Hacker News new | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submit login

“If we had a way to keep those drones and UAVs flying indefinitely, that would have really far-reaching implications. With power beaming, we have a path toward being able to do that.”

Why go through all this trouble when there's this?

https://www.amprius.com/amprius-silicon-nanowire-lithium-ion...

While 25 days is the record, I'm sure this thing can remain aloft for at least a week at a time.

To me the solution from the article appears expensive and suspiciously deathray-ish.




Because it's a superlight UAV without any instrument package or ordnance load.


I see no indication that anything heavier could be powered via the method described in the article.


The beam is on the order of kilowatts.

Noone is going to deploy satellite network just to power some semi-gliders.


But how efficiently can the drones receive such a beam?

I checked and the Zephyr S has a 5kg payload - not much, but enough for instrumentation. And they're making an even bigger one.




Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: