POWER Receiver Array Demonstration (PRAD) PS

Update 9/27:

Q&A Posted Update 9/23:

Proposer Day Slides Attached Update 9/10: Revised Proposer date and question submattial date included in bold to Attached amended PS. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) is soliciting innovative demonstration approaches for a ground-based receiver array for optical laser power to address challenges in the Persistent Optical Wireless Energy Relay (POWER) Program. The POWER Receiver Array Demonstration (PRAD) program seeks to develop and demonstrate a laser power beaming receiver.

The envisioned Energy Web consists of three major component types: transmitters, relays, and receivers. Optical laser power beaming technology delivers energy over long distances via transmission by laser beam that is then directed towards a receiving station. The receiving station is equipped with photovoltaic cells or similar devices that capture the laser energy and convert it back into electrical power.

A ground-to-ground demonstration is crucial for proving the feasibility and effectiveness of optical laser power beaming technology, particularly in validating the photovoltaic (PV) receiver array and its efficiency.