An overview of long range (>>100 m) electrical power beaming

The concept of electrical power beaming, using the electromagnetic spectrum, from one distant location to another has been around since, at least the late 1800’s. This was the dream of the legendary inventor Nikolai Tesla who built a lab at Wardenclyffe, Long Island, New York to attempt a wireless electrical power delivery system. The term wireless power transfer is now more commonly used to describe this concept and there is a growing interest in solving some of the technical challenges which need to be overcome to convert concepts into workable systems.

This presentation will give an overview of the historical milestones to date, motivations, technologies, challenges and applications for long range power beaming.

About the speaker

Richard Hoad is a Chief Engineer and Capability Area Leader for Directed Energy and Weapons Systems at QinetiQ Ltd. In his role as capability area leader Richard provides strategic oversight and leadership of QinetiQ’s capability; defined as people/skills, facilities, partnerships and intellectual property (IP), in High Power Radio Frequency (HPRF); High Energy Laser (HEL); and other directed energy technologies.

Richard is the author of over 90 peer reviewed technical and journal papers on the topics above and is co-author of a book titled ‘HPEM effects on electronic systems’. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET), registered with the Engineering Council UK (ECUK) as a Chartered Engineer (C.Eng.) a HPEM Fellow of the SUMMA foundation; a QinetiQ Senior Fellow; and a Member of the Register of Security Engineers and Specialists.