We're using a microwave (MW) powered transmitter at 2.45 GHz to a rectenna
capable of converting to DC power. The power drives a motor which turns a
roller assembly that climbs up the tether.
Microwave power transmission technology initially was developed in the 1970s when a microwave
powered helicopter took flight. Another pioneering effort into microwave flight was undertaken
by a joint CRC (Communications Research Canada) and UTIAS (University of Toronto Institute for
Aerospace Studies) effort. The project was called
SHARP.
The efficiencies that can be achieved via microwave wireless power transmission (WPT) greatly
surpass those of solar collectors (50-75% as compared to 15-25%).
The key to microwave power transmission is the rectenna - a rectifying antenna that
rectifies the MW signal into a signal that can power a climber. Here are references to manuscripts
that are relevant.
A. Alden, T. Ohno, "Single Foreplane High Power Rectenna", Electronics Letters May 1992 vol. 28 no. 11 pp 1072-1073
B. Strassner, K. Chang, "5.8-GHz Circularly Polarized Rectifying Antenna for Wireless Microwave Power Transmission", IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON MICROWAVE THEORY AND TECHNIQUES, VOL. 50, NO. 8, AUGUST 2002
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