DARPA sets new records for sending power wirelessly
https://newatlas.com/military/darpa-sets-new-records-sending-power-without-wires/
DARPA sets new records for sending power wirelessly
https://newatlas.com/military/darpa-sets-new-records-sending-power-without-wires/
8 Comments
From the article
Looking forward to a future where laser beams replace power lines, DAPRA’s Persistent Optical Wireless Energy Relay (POWER) program has set new records for transmitting more power wirelessly over longer distances.
Also from the article
It’s an effort that appears to be paying off with the recent tests in New Mexico setting new records. [Previously](https://newatlas.com/technology/darpa-laser-beam-power-across-distances/?itm_source=newatlas&itm_medium=article-body), the POWER system managed to use a laser to beam 230 watts across one mile (1.7 km) for 25 seconds, and an undisclosed lesser amount of power as far as 2.3 miles (3.7 km). Now, DARPA has managed to increase this to 800 watts for 30 seconds at a distance of 5.3 miles (8.6 km).
Not bad for sending power near-instantaneously without wires.
The system is built around what is called the Power Receiver Array Demo (PRAD), which is a ball-like structure that has a compact aperture to allow a laser beam to enter. This beam strikes a parabolic mirror that scatters the light and shines it on an array of dozens of photovoltaic calls. These convert the laser light back into electricity.
We’re ever closer to the [Prism Towers](https://cnc.fandom.com/wiki/Prism_tower) from C&C Red Alert 2
What would be the effect of something crossing the beam, like a bird etc.?
Wait till we get a Dyson sphere beaming down electricity to mirrors in orbit to power all of the robots! Humans won’t be around at that point, but won’t it be something!?
30 seconds before everything overheats and would destroy itself if left on any longer.
Often tests like this require liquid nitrogen or similar consumables which only last a few seconds. They never mention these in their highly optimistic news report. Or are factored into the efficiency numbers.
Replacing power lines is never going to happen.
Didn’t Tesla claim to have invented something like this?
> When it comes to military and humanitarian operations, obtaining a steady, reliable source of power is of paramount importance and this has only increased over time. As a result, the world’s major military forces invest a staggering portion of their budgets to supply electricity, fuel, power plants, and all that goes with them as part of an increasingly complex supply line.
From the article, of course it would be developed for military use. It claims humanitarian use, but that could never be the motivation in funding this.
It’s pretty dystopian that many modern inventions are only funded because “defense” industry shareholders want new ways to sell weapons to kiII people.
Deuterion Beam Energy Transfer System. Gundam did it first