Investigation in Wireless Power Transmission for UAV Charging

Abstract

This paper proposes application of wireless power transfer for charging of electric-powered Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAV)s. Multi-rotor systems, such as quadrotors, are light-weight and easy to operate. They are available in different sizes and with the wide range of capabilities. The main limitation of electric-powered UAVs is their range and endurance, due the limited battery capacity. Increasing battery system size is not a viable solution as its weight becomes a limiting factor. Supercapacitors are not an option, because of their low energy density. An alternative is to recharge UAV on the job, using wireless energy transfer (WET). WET was originally investigated by Nikola Tesla in the beginning of the 20th century. His patents are now common ground for any power transmission technology research, both wired and wireless. Investigations in resonance-based wireless energy transfer promise efficient wireless power transmission over several meters. This offers an ability to recharge moving vehicles, such as cars, trains and UAVs, wirelessly. For example, this technology can be applied to extend the range of UAVs used for the inspection of power transmission lines and towers. Presented project investigate capabilities and limitations of the wireless power transmission, for particular UAV application, i.e. for the infrastructure inspections.