrated in pods carried by aircraft, offering new possibilities for future military and civilian aircraft designs.
Phased approach for rapid development
Phase one of the program focuses on conceptual designs and will be followed by a demonstration using existing aircraft. Subsequent phases will evaluate each relay design based on several metrics like efficient energy redirection and high beam quality.
New era for aircraft design
This technology has the potential to make future aircraft smaller and less expensive due to reduced requirements for fuel storage and engine volume. In the long run, this could lead to cost-effective aircraft with unlimited range and endurance.
Overcoming energy conversion losses
Effective relays are pivotal for creating a practical and flexible wireless energy web. These will address the inefficiencies that occur when converting propagating waves to electricity in a multiple-hop network.
The role of high-altitude transmission
Relays also facilitate high-altitude power transmission, which is considerably more efficient than transmitting energy through the lower atmosphere. This adds a long-range, high-throughput backbone to the wireless energy web.
Spotlight on the three companies
RTX Corporation
RTX Corporation is a well-established name in technology and innovation. Their expertise spans multiple sectors including aerospace, cybersecurity, and automation. The company has a proven track record of delivering cutting-edge solutions, making them an ideal choice to take on the challenges of wireless energy transfer in the POWER program.
Draper Laboratory
A pioneer in the field of engineering and applied sciences, Draper Laboratory focuses on solving complex problems across multiple domains such as healthcare, space exploration, and national defense. Their experience in creating customized, advanced solutions provides them with the unique skill set necessary for pushing the envelope in optical power beaming technology.
BEAM Co.
BEAM Co. is relatively newer on the scene but no less promising. They specialize in innovative energy solutions and are driven by the ambition to redefine how energy is generated, distributed, and consumed. Their fresh perspective and commitment to exploring high-risk, high-reward technologies make them an exciting participant in this transformative project.
Each of these companies brings its own set of skills and visions to the POWER program, and collectively, they represent the vanguard of what could become a significant shift in how energy is transmitted and utilized.
Shifting the paradigms of energy distribution
DARPA’s POWER program offers a glimpse into what the future could hold for energy distribution. As the world increasingly faces diverse and complex challenges, creating more resilient, adaptable, and efficient energy networks could have broad implications, including strengthening national defense capabilities.
