Description:
TECHNOLOGY AREA(S): Ground Sea
OBJECTIVE: Develop methods for high efficiency, long range wireless power transfer
DESCRIPTION: The Army is increasingly relying on expeditionary electric power -- from soldier borne equipment and novel UAS platforms, to life support and communication systems in command posts, and the desire to electrify combat vehicles. The Army’s transition to greater reliance on electric power, and the increased likelihood of fighting dispersed on the future battlefield requires an overhaul of our electricity generating, transmission, and storage process.In particular, innovations in wireless recharging capabilities for the growing commercial electric vehicle market has sparked interest in the way the Army will conduct future resupply convoys. Currently battlefield electricity is powered by diesel powered generators. Studies show that 52% of all US military casualties in Iraq and Afghanistan occurred during attacks on land based resupply missions. Additionally, dispersed elements may not be able to be resupply by traditional convoys in combat. While concurrent efforts to develop unmanned resupply vehicles are also underway, the Army is hoping to leverage wireless power transfer technology to significantly reduce the need for fuel deliveries.The Army requires long range wireless power transfer that could include (but is not limited to):-continuous wireless power transfer from point of generation to end user at a distance of greater than 3.5 meters -variable transfer capacity to fulfill requirements at multiple echelons -non-interference transfer methods which are secure from enemy interference -ability to transfer power between moving transmitters and/or receivers - has a robust safety profile
PHASE I: Provide proof of concept for wireless power transfer technology and capability estimates. This should also highlight any related safety risks at higher transmission capacities if any exist. Proposals are evaluated based on scalability, transfer capacity, modularity, and usability. that demonstrate clear path towards meeting requisite minimum standards with a robust safety profile. Phase I deliverables include a design review, and a final report including Phase II plans. Solutions will be chosen based on a holistic constellation of features including distance of transmission and safety profile especially in areas with personnel, electronic systems and munitions.Awardee(s) of this topic will have the ability to voluntarily participate in quarterly soldier touch-points, a 1-2 day trip within the continental US. Touch point will be provided free of charge, however participating companies must travel and participate out of the company's internal operating budgets. Soldier touch point details will be provided to awardee(s) under this topic at Phase I award.
PHASE II: Develop and manufacture a functional prototype of wireless power transfer technology. Prototypes are required to have safety testing completed and available to highlight risks and mitigation techniques. Proposals are evaluated based on scalability, transfer capacity, risks of operation, and usability.Solutions will be chosen based on the same constellation of features as in Phase I, in addition to portability.Awardee(s) of this topic will have the ability to voluntarily participate in quarterly soldier touch-points, a 1-2 day trip within the continetal US. Touch point will be provided free of charge to participating companies, however companies must travel and participate out ofthe company's internal operating budgets. Soldier touch point details will be provided to awardee(s) under this topic at Phase II award.
PHASE III: Perform power transfer operations with scenarios consistent with military operating environment and tactics. Potential commercialization use cases include wireless area charging of personal electronics devices, powering electronics during movement, and wireless power grids.
KEYWORDS: wireless power transfer; WPT; recharge; wireless; electricity transmission
References:
Vitali J., Lamothe J., Toomey C., Peoples V., and Mccabe K., “Study on the use of Mobile Nuclear Power Plants for Ground Operations,” Deputy Chief of Staff G-4, 26 October 2018.; Enriquez J., “Japanese Scientists Develop Long Distance Wireless Power Transmission,” rfglobalnet.com, 11 October 2016.; Khan I., Qureshi M., Rehman M., and Khan W., “Long range wireless power transfer via magnetic resonance,” IEEE Xplore Digital Library, 19 November 2017.; Kurs A., Karalis A., Moffatt R., Joannopoulos J., Fisher P., and Soljacic M., “Wireless Power Transfer via Strongly Coupled Magnetic Resonances,” Science Vol. 317, Issue 5834, pp. 83-86, 5 July 2007.
