At the Altai State Agrarian University (ASAU), a thermoelectric battery for drones has been developed. It can be charged using electromagnetic waves without physical connection to a power source. This is stated in the patent for the invention.
Electromagnetic frequency power is a new technology that allows energy to be transmitted to an unmanned aerial vehicle via electromagnetic waves without the need for direct physical connection. This technology makes it possible to transmit electrical energy over distances of up to several hundred meters, which is an ideal solution for unmanned aerial vehicles that can remain airborne for extended periods of time during flight without having to return to the ground to replace or recharge batteries.
The new battery uses the principle of direct conversion of thermal energy into electrical energy, unlike its counterparts. The main innovation is a graphite core that heats up under the influence of electromagnetic radiation.
Special thermocouples in the graphite convert thermal energy into electric current. To improve the efficiency of the system, active cooling of the external elements is provided.
Prototype tests have confirmed the reliability of the developed technology. The use of a standard industrial inverter made it possible to achieve stable electricity generation at a distance of up to 70 cm from the radiation source. This opens up new prospects for creating wireless charging stations for drones.
The development solves one of the key problems of modern unmanned aviation — limited flight time. The new technology will allow drones to operate for virtually unlimited time within the range of the transmitter.
Earlier, www1.ru reported that the production of batteries for drones has been established in St. Petersburg.