Power Distribution System for Continuous Operation

Abstract:

Success of numerous long-term robotic network missions in space, air, ground, and water is measured by the ability of the robots to operate for extended time in highly dynamic and potentially hazardous operating environments. The proposed work responds to the urgency for development of innovative mobile power distribution systems that lower deployment and operating costs, while simultaneously increasing mission efficiency, and supporting the network’s need to be responsive to changing physical conditions. The objectives address two interconnected challenges. Objective 1 is to create network optimization and formation strategies that enable a system to reconfigure itself to meet overall mission specification, network size, individual energy needs, and situational needs. Objective 2 is to develop an experimental test-bed that utilizes wireless energy transfer for marine settings and is capable of implementing the network assumptions and formation strategies that arise out of Objective 1. The developed tools and algorithms will greatly impact global predictions from sustainable Arctic system exploration, post-disaster assessment and response, and space explorations like Mars One 2025. This work will build a roadmap for permanent deployment of large-scale network systems, extending the life from days to months or even years, and boost endurance for missions with a high level of complexity. Such a system will play a vital role in real-time controlled applications across multiple disciplines such as sensor networks, robotics, and transportation systems.