Planar Antenna for Transmitting Microwave Power to Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Drysdale, T. D. and Vourch, C. J. (2017) Planar Antenna for Transmitting Microwave Power to Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. In: 2016 Loughborough Antennas & Propagation Conference (LAPC), Loughborough, UK, 14-15 Nov 2016, ISBN 9781509007837 (doi: 10.1109/LAPC.2016.7807496)

Abstract

We present the design and simulation of a leaky wave antenna that has been modified to permit high power handling and produce a conical beam that is suitable for transmitting microwave power to small unmanned aerial vehicles (SUAV). We show a design with a single vertical beam of gain 25 dBi that could support the simultaneous transmission of power to three rotary winged SUAV. It would be powered by a 5 kW UHF (915 MHz) magnetron-based generator. We also show a design producing a conical beam of gain 18 dBi that would allow multiple conventionally winged, electrically propelled to fly in a circular path around the antenna, at altitudes of 10-30 m, whilst dipping a wing into the beam. The wing would contain a rectenna, or an array of rectennas, depending on mission requirements and SUAV design, and receive 15 W per rectenna at 10 m assuming a 30 kW transmitter.

• Item Type: Conference Proceedings
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Vourch, Mr Clement and Drysdale, Dr Timothy
• Authors: Drysdale, T. D., and Vourch, C. J.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering; College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Electronics and Nanoscale Engineering
• ISBN: 9781509007837