Modeling the Efficiency in Transmitting Power Wireless via Radio Frequencies
Strike Labs collaborated with Forcyte to develop a web-based calculator designed to model the efficiency of wireless power transmission via radio frequency. This initiative was grounded in patented research from the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Crane Division, focusing on calculating power transmission efficiency across varying distances, frequencies, and environmental conditions.
While wireless power transmission via radio frequency is not a novel concept—evident in applications like smartphone charging—scaling this technology for autonomous systems operating at altitude and speed presented unique challenges.
System Integration and Capabilities
Strike Labs led the system integration effort, combining atmospheric modeling, power routing logic, and user interface design into a cohesive mission optimization tool for energy-aware autonomous assets.
Algorithm Development
The platform calculated transmission efficiency based on transmitter power output, frequency, aperture area, atmospheric data, and geometric range, including elevation-aware corrections. It also supported "what-if" scenarios to simulate performance across alternate configurations.
Real-Time Monitoring
The system tracked drone and receiver positions, energy reserves, and charging events in real time, aiming to maintain airborne operations longer than previously possible through in-flight power delivery.
Mission Optimization
By planning for aerial refueling—not of fuel, but energy—the system facilitated automated handoffs and charging relays across a network of unmanned systems. Semi-autonomous drones could adjust mission plans dynamically to optimize coverage, charge cycles, and task success rates.
Terrain-Aware Altitude Modeling
Recognizing that height over ground is not equivalent to altitude, the system corrected for this using elevation data from coordinate-specific APIs combined with above-ground sensor height. This allowed for accurate calculation of vertical separation and, with horizontal distance, generation of precise line-of-sight vectors using Pythagorean models. The platform also scanned terrain along the beam path to identify potential obstructions.
Power Efficiency Modeling
Building upon NSWC Crane-developed formulas, the system incorporated additional real-world factors:
Aperture area of both transmitter and receiver
Signal frequency and power
Range and beam geometry
Atmospheric pressure, humidity, and weather conditions
Device-specific specifications, including battery charge rate and power draw
This comprehensive modeling supported dynamic routing of power mid-mission across aircraft, towers, or ground receivers.
Strategic Context
The Air Force Research Laboratory's (AFRL) Space Solar Power Incremental Demonstrations and Research (SSPIDR) project has laid the groundwork for orbital solar collection with terrestrial radio wave transmission. The collaboration between Strike Labs and Forcyte explored the application of these principles to near-Earth, multi-asset, tactical scenarios without relying on orbital infrastructure.
While the project has concluded, the insights and developments achieved continue to inform ongoing research and development in wireless power transmission and autonomous mission planning.
