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Power-by-light systems and their components: an evaluation
Applied Optics
|June 29, 2010
Summary
This study demonstrates efficient power-by-light (PBL) systems for energy transfer across barriers. Optimized components achieved 5.5% system efficiency, with potential for 12% in future power delivery applications.
Area of Science:
- Optoelectronics
- Energy Transfer Systems
Background:
- Power-by-light (PBL) technology enables wireless energy transfer across physical barriers.
- Efficient energy conversion and transmission are critical for practical PBL applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test and evaluate small-scale power-by-light systems and their components.
- To assess the efficiency of energy transfer across a barrier using optimized PBL components.
Main Methods:
- Utilized high-power laser diodes, large numerical aperture fibers, high-efficiency solar cells, and DC-DC converters.
- Measured continuous laser diode power output (up to 3.6 W) and light-to-electrical power conversion efficiency (46%) of solar cells.
- Evaluated system efficiency for 100-mJ and 220-mJ PBL systems charging capacitors.
Main Results:
- Laser diodes converted ~40% of electrical power to light; fibers transmitted up to 92% of incident energy.
- Solar cells achieved 46% light-to-electrical conversion efficiency with an 89% fill factor.
- System efficiencies of 3.4% and 5.5% were achieved for 100-mJ and 220-mJ systems, respectively.
Conclusions:
- Optimized components significantly enhance PBL system performance.
- Current PBL systems demonstrate practical energy transfer capabilities.
- Future improvements are projected to reach 12% system efficiency, enabling wider applications.
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