High Power Near-Field Wireless Transfer for Dust Intensive Applications

A great challenge with power management is the way power is transmitted to other devices. Traditional space systems operate through nuclear, solar, or tethered power mechanisms that require great complexity and process to qualify and operate.Tethered systems are hindered tremendously by mechanically mated components that are prone to regolith incursion and that require large robotically generated forces for interconnection. Furthermore, astronauts suffer from limited suit dexterity to manipulate and manage such systems. Nuclear powered systems require intensive handling procedures, and in many cases, presidential authority to launchgreatly increasing the cost and schedule of such missions. Solar powered systems require continuous access to the Sun and must follow predicated operational plans to maximize sunlight exposure and limit system duty cycles, ultimately constraining system performance. A wireless charging system mitigates these challenges for standalone systems that are unable to generate power independently through such traditional methods. Furthermore, a product such as this could have great utility not only on the Moon, but also in critical space applications on Mars, in orbit, and beyond. The proposing team of Astrobotic and WiBotic, are developing a charging solution that can satisfy these needs.The performance and specifications were initially targeted formulti-kW applications, but through discussions with customers and NASA we have learned a 400 W product is more favorable. The targeted specifications are as follows: Dust tolerant design for 1 m lunar regolith particles Charging rate of 400W, suitable for mid to large size battery powered vehicles Charging range of 0-4cm (horizontal spacing), +/-5cm (lateral misalignment), 0-70deg (angular misalignment) Mass of 8kg Compact base station size of 29 x 37 x 15 cm and power receiver size of 15 x 11 x 5 cm Operational temperature range of -200C to +86C to enable operations at the lunar pole and equator A great challenge with power management is the way power is transmitted to other devices. Traditional space systems operate through nuclear, solar, or tethered power mechanisms that require great complexity and process to qualify and operate. Tethered systems are hindered tremendously by mechanically mated components that are prone to regolith incursion and that require large robotically generated forces for interconnection. Furthermore, astronauts suffer from limited suit dexterity to manipulate and manage such systems. Nuclear powered systems require intensive handling procedures, and in many cases, presidential authority to launch—greatly increasing the cost and schedule of such missions. Solar powered systems require continuous access to the Sun and must follow predicated operational plans to maximize sunlight exposure and limit system duty cycles, ultimately constraining system performance. A wireless charging system would mitigate these challenges for standalone systems and would in many cases eliminate the need for some quick disconnect technologies used in static joints. The maximum power transfer capabilities of WiBotic’s charging products can sustain levels of 300 W, however, to meet the proposed 400 W levels the team will need to enhance the existing design of the transmitter and power receiver. Throughout Phase I, we completed a study of different architectures for high power wireless charging antenna designs and built scalable prototype systems using WiBotic’s existing chargers. The purpose of our Phase I efforts was initially to develop a multi-kW charging system to support the solicitation requirements, however through conversations with NASA centers and commercial partners we have learned a 400 W charging system is more relevant to near term applications in the space market. Consequently, we designed and analyzed a 1.2 kW charging system throughout Phase I, but intend to pursue a 400 W systemin Phase II because there is more demand for this offering. We plan to expand on our efforts from Phase I by optimizing the design, performing detailed thermal and structural analyses, fabricating an engineering unit of the transmitter and power receiver, and subsequently verifying performance with established requirements.  At the completion of this effort the charging system will be TRL 5 for lunar applications and an engineering unit will be delivered to NASA.

There are several applications that necessitate proximity chargers in space. In relation to the Moon, these activities include supporting marsupial roving missions, enabling robotic systems that do not contain onboard nuclear or solar power generators, charging toolkits on crewed lunar terrain vehicles, and powering the heaters of critical devices to survive the lunar night. Near-field wireless power transmitters are important tools to reduce regolith incursion in mechanically mated systems and static joints. Robotic systems are increasingly utilized in warehouses, energy/utility plants, construction sites, mines, and for last mile delivery applications. Underwater robotic systems enable ocean research for aquaculture, ocean mapping and maritime trade security inspections. All of these systems are battery powered and require recharging to maintain a high level of reliability and automation.

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