WO2022173985A1 - Systems and methods for energy and power transmission - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a system for power transmission. The system may comprise (a) one or more optical emitters comprising a light source configured to emit one or more optical waves; and (b) one or more optical receivers configured to receive the one or more optical waves. The one or more optical receivers may comprise (i) a plurality of photovoltaic cells arranged in a parallel configuration, and (ii) one or more waveguides disposed between the plurality of photovoltaic cells. The one or more waveguides may be configured to distribute at least a portion of the one or more optical waves to a surface of one or more photovoltaic cells of the plurality of photovoltaic cells. The one or more photovoltaic cells may be configured to absorb optical energy from the one or more optical waves and to convert the absorbed optical energy into electrical energy.

Description

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ENERGY AND POWER TRANSMISSION

CROSS-REFERENCE

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/148,886 filed February 12, 2021, which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Many activities or functions may depend on a continuous supply of power. In some cases, lapses or interruptions in power transmission may lead to undesirable and/or inconvenient disruptions or failures. Recently, a fast-growing market for readily accessible power has emerged, with many consumers seeking efficient and fast-charging energy storage devices, such as batteries. However, such energy storage devices often require a physical or wired connection to enable charging and to provide power to various electronic devices quickly and efficiently.

SUMMARY

[0003] Recognized herein is a need for reliable systems and methods for power transmission.

The systems and methods for energy storage disclosed herein may provide superior power transmission without needing or requiring a physical or wired connection. The systems and methods of the present disclosure may enable highly efficient power transmission (e.g., by increasing power transmission throughput and reducing or minimizing efficiency losses during power transmission). The systems and methods of the present disclosure may be used to implement a modular or adjustable power transmission network that can provide power to various locations, devices, or energy storage units using one or more energy sources and, for example, one or more optical elements.

[0004] The systems and methods of the present disclosure address several shortcoming associated with conventional wireless power systems and methods currently available, each of which possesses a key weakness preventing them from unlocking industrial scale applications. For example, inductive charging, which involves close contact wireless power transfer from a wireless charging unit to a smart phone, suffers from low efficiency, or complete lack thereof, over long distance transmission and is limited to consumer electronics or mobile devices that can be placed in proximity to the wireless charging unit. Because of the need to keep a device in close contact with a wireless charging unit, inductive charging is effectively a more convenient form of wired power as the user’s device is still attached to the wall outlet indirectly. In another example, radio frequency (RF) waves can be used to transmit power to a receiver producing power at an antennae receiver. This approach can achieve large distance transfer and with reasonably mass-produced components. However, it is extremely inefficient, low power, and requires prohibitively large receivers for power transmission over certain distances. For these reasons, RF is incapable of addressing large power-hungry automated systems like smart retail shelves or warehouse robotics. In yet another example, laser power beaming can be used for wireless power transfer. Lasers can be used to direct energy onto a photovoltaic surface at great distance with low attenuation loss and relatively small receivers compared with RF technologies. While lasers are reasonably efficient and photovoltaic technologies are low cost and becoming more efficient, some limitations exist in applications or scenarios requiring high power. In some instances, attempting to transfer large amounts of power to a 2-D solar cells surface area can result in tremendous overheating, thereby requiring large, bulky, expensive active cooling (which can also dramatically reduce round trip efficiency).

[0005] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a system for wireless power transmission. The system may comprise (a) one or more optical emitters comprising a light source configured to emit one or more optical waves; and (b) one or more optical receivers configured to receive the one or more optical waves.

[0006] In some embodiments, the one or more optical receivers may comprise (i) a plurality of photovoltaic cells arranged in a parallel configuration, and (ii) one or more waveguides disposed between the plurality of photovoltaic cells.

[0007] In some embodiments, the one or more waveguides may be configured to distribute at least a portion of the one or more optical waves to a surface of one or more photovoltaic cells of the plurality of photovoltaic cells.

[0008] In some embodiments, the one or more photovoltaic cells may be configured to absorb optical energy from the one or more optical waves and to convert the absorbed optical energy into electrical energy.

[0009] In some embodiments, the one or more optical emitters comprise a laser or a light emitting diode (LED).

[0010] In some embodiments, the one or more optical receivers may be located remote from the one or more optical emitters.

[0011] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising machine executable code that, upon execution by one or more computer processors, implements any of the methods above or elsewhere herein.

[0012] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a system comprising one or more computer processors and computer memory coupled thereto. The computer memory comprises machine executable code that, upon execution by the one or more computer processors, implements any of the methods above or elsewhere herein.

[0013] Additional aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become readily apparent to those skilled in this art from the following detailed description, wherein only illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure are shown and described. As will be realized, the present disclosure is capable of other and different embodiments, and its several details are capable of modifications in various obvious respects, all without departing from the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

[0014] All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0015] The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and the accompanying drawings (also “Figure” and “FIG.” herein) of which:

[0016] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates an exemplary system for wireless power transmission, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0017] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a wireless power transmission system comprising an optical element, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0018] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates an exemplary optical emitter, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0019] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates an exemplary optical receiver, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0020] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a plurality of waveguides disposed between a plurality of photovoltaic cells, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0021] FIG. 6 schematically illustrates a wireless power transmission system for powering an LED or MEMs screen, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0022] FIG. 7 schematically illustrates a comparison of efficiencies for power relay and remote backlight applications. [0023] FIG. 8 schematically illustrates examples of waveguides that may be used to achieve wireless power transmission, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0024] FIG. 9 schematically illustrates an exemplary method for power transmission, in accordance with some embodiments.

[0025] FIG. 10 schematically illustrates a computer system configured to implement methods of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] While various embodiments of the invention have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions may occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed.

[0027] Provided herein are systems and methods for power transmission and relay. Power transmission and relay may be performed using reapers or power relays, which can transfer high power over long distance efficiently and economically. The systems and methods disclosed herein address the tradeoffs associated with conventional wireless power systems, such as high power but short range, long range but low power, or low efficiency that results in large electricity consumption and costs. The systems and methods disclosed herein can be implemented to achieve efficient, long range, high power energy transfer in applications, environments, and scenarios that require remote power for large interconnected systems.

[0028] System

[0029] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a system for power transmission. The system may comprise an optical emitter and an optical receiver. In some cases, the system may comprise a plurality of optical emitters and a plurality of optical receivers.

[0030] The optical emitter may comprise a light source configured to emit light pulses, light beams, or light waves. The optical emitter may be configured to take in electricity and convert the electricity into light. The optical emitter may be configured to transmit the light to one or more optical receivers. The optical receivers can be configured to collect the light transmitted from the optical emitter and convert the light into useful electricity to power an electronic device or system.

[0031] FIG. 1 illustrates a wireless power transmission system 100. The wireless power transmission system 100 can comprise one or more optical emitters 110 and one or more optical receivers 120. The one or more optical emitters 110 may be located remote from the one or more optical receivers 120. The distance between the one or more optical emitters 110 and the one or more optical receivers 120 may be at least about 1 meter, 2 meters, 3 meters, 4 meters, 5 meters, 6 meter, 7 meters, 8 meters, 9 meters, 10 meters, 20 meters, 30 meters, 40 meters, 50 meters, 60 meters, 70 meters, 80 meters, 90 meters, 100 meters, or more. A distance between an optical emitter and an optical receiver may be with respect to the respective closest peripheries of the optical emitter and the optical receiver.

[0032] The wireless power transmission system 100 may be configured to enable wireless charging of one or more energy storage devices. The one or more energy storage devices may comprise, for example, a battery (e.g., a photon battery, a lithium ion battery, or a nickel metal hydride battery), or a supercapacitor. In some cases, the wireless power transmission system 100 may be configured to enable wireless charging of one or more external devices (e.g., a mobile device, a laptop, a computer, or any other device comprising a rechargeable battery). In some cases, the wireless power transmission system 100 may be configured to enable wireless transmission of power to one or more external devices 130 that require electrical power to operate. The one or more external devices 130 may be configured to receive electrical power from the one or more optical receivers 120.

[0033] In some embodiments, the one or more external devices 130 may comprise an electrical power consuming device. The electrical power consuming device can be an electronic device, such as a personal computer (e.g., portable PC), slate or tablet PC (e.g., Apple® iPad, Samsung® Galaxy Tab), telephone, Smart phone (e.g., Apple® iPhone, Android-enabled device, Blackberry®), or a personal digital assistant. The electronic device can be mobile or non- mobile. In some cases, the one or more external devices may comprise a battery or another energy storage system (e.g., a photon battery, a lithium ion battery, a nickel metal hydride battery, a supercapacitor, etc.). The one or more external devices may comprise an energy storage device that is charged by the wireless power transmission system. For example, the energy storage device can be integrated as a component of the one or more external devices, or otherwise electrically coupled to the one or more external devices (e.g., electrical load).

[0034] The one or more external devices 130 may be charged wirelessly using the wireless power transmission systems disclosed herein. In some cases, the optical emitters of the present disclosure can be remote and detached from other components of the system (e.g., the optical receivers). The optical emitters may be driven by a power source that is separate and/or detached from the external devices that it charges or provides power to. For example, the optical emitters may draw electrical power from the electrical grid, another energy storage device, or even another remote power source. Such optical emitters may be remote from the optical receivers, and can be configured to provide optical energy to the optical receivers over long distances, thereby enabling wireless power transmission and wireless charging of any external devices operatively coupled to the optical receivers.

[0035] The optical emitters may provide optical energy via LED, lasers, or other optical beams, as described elsewhere herein. The optical emitters may be configured to transmit optical energy to one or more optical receivers. The one or more optical receivers may be located remote from the optical emitters. In some cases, the optical emitters may be configured to transmit optical energy to one or more optical receivers via one or more waveguides. In some instances, the optical receivers and the waveguides may be disposed in a configuration that maximizes or otherwise increases the exposure of the surface area of one or more photovoltaic cells to the light waves provided by the optical emitters. For example, the optical receivers and the waveguides may be arranged in an alternating stack configuration to enable fast and efficient wireless and/or optical charging using a plurality of different types of light sources.

[0036] The systems and methods of the present disclosure may provide superior charging rates to those of conventional wireless charging systems, for example, on the order of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,

8, 9, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100 times faster or more. For example, the systems of the present disclosure can enable wireless charging at a speed of at least about 800 watts per cubic centimeters (W/cc), 850 W/cc, 900 W/cc, 1000 W/cc, 1050 W/cc, 1100 W/cc, 1150 W/cc, 1200 W/cc, 1250 W/cc, 1300 W/cc, 1350 W/cc, 1400 W/cc, 1450 W/cc, 1500 W/cc or greater.

[0037] FIG. 2 illustrates another example of a wireless power transmission system 200. The wireless power transmission system 200 can comprise one or more optical emitters 210 and one or more optical receivers 220-1, 220-2, and 220-3. The one or more optical emitters 210 may be located remote from the one or more optical receivers 220-1, 220-2, and 220-3. The wireless power transmission system 200 may be configured to enable wireless transmission of power to one or more external devices 230-1, 230-2, and 230-3 that require electrical power to operate.

The one or more external devices 230-1, 230-2, and 230-3 may be configured to receive electrical power from the one or more optical receivers 220-1, 220-2, and 220-3.

[0038] In some cases, the wireless power transmission system 200 can comprise one or more optical elements 240. The one or more optical elements 240 may be disposed between the optical emitters 210 and the one or more optical receivers 220-1, 220-2, and 220-3. In some cases, the wireless power transmission system 200 can comprise one or more optical elements 240 disposed along a beam path of one more light beams transmitted from the optical emitters 210 to the optical receivers 220-1, 220-2, and 220-3. The one or more optical elements 240 may be configured to receive optical energy transmitted from the optical emitters 210 and to direct the optical energy to the one or more optical receivers 220-1, 220-2, and 220-3. In some cases, the one or more optical elements 240 may be movable (e.g., translatable and/or rotatable) relative to the optical emitters 210 or the optical receivers 220-1, 220-2, and 220-3 to direct light waves comprising the optical energy in a desired direction or to a particular optical receiver of the one or more optical receivers 220-1, 220-2, and 220-3.

[0039] Optical emitters

[0040] The optical emitters may comprise one or more light sources to provide an initial source of energy in the form of optical energy. The one or more light sources can be configured to convert electrical energy into optical energy. The one or more light sources can be configured to emit optical energy (e.g., as photons), in the form of electromagnetic waves. In some instances, the one or more light sources can be configured to emit optical energy at a wavelength or a range of wavelengths. The wavelength or the range of wavelengths may be in the ultraviolet range (e.g., 10 nanometers (nm) to 400 nm). In some instances, the one or more light sources may be configured to emit light at other wavelengths or ranges of wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum (e.g., infrared, visible, ultraviolet, x-ray, etc.).

[0041] In some cases, the one or more light sources may comprise a natural light source (e.g., the sun). In some cases, the one or more light sources may comprise artificial light sources. The one or more artificial light sources may comprise, for example, one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs). In some embodiments, the one or more light sources may comprise one or more organic LEDs (OLEDs). The OLEDs can be capable of electro-phosphorescence, where quasi particles in the lattice of the diodes store potential energy from an electric power source and release such energy over time in the form of optical energy at visible wavelengths (e.g., 400nm to 700nm). [0042] In some embodiments, the one or more light sources may comprise one or more lasers. The one or more lasers may comprise lasers of different types, and may include any laser that produces laser beams or pulses with wavelengths within the ultraviolet, visible, or infrared spectrum. The one or more lasers may be configured to operate in either a continuous wave mode or a pulsed mode. In some cases, the one or more lasers may comprise infrared lasers and/or femtosecond lasers. The wavelengths of the laser beams or the laser pulses generated by the one or more lasers may range from about 100 nanometers (nm) to about 1000 nm, with pulse durations ranging from about 1 picosecond (ps) to about 10 microseconds (ps). In some cases, the wavelengths of the laser beams or the laser pulses may correspond to ultraviolet range wavelengths (e.g., 10 nm to 400 nm) or visible range wavelengths (e.g., 400 nm to 700 nm). In some cases, the wavelengths of the laser beams or the laser pulses may correspond to infrared, visible, ultraviolet, or x-ray wavelength spectrums. [0043] In some cases, the one or more lasers may comprise, for example, a solid-state laser, a gas laser, a liquid laser, a semiconductor laser, a chemical laser, or any other type of laser.

[0044] In some cases, the one or more lasers may comprise a solid-state laser. The solid-state laser may comprise a laser that uses a solid material (e.g., glass or a crystalline material) as a laser medium. The solid-state laser may be a ruby laser, a Nd: YAG laser, a NdCrYAG laser, an Er: YAG laser, a neodymium YLF (Nd: YLF) solid-state laser, a neodymium doped Yttrium orthovanadate (Nd: YV04) laser, a neodymium doped yttrium calcium oxoborate Nd:YCa40(B03)3 (Nd:YCOB) laser, a neodymium glass (Nd:Glass) laser, a titanium sapphire (Tksapphire) laser, a thulium YAG (Tm:YAG) laser, a ytterbium YAG (Yb:YAG) laser, a ytterbium:203 (glass or ceramics) laser, a ytterbium doped glass laser (rod, plate/chip, and fiber), a holmium YAG (Ho: YAG) laser, a chromium ZnSe (CnZnSe) laser, a cerium doped lithium strontium (or calcium) aluminum fluoride(Ce:LiSAF, Ce:LiCAF) laser, a promethium 147 doped phosphate glass solid-state laser, a chromium doped chrysoberyl (alexandrite) laser, an erbium doped laser, an erbium-ytterbium co-doped glass laser, a trivalent uranium doped calcium fluoride (U:CaF2) solid-state laser, a divalent samarium doped calcium fluoride (Sm:CaF2) laser, and/or an F-Center laser.

[0045] In some cases, the one or more lasers may comprise a gas laser. The gas laser may comprise a laser in which an electric current is discharged through a gas inside a laser medium to produce laser light. The gas laser may be an argon laser, a carbon dioxide laser, a carbon monoxide laser, an excimer laser, a helium laser, a helium-neon laser, a krypton laser, a nitrogen laser, or a xenon laser.

[0046] In some cases, the one or more lasers may comprise a liquid laser. The liquid laser may comprise a laser that uses a liquid as laser medium. In some cases, the liquid laser may be a dye laser. A dye lasers may use different organic dyes to produce emissions in the ultraviolet to near infrared spectrums. Dye lasers may be operated in visible wavelengths.

[0047] In some cases, the one or more lasers may comprise a semiconductor laser. The semiconductor laser may comprise a laser that uses a p-n junction of a semiconductor diode as the laser medium. The semiconductor laser may be a semiconductor laser diode, a GaN laser, an InGaN laser, an AlGalnP, an AlGaAs, an InGaAsP, a lead salt laser, a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL), a quantum cascade laser, and/or a hybrid silicon laser.

[0048] In some cases, the one or more lasers may comprise a chemical laser. The chemical laser may comprise, for example, a hydrogen fluoride laser, a deuterium fluoride laser, a chemical oxygen-iodine laser, or an all gas-phase iodine laser. In some cases, the chemical laser may be a metal-vapor laser. The metal-vapor laser may be a helium-cadmium (HeCd) metal-vapor laser, a helium-mercury (HeHg) metal-vapor laser, a helium-selenium (HeSe) metal-vapor laser, a helium-silver (HeAg) metal-vapor laser, a strontium vapor laser, a neon-copper (NeCu) metal- vapor laser, a copper vapor laser, a gold vapor laser, and/or a manganese (Mn/MnC12) vapor laser. In some cases, the laser may be a free electron laser, a gas dynamic laser, a Samarium laser, a Raman laser, and/or a nuclear pumped laser.

[0049] In some cases, the one or more lasers may comprise any combination of LED or laser light sources. The combination of lasers may include one or more lasers that can generate laser beams or laser pulses with wavelengths that are within the visible spectrum (e.g., within a range of about 400 nanometers to about 700 nanometers). The combination of lasers may include one or more lasers that can generate laser beams or laser pulses with wavelengths that are within the infrared spectrum (e.g., near infrared, mid infrared, or far infrared spectrum). In some cases, the one or more lasers may comprise any combination of LEDs, laser light sources, or other types of artificial light sources (e.g., incandescent or fluorescent light sources).

[0050] In some cases, the one or more lasers may comprise two or more lasers. The two or more lasers may or may not have the same properties (e.g., laser type, mode of operation, pulse energy, wavelength, frequency, pulse duration, pulse width, pulse repetition frequency, pulse energy density, average power, and/or beam spot size).

[0051] In some cases, the one or more light sources can be a laser or a lamp. The one or more light sources can comprise a plurality of light emitting devices (e.g., a plurality of LEDs). In some instances, the one or more light sources can be arranged as rows or columns of multiple LEDs. The one or more light sources can be arranged as arrays or grids of multiple columns, rows, or other axes of LEDs. The one or more light sources can be a combination of different light emitting devices. A light emitting surface of the light source can be planar or non-planar.

A light emitting surface of the light source can be substantially flat, substantially curved, or any combination of flat and curved surfaces or shapes.

[0052] In some embodiments, the one or more light sources can be supported by one or more rigid and/or flexible supports. The one or more supports may form a structural component of the optical emitters. In some cases, the supports may be configured to adjust a position and/or an orientation of the one or more light sources relative to the optical receivers (or one or more components thereof). In some cases, the supports can be used to adjust a directionality of the light sources.

[0053] Optical receivers

[0054] The optical receivers may comprise one or more photovoltaic cells to generate electrical power from optical energy. In some cases, the optical receivers may comprise one or more photovoltaic cells and one or more waveguides configured to direct waves of light to the one or more photovoltaic cells. In some cases, the optical receivers may comprise one or more waveguides configured to direct waves of light to two or more photovoltaic cells arranged in parallel or in a stack configuration.

[0055] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of an optical receiver 310 The optical receiver 310 may comprise a plurality of photovoltaic cells 320 configured to receive light waves emitted by an optical emitter. FIG. 4 illustrates an example of an optical emitter 410 that can be used to transmit light beams, light pulses, or light waves to the optical receiver 310.

[0056] Optical Elements

[0057] As described above, in some cases, one or more optical elements may be disposed between the optical emitters and the optical receivers. The one or more optical elements may be configured to adjust a direction of transmission or a beam path of the one or more light waves emitted by the optical emitters. The one or more optical elements may be configured to receive light waves from a first subset of optical emitters and to direct the light waves to a first subset of the optical receivers. In some cases, each optical emitter may be configured to transmit light waves to a particular optical element. In some cases, each optical element may be configured to direct the light waves to a particular optical receiver or a particular set of optical receivers.

[0058] In some instances, the optical emitters can comprise primary, secondary, and/or tertiary optical elements integrated with the optical emitters. In some instances, the optical elements may not or need not be integrated with the optical emitters. In some cases, the optical elements may be located remote from the optical emitters and/or the optical receivers. As described below, in some cases, the optical elements may comprise, for example, a lens, a mirror, a reflector, a diffusor, a beam splitter, or any other device or material configured to adjust a property of the light waves emitted by the optical emitters. Such property may include, for example, wavelength, frequency, phase, or direction of propagation.

[0059] As described elsewhere herein, one challenge associated with Laser Power Beaming is that lasers are not necessarily welcome in high power format for applications where humans are present. The optical emitters disclosed herein can comprise a solid state lighting source such as LEDs, which have high wall plug efficiency and low hazard concerns with human interference.

In order to focus LED spotlights over tens of meters, any of the optical elements described herein can be implemented to provide a beam spot on a face of the optical receiver while avoiding transmission of light waves or optical energy in areas or regions where humans may be present. [0060] In some cases, the systems and methods of the present disclosure can utilize intermediate optical elements (e.g., mirrors and/or lenses) to change the direction, the frequency, the beam shape, and the polarization of light between the emitter and the receiver in order to avoid obstacles, customize the light source, reshape a widening beam, and generally alter the direction and intensity.

[0061] In some cases, the optical elements can be configured to divide the light beams emitted by the optical emitters at an intermediate location in order to strike many receivers from a single emitter. In other cases, the optical elements can be configured to converge the light beams emitted by a plurality of different optical emitters in order to strike a single optical receiver. Alternatively, the optical elements can be configured to direct light beams emitted from a first optical emitter to a desired optical receiver, and to redirect light beams emitted from a second optical emitter to another desired optical receiver.

[0062] In some cases, the optical emitters may comprise custom optics to divide their emitted light across many receivers. This can be static or dynamic and changed in real time to strike any number of available receivers with varying amounts of intensity according to their power requirements. This can be done using MEMs, shutters, and/or refracting lenses with actuators, mirrors, etc. Further, wave optics and interference effects can be utilized to alter the direction and intensity of the emitter light source towards multiple receivers.

[0063] In the case of IR or Infrared lasers and other lower light frequencies, a frequency doubling or tripling optical element can be used to turn two low energy photons into one higher energy photon. This is useful for both wireless power relay systems and remote back light systems, which are described in greater detail below.

[0064] In some cases, the optical elements may comprise, for example, a lenticular lens, a Fresnel lens, or another optical element that can be fixed to the optical receiver to initially and efficiently guide light into the lightguides or waveguides of the optical receiver. The optical elements can be fixed adjacent to or remote from a receiving face of the optical receivers.

[0065] Photovoltaic cells

[0066] The wireless power transmission systems of the present disclosure may comprise one or more photovoltaic cells or solar cells that are electrically connected in series and/or in parallel.

A photovoltaic cell can generate electrical power from optical energy, such as from optical energy that is emitted by optical emitters disclosed elsewhere herein.

[0067] The photovoltaic cells can be a panel, cell, module, and/or other unit. For example, a panel can comprise one or more cells all oriented in a plane of the panel and electrically connected in various configurations. For example, a module can comprise one or more cells electrically connected in various configurations. The photovoltaic cell, or solar cell, can be configured to absorb optical energy and generate electrical power from the absorbed optical energy. In some instances, the photovoltaic cell can be configured to absorb optical energy at a wavelength or a range of wavelengths that is capable of being emitted by the optical emitters.

The photovoltaic cell can have a single band gap that is tailored to the wavelength (or range of wavelengths) of the optical energy that is emitted by the optical emitters. In some cases, the optical emitters may be adjusted to emit infrared wavelengths (e.g., 780 nm to 1 mm) or ultraviolet range wavelengths (e.g., 20 nm to 400 nm). Alternatively, the photovoltaic cell can be configured to absorb optical energy at other wavelengths (or ranges of wavelengths) in the electromagnetic spectrum (e.g., infrared, visible, ultraviolet, x-rays, etc.).

[0068] The photovoltaic cells may have any thickness. For example, the photovoltaic cells may have a thickness of about 20 micrometers. In some instances, the photovoltaic cells may have a thickness of at least about 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100 micrometers or more. Alternatively, the photovoltaic cells may have a thickness of at most about 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50, 40, 30, 29, 28, 27, 26, 25, 24, 23, 22, 21, 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10 micrometers or less.

[0069] The electrical power generated by the photovoltaic cells can be used to power an electrical load. The photovoltaic cells can be in electrical communication with the electrical load through a port of the photovoltaic cell. For example, the electrical load and the port can be electrically connected via a circuit.

[0070] Waveguide

[0071] The optical receivers may comprise one or more waveguides. As used herein, the term “waveguide(s)” may be referred to interchangeably or alternatively as “lightguide(s).” The one or more waveguides may be configured to spread a small amount of incoming light across a large solar cell surface area. In some cases, the one or more waveguides may distribute incoming light uniformly across a target area or across multiple target areas. In other cases, the one or more waveguides may distribute incoming light unevenly or with a predetermined pattern across a target area or across multiple target areas. This can be done using many different light guide materials and fabrication techniques such as white painted dots, grooves, scattering centers, etc. In some cases, the waveguides can be made from dielectrics such as plastic, acrylic, glass, and/or any other transparent materials that can transmit at least a portion of the light waves emitted by the optical emitters through the material. The one or more waveguides may greatly increase efficiency of the optical energy transfer between the one or more light sources and the one or more photovoltaic cells, and may maximize a transfer of optical energy from the optical emitters to one or more photovoltaics arranged in a stack configuration, as described elsewhere herein. [0072] The waveguides may be configured to direct waves of light to the photovoltaic cells. The waveguides may deliver optical energy from the light source to the photovoltaic cells with great efficiency and minimal loss of optical energy (or other forms of energy). The waveguides may provide optical communication between the light sources and the photovoltaic cells. By implementing waveguides to facilitate optical communication between the light source and the photovoltaic cells, the photovoltaic cells may evenly absorb the optical energy across the surface area of each of the photovoltaic cells, even if the entire surface area of each photovoltaic cell is not in direct optical communication with the light source.

[0073] The waveguides may have a maximum dimension (e.g., width, length, height, radius, diameter, etc.) of at least about 10 micrometers, 20 micrometers, 30 micrometers, 40 micrometers, 50 micrometers, 60 micrometers, 70 micrometers, 80 micrometers, 90 micrometers, 100 micrometers, 200 micrometers, 300 micrometers, 400 micrometers, 500 micrometers, 600 micrometers, 700 micrometers, 800 micrometers, 900 micrometers, 1 millimeter (mm), 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 1 centimeter (cm), 2 cm, 3 cm, 4 cm, 5 cm, 10 cm, 15 cm, 20 cm, 30 cm, 40 cm, 50 cm or more. Alternatively or in addition, the waveguides may have a maximum dimension of at most about 50 cm, 40 cm, 30 cm, 20 cm, 15 cm, 10 cm, 5 cm, 4 cm, 3 cm, 2 cm, 1 cm, 9 mm, 8 mm, 7 mm, 6 mm, 5 mm, 4 mm, 3 mm, 2 mm, 1 mm, 900 micrometers, 800 micrometers, 700 micrometers, 600 micrometers, 500 micrometers, 400 micrometers, 300 micrometers, 200 micrometers, 100 micrometers, 90 micrometers, 80 micrometers, 70 micrometers, 60 micrometers, 50 micrometers, 40 micrometers, 30 micrometers, 20 micrometers, 10 micrometers, or less. The waveguides may have a cross-sectional shape that is square, rectangular (e.g., having an aspect ratio for length to width of about 1:1.1, 1:1.2, 1:1.3, 1:1.4, 1:1.5, 1:1.6, 1:1.7, 1:1.8, 1:1.9, 1:2,

1 :3, 1:4, 1:5, 1:10, etc.), circular, or polygonal (i.e., a polygon having three or more sides). The waveguides may have other curved and/or straight edges in the cross-sectional shape.

[0074] The waveguides may comprise one or more reflective surfaces configured to direct waves from the light source to the one or more photovoltaic cells. The one or more reflective surfaces may be provided along an optical path within the waveguide to allow some waves to travel through the waveguide and to be directed to different surface regions of the one or more photovoltaic cells. There may be any number of reflective surfaces in the waveguide. For example, there may be at least about 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100,

200, 300, 400, 500, or more reflective surfaces. Alternatively or in addition, a single reflective surface may gradually increase in surface area (e.g., using a conical shape), in the optical path within the waveguide. [0075] In some cases, the waveguides may be located adjacent to one or more photovoltaic cells. In some cases, the waveguides may be located adjacent to or between two or more photovoltaic cells. The two or more photovoltaic cells may be parallel to each other. The one or more reflective surfaces may be configured to reflect the waves received from the one or more optical emitters to one or more surface regions of the photovoltaic cells. The one or more reflective surfaces may be configured to direct the light waves towards various surface regions of the photovoltaic cells at an angle. The angle may be greater than 0 degrees and less than or equal to 90 degrees.

[0076] In some instances, at least a portion of the waveguide may be coated at one or more surfaces. In some cases, the coating may comprise a dichroic coating or other optical filter(s). For example, the coating may be configured to allow waves with a first set of wavelength(s) to pass through the coating, and to reflect waves with a second set of wavelength(s), thereby preventing or minimizing transmission of waves with the second set of wavelengths through the coating. Waves with the first set of wavelengths may be allowed to pass through the coating, and waves with the second set of wavelengths may be reflected by the coating and kept within a desired layer to (i) increase the likelihood that such waves are incident upon the photovoltaic cells, and (ii) prevent such waves from entering the waveguides and generating undesired heat. [0077] The coating may have any thickness. For example, the coating may be between 0.5 micrometers and 5 micrometers. In some instances, the coating may be at least about 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8,

2.9, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 5.0 micrometers or more in thickness. Alternatively or in addition, the coating may be at most about 5.0, 4.9, 4.8, 4.7, 4.6, 4.5, 4.4, 4.3, 4.2, 4.1, 4.0, 3.9, 3.8, 3.7, 3.6, 3.5, 3.4, 3.3, 3.2, 3.1, 3.0, 2.9,

2.8, 2.7, 2.6, 2.5, 2.4, 2.3, 2.2, 2.1, 2.0, 1.9, 1.8, 1.7, 1.6, 1.5, 1.4, 1.3, 1.2, 1.1, 1.0, 0.9, 0.8, 0.7,

0.6, 0.5 micrometers or less in thickness.

[0078] The coating may be disposed between the waveguide and the photovoltaic cells. In some instances, all surfaces of the waveguide interfacing (or in optical communication with) the photovoltaic cells may be covered by the coating. In other instances, a portion of the surfaces interfacing with (or in optical communication with) the photovoltaic cells may be covered by the coating, and a portion of the surfaces interfacing (or in optical communication with) the photovoltaic cells may not be covered by the coating. In some cases, the surfaces may be uncovered and in direct optical communication with the photovoltaic cells. In other cases, the surfaces may be covered by another coating or another layer (e.g., glass, another waveguide, etc.) and may be in optical communication with the photovoltaic cells through the other coating or other layer. In some instances, the other layer can be a light guide or another layer of optical elements.

[0079] In some instances, there may be a plurality of layers between the waveguides and the photovoltaic cells, including the coating. For example, the plurality of layers may include an air gap or another fluid gap, a solid layer (e.g., glass, plastic.), other optical elements (e.g., lens, reflector, diffusor, beam splitter, etc.), and/or any other layer, in any combination, and arranged in any order or sequence.

[0080] Alternatively or in addition to the coating, the waveguides may comprise a surface feature (or multiple features) to facilitate the direction of waves towards a certain direction, and/or increase the uniformity of the direction in which waves are directed. For example, one or more surfaces of the waveguide may comprise physical structures or features, such as grooves, troughs, indentations, hills, pillars, walls, and/or other structures or features. In an example, a surface of the waveguide may comprise one or more grooves formed inwards the waveguide such that waves from the light source are uniformly reflected in a direction towards the photovoltaic cells. Such grooves (and/or other physical structures or features) may be patterned into the waveguide. The patterns may be regular or irregular. For example, the grooves may be spaced at regular intervals or irregularly spaced. In some instances, such grooves (and/or other physical structures or features) may be discrete features. The physical structure or feature may be formed by any mechanism, such as mechanical machining. In some instances, diamond turning can be used to etch or cut the physical structures or features (e.g., grooves) into the waveguide. In some instances, one or more physical features may be integral to the waveguide. In some instances, one or more physical features may be external to, and/or otherwise coupled/attached to the waveguide.

[0081] Alternatively or in addition to the coating and/or the surface features, the waveguides may further comprise surface marking to facilitate the direction of waves towards a certain direction. For example, one or more surfaces of the waveguide may comprise painted markings having certain optical properties that facilitating the scattering of waves in a certain direction. For example, such painted markings may be white painted dots that facilitate scatter of light towards the photovoltaic cells. The waveguides may comprise any number of such painted dots (or other surface markings). The waveguides may comprise any type of painted markings, including other colored dots. The markings may form a pattern. The patterns may be regular or irregular. For example, the dots may be spaced at regular intervals or irregularly spaced. In some instances, such dots may be discrete markings. [0082] The waveguides may be configured to direct waves emitted from the optical emitters to the photovoltaic cells. Beneficially, the waveguides may deliver optical energy to the photovoltaic cells with great efficiency and minimal loss of optical energy (or other forms of energy). The waveguides may provide optical communication between the optical emitters and a plurality of surface regions of the photovoltaic cells that may not be in direct optical communication with the optical emitters, allowing for flexible arrangements of the photovoltaic cell relative to the optical emitters. For example, without waveguides, the optical energy emitted from the optical emitters may be absorbed most efficiently by the immediately adjacent light absorbing surface of the photovoltaic cells, if it reaches the photovoltaic cell at all. The optical energy that is emitted towards the photovoltaic cells may not be distributed across the entire surface area of the photovoltaic cells. While exposure of large surface areas of the photovoltaic cells may facilitate efficient optical energy delivery from the optical emitters to the photovoltaic cells, this may be impractical and expensive when constructing compact energy storage systems. By implementing waveguides to facilitate optical communication between the optical emitters and the photovoltaic cells, the photovoltaic cells may efficiently absorb the optical energy from the optical emitters even if the photovoltaic cells are not immediately adjacent to or in direct optical communication with the optical emitters. In some cases, the waveguides may have a refractive index such as to allow for total internal reflection of at least a portion of the optical waves within the waveguide until the optical energy of the waves is transmitted to a plurality of surface regions of the photovoltaic cells.

[0083] In some embodiments, the waveguides may comprise one or more hollow core waveguides. For example, the waveguides may be an optical fiber or cable with a hollow core. Alternatively, the waveguides may have a cavity or trench with an opening. The waveguides may have a plurality of cavities or trenches with a plurality of openings. The hollow core may be any shape (e.g., rectangular, triangular, hexagonal, non-polygonal, etc.).

[0084] As described above, the wireless power transmission systems of the present disclosure may comprise one or more optical receivers comprising one or more waveguides or light guides. The one or more waveguides or light guides may be positioned in between various photovoltaic cells, which may be arranged in a stack configuration. The purpose of the lightguides is to uniformly spread a small amount of incoming light across a large solar cell surface area. This can be done using many different light guide materials and fabrication techniques such as white painted dots, grooves, scattering centers, etc. The lightguides can be made from dielectrics such as acrylic or glass and other transparent materials. [0085] FIG. 8 shows various examples of light guides. In one example, the lightguide 810 may comprise a reflective surface or a reflector, a light guide plate, and a diffusion film. In another example, the lightguide 820 may comprise a hollow cavity lightguide. A hollow cavity lightguide can be used to save on cost of material, weight of receiver, and shipping costs. The hollow cavity lightguides can be used compatibly with a collapsing or collapsible receiver system which is more easily shipped or transported to where it is needed. The reduced weight also allows for large models to be easily carried and deployed without heavy machinery or forklifts. The hollow cavity may primarily comprise air by volume. In some cases, the hollow cavity lightguide may comprise a housing for a reflector, a reflective surface, and a diffusion plate. The reflector, the reflective surface, and the diffusion plate may be configured to direct one or more light waves received from an optical emitter (e.g., an LED light source) to one or more photovoltaic cells.

[0086] Stack Configuration

[0087] As described above, one challenge associated with Laser Power Beaming is heat generation. The problem with shining an intense laser beam on a small solar cell surface area is that the thin solar cell material will heat up, thereby reducing its efficiency and even destroying the receiver if not cooled properly. This means that intense active cooling must be introduced for conventional Laser Power Beaming, which is costly and reduces efficiency. The systems of the present disclosure provides a geometrical solution to address thermal issues. Instead of using a flat solar panel receiver, the systems disclosed herein utilize light guides which guide incoming light onto vertically stacked solar cells. This dramatically increases the working surface area of the receiver photovoltaic, and allows for what can be approximated as volumetric absorption (as opposed to two-dimensional (2D) absorption. By stacking a plurality of light guides and photovoltaic cells on top of each other in an alternating configuration, light transmitted to the plurality of stacked light guides and photovoltaic cells can be uniformly spread across a larger surface area of the solar cells.

[0088] In some cases, the one or more photovoltaic cells may be arranged in a stack configuration. FIG. 5 illustrates a configuration of vertically stacked solar cells 501. One or more waveguides 502 (also referred to herein as “lightguides”) may be positioned between two or more of the stacked solar cells 501. The stack configuration may comprise alternating layers of solar cells 501 and waveguides 502. Incoming high intensity light from one or more optical emitters 510 may strike the edges of the one or more stacked light guides 502. The incident beams of light may be distributed (e.g., uniformly) onto surface areas of the solar cells 501 which are lying flat face down on the light guide layers 502. Spreading out the light intensity onto many layers can effectively solve over heating issues and also increase volumetric absorption of energy while still allowing the use of an intense small diameter beam source.

While FIG. 5 shows the photovoltaic cells and the waveguides in a vertical stack configuration, the configuration is not limited as such. For example, the photovoltaic cells and the waveguides can be horizontally stacked or concentrically stacked.

[0089] In some instances, there can be an air gap between the waveguides and the photovoltaic cells. In some instances, there can be another intermediary layer between the waveguides and the photovoltaic cells. The intermediary layer can be air or another fluid. The intermediary layer can be a light guide or another layer of optical elements (e.g., lens, reflector, diffusor, beam splitter, etc.). In some instances, there can be a plurality of intermediary layers between the waveguides and the photovoltaic cells.

[0090] FIG. 6 illustrates a system for remote backlight (RBL) applications. The system may comprise an optical light source 610. The system may further comprise a plurality of solar cells 620 arranged in a stack configuration. The system may further comprise one or more lightguides or waveguides 630 positioned between two or more solar cells of the plurality of solar cells 620 arranged in the stack configuration. The optical light source 610 may comprise a laser light source, an LED light source, or a natural light source (e.g., sunlight). In some cases, the optical light source 610 may comprise an optical emitter as described elsewhere herein. Light from the optical light source 610 can be used to replace the ordinary edge or back lit LCD pixels with light coming in from the lightguides. In some cases, the optical light source 610 may be configured to emit light waves having a first frequency towards the plurality of solar cells 620 arranged in the stack configuration. In some cases, the optical light source 610 may be configured to emit light waves having a second frequency towards one or more waveguides positioned adjacent to an LCD (liquid crystal display) or MEMs (microelectromechanical system) screen 640. The second frequency may be greater than the first frequency. The light waves having the second frequency may be used to excite fluorescent phosphors in the display pixels of the LCD or MEMs screen 640.

[0091] Some of the light emitted from the optical light source 610 may be distributed onto the one or more solar cells 620 to control the TFT (Thin Film Transistor) of the LCD addressed pixels and to turn the pixels on and/or off to generate images on the LCD screen 640. Some of the energy produced by the solar cells 620 can also be used to control the processing, memory, and connectivity of the display 640. [0092] Remote Backlight (RBL)

[0093] In some embodiments, much power can be saved by not locally powering the display light using electricity generated by the photovoltaic cells, but instead by simply passing the light through the edge lit lightguides and then into the eyes of a viewer, without converting between light and electricity. In other words, when transmitting power wirelessly in the form of light, and one or more devices operatively coupled to the system require the production of light at the receiver end, the system can be configured to keep the transmitted light as light in order to avoid conversion efficiency losses that occur when turning the transmitted light into electricity to power LEDs, which ultimately just produce light.

[0094] RBL Efficiency

[0095] Further efficiency is achieved with RBL due to losses in polarizers typically seen in LCD displays. In order for an LCD display to work, it needs polarized light. So, the onboard LEDs must pass their light through polarizer films which typically result in major losses of about 50%. With laser light coming in that is naturally polarized when generated, this loss is avoided.

[0096] FIG. 7 illustrates RBL efficiency in an exemplary use case. If an optical emitter comprising a light source initially emits 100 units of energy and sends light from a light source that is 50% efficient, then the receiver may receive 50 units of energy. If this receiver uses solar cells which are 20% efficient, then the solar cells may produce 10 units of energy. If that energy is used to power an LED that is 50% efficient, then the LED may produce 5 units of energy. If the light produced by the LED passes through a polarizer with 50% efficiency, the receiver may only receive 2.5 units of energy in the form of polarized light which passes into the LCD pixels. [0097] In the case of RBL, 100 units of energy may initially be emitted and sent as laser light at 50% efficiency to a receiver which now has 50 units of light energy in its light guides. These light guides can then pass this polarized light into the LCD pixels directly. In this scenario, the RBL system can be at least about 20 times more efficient at getting light into LCD pixels wirelessly. Some of the light emitted by the optical emitter can still be sent to some solar cell layers for powering the LCD pixel matrix, which is a small portion of the power consumption of the display. In summary, the RBL system can save an enormous amount of electricity costs and hardware needed to transmit and receive energy for remote powered displays.

[0098] Remotely Guided Projection

[0099] An additional approach to save power on processing data and controlling TFT pixels is to send not just light but an entire image to the light guides of a display. To achieve this remotely guided projection, the optical emitter may be configured to transmit one or more light waves, light beams, or light pulses that can be aggregated or processed to generate a desired image or series of images. In such cases, the display may be configured to uniformly spread the image of a small receiver face across a viewing face of the display. This may involve using the optical emitter to transmit light waves having a plurality of different frequencies in order to create large arrays of colors images. In some embodiments, the screen may have a dark black background to produce true blacks and provide improved contrast.

[0100] Thermal Management

[0101] As described above, using one or more laser light sources for wireless power transmission may generate heat, which can reduce the efficiency of the photovoltaic cells. To mitigate thermal loads associated with the use of laser light sources and photovoltaic cells, the system may comprise one or more thermal management devices. In some cases, the thermal management devices may comprise cooling fans and/or heat sinks. In some cases, the thermal management devices may comprise one or more liquid cooling systems. In some cases, the waveguides and/or the photovoltaic cells of the optical receivers may be placed in contact with a frame or other structural element of the optical receivers to facilitate thermal management via heat conduction.

[0102] Method

[0103] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for wireless power transmission. FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary method for wireless power relay and transmission. In a first step 901, the method may comprise emitting one or more optical waves to one or more optical receivers. The one or more optical receivers may comprise one or more waveguides and one or more photovoltaic cells provided adjacent to the one or more waveguides. In a second step 902, the method may comprise directing the one or more optical waves through the one or more waveguides. In a third step 903, the method may comprise distributing at least a portion of the one or more optical waves onto a surface area of the one or more photovoltaic cells via the one or more waveguides. In a fourth step 904, the method may comprise using the one or more photovoltaic cells to absorb the optical energy of the one or more optical waves and to convert the absorbed optical energy into electrical power. In some instances, the electrical power generated by the photovoltaic cells can be used to power an electrical load that is electrically coupled to the photovoltaic cells. The electrical load can be an electronic device, such as a mobile phone, tablet, or computer. The electrical load can be a vehicle, such as a car, a boat, an airplane, or a train. The electrical load can be a power grid. In some instances, at least some of the electrical power generated by the photovoltaic cells can be used to charge a rechargeable battery (e.g., lithium ion battery. The rechargeable battery can in turn be used to power one or more electronic devices. [0104] Computer Systems

[0105] FIG. 10 shows a computer control system. The present disclosure provides computer control systems that are programmed to implement the methods of the present disclosure. A computer system 1001 is programmed or otherwise configured to control or adjust an operation of the one or more optical emitters, the one or more optical receivers, and/or the one or more optical elements, in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein. For example, the computer system 1001 can be configured to adjust a power, a directionality, or a beam spot size of one or more optical waves emitted by the one or more optical emitters. In another example, the computer system 1001 can be configured to control or adjust a position and/or an orientation of the one or more optical elements to direct the one or more optical waves emitted by the one or more optical emitters to a particular optical receiver or a particular subset of optical receivers. In yet another example, the computer system 1001 can be configured to control or adjust an operation of the one or more optical emitters and/or the one or more optical elements to achieve a desired amount or rate of wireless power transmission. In some cases, the computer system 1001 can be a controller, a microcontroller, or a microprocessor. In some cases, the computer system 1001 can be an electronic device of a user or a computer system that is remotely located with respect to the electronic device. The electronic device can be a mobile electronic device. [0106] The computer system 1001 includes a central processing unit (CPU, also “processor” and “computer processor” herein) 1005, which can be a single core or multi core processor, or a plurality of processors for parallel processing. The computer system 1001 also includes memory or memory location 1010 (e.g., random-access memory, read-only memory, flash memory), electronic storage unit 1015 (e.g., hard disk), communication interface 1020 (e.g., network adapter) for communicating with one or more other systems, and peripheral devices 1025, such as cache, other memory, data storage and/or electronic display adapters. The memory 1010, storage unit 1015, interface 1020 and peripheral devices 1025 are in communication with the CPU 1005 through a communication bus (solid lines), such as a motherboard. The storage unit 1015 can be a data storage unit (or data repository) for storing data. The computer system 1001 can be operatively coupled to a computer network (“network”) 1030 with the aid of the communication interface 1020. The network 1030 can be the Internet, an internet and/or extranet, or an intranet and/or extranet that is in communication with the Internet. The network 1030 in some cases is a telecommunication and/or data network. The network 1030 can include one or more computer servers, which can enable distributed computing, such as cloud computing. The network 1030, in some cases with the aid of the computer system 1001, can implement a peer-to-peer network, which may enable devices coupled to the computer system 1001 to behave as a client or a server.

[0107] The CPU 1005 can execute a sequence of machine-readable instructions, which can be embodied in a program or software. The instructions may be stored in a memory location, such as the memory 1010. The instructions can be directed to the CPU 1005, which can subsequently program or otherwise configure the CPU 1005 to implement methods of the present disclosure. Examples of operations performed by the CPU 1005 can include fetch, decode, execute, and writeback.

[0108] The CPU 1005 can be part of a circuit, such as an integrated circuit. One or more other components of the system 1001 can be included in the circuit. In some cases, the circuit is an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0109] The storage unit 1015 can store files, such as drivers, libraries and saved programs. The storage unit 1015 can store user data, e.g., user preferences and user programs. The computer system 1001 in some cases can include one or more additional data storage units that are external to the computer system 1001, such as located on a remote server that is in communication with the computer system 1001 through an intranet or the Internet.

[0110] The computer system 1001 can communicate with one or more local and/or remote computer systems through the network 1030. For example, the computer system 1001 can communicate with one or more local energy storage systems or units in the network 1030. In other examples, the computer system 1001 can communicate with a remote computer system of a user. Examples of remote computer systems include personal computers (e.g., portable PC), slate or tablet PC’s (e.g., Apple® iPad, Samsung® Galaxy Tab), telephones, Smart phones (e.g., Apple® iPhone, Android-enabled device, Blackberry®), or personal digital assistants. The user can access the computer system 1001 via the network 1030.

[0111] Methods as described herein can be implemented by way of machine (e.g., computer processor) executable code stored on an electronic storage location of the computer system 1001, such as, for example, on the memory 1010 or electronic storage unit 1015. The machine executable or machine readable code can be provided in the form of software. During use, the code can be executed by the processor 1005. In some cases, the code can be retrieved from the storage unit 1015 and stored on the memory 1010 for ready access by the processor 1005. In some situations, the electronic storage unit 1015 can be precluded, and machine-executable instructions are stored on memory 1010.

[0112] The code can be pre-compiled and configured for use with a machine having a processor adapted to execute the code, or can be compiled during runtime. The code can be supplied in a programming language that can be selected to enable the code to execute in a pre-compiled or as-compiled fashion.

[0113] Aspects of the systems and methods provided herein, such as the computer system 1001, can be embodied in programming. Various aspects of the technology may be thought of as “products” or “articles of manufacture” typically in the form of machine (or processor) executable code and/or associated data that is carried on or embodied in a type of machine readable medium. Machine-executable code can be stored on an electronic storage unit, such as memory (e.g., read-only memory, random-access memory, flash memory) or a hard disk. “Storage” type media can include any or all of the tangible memory of the computers, processors or the like, or associated modules thereof, such as various semiconductor memories, tape drives, disk drives and the like, which may provide non-transitory storage at any time for the software programming. All or portions of the software may at times be communicated through the Internet or various other telecommunication networks. Such communications, for example, may enable loading of the software from one computer or processor into another, for example, from a management server or host computer into the computer platform of an application server. Thus, another type of media that may bear the software elements includes optical, electrical and electromagnetic waves, such as used across physical interfaces between local devices, through wired and optical landline networks and over various air-links. The physical elements that carry such waves, such as wired or wireless links, optical links or the like, also may be considered as media bearing the software. As used herein, unless restricted to non-transitory, tangible “storage” media, terms such as computer or machine “readable medium” refer to any medium that participates in providing instructions to a processor for execution.

[0114] Hence, a machine readable medium, such as computer-executable code, may take many forms, including but not limited to, a tangible storage medium, a carrier wave medium or physical transmission medium. Non-volatile storage media include, for example, optical or magnetic disks, such as any of the storage devices in any computer(s) or the like, such as may be used to implement the databases, etc. shown in the drawings. Volatile storage media include dynamic memory, such as main memory of such a computer platform. Tangible transmission media include coaxial cables; copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires that comprise a bus within a computer system. Carrier-wave transmission media may take the form of electric or electromagnetic signals, or acoustic or light waves such as those generated during radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) data communications. Common forms of computer-readable media therefore include for example: a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, DVD or DVD-ROM, any other optical medium, punch cards paper tape, any other physical storage medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a ROM, a PROM and EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave transporting data or instructions, cables or links transporting such a carrier wave, or any other medium from which a computer may read programming code and/or data. Many of these forms of computer readable media may be involved in carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions to a processor for execution.

[0115] The computer system 1001 can include or be in communication with an electronic display 1035 that comprises a user interface (EΊ) 1040 for providing, for example, user control options (e.g., start or terminate emission of optical waves from the one or more optical emitters, control or adjust a position or an orientation of one or more optical elements, control an operation of the one or more photovoltaic cells of the one or more optical receivers, etc.). Examples of UFs include, without limitation, a graphical user interface (GET) and web-based user interface.

[0116] Methods and systems of the present disclosure can be implemented by way of one or more algorithms. An algorithm can be implemented by way of software upon execution by the central processing unit 1005. The algorithm can, for example, detect a need for electrical power. The algorithm can be further configured to control an operation of the one or more optical emitters to emit one or more optical waves towards the one or more optical receivers. The algorithm can be further configured to monitor and control an operation of the one or more photovoltaic cells to convert the optical energy into electrical power. The algorithm can be further configured to direct the electrical power to one or more external devices to power one or more electrical loads. The algorithm can be further configured to determine an amount or a rate of power transmission, and to adjust an operation of the one or more optical emitters to increase or decrease the amount or rate of power transmission.

[0117] While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. It is not intended that the invention be limited by the specific examples provided within the specification. While the invention has been described with reference to the aforementioned specification, the descriptions and illustrations of the embodiments herein are not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. Furthermore, it shall be understood that all aspects of the invention are not limited to the specific depictions, configurations or relative proportions set forth herein which depend upon a variety of conditions and variables. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed in practicing the invention. It is therefore contemplated that the invention shall also cover any such alternatives, modifications, variations or equivalents. It is intended that the following claims define the scope of the invention and that methods and structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby.

Claims

CLAIMS WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A system for power transmission, comprising:

(a) one or more optical emitters comprising a light source configured to emit one or more optical waves; and

(b) one or more optical receivers configured to receive the one or more optical waves, wherein the one or more optical receivers comprise (i) a plurality of photovoltaic cells arranged in a parallel configuration, and (ii) one or more waveguides disposed between the plurality of photovoltaic cells, wherein the one or more waveguides are configured to distribute at least a portion of the one or more optical waves to at least two surfaces of one or more photovoltaic cells of the plurality of photovoltaic cells, wherein the one or more photovoltaic cells are configured to absorb optical energy from the one or more optical waves and to convert the absorbed optical energy into electrical energy.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more optical emitters comprise a laser or a light emitting diode (LED).

3. The system of claim 1, wherein there is a gap between the one or more optical emitters and the one or more optical receivers.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the one or more optical receivers are located at least 5 meters (m) from the one or more optical emitters.

5. The system of claim 1, further comprising one or more optical elements, wherein the one or more optical elements are movable relative to the one or more optical emitters or the one or more optical receivers.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the one or more optical elements are configured to change a direction of the one or more optical waves from a first receiver of the one or more optical receivers to a second receiver of the one or more optical receivers.

7. The system of claim 5, wherein the light source is a solid-state light source and the one or more optical elements are configured to provide a beam spot on a face of an optical receiver of the one or more optical receivers.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the light source may comprise at least two lasers.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein a first laser and a second laser of the at least two lasers do not emit the same optical wave.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more optical emitters comprise one or more optical elements configured to divide the light emitted from the optical emitter across a plurality of receivers.

11. The system of claim 11, wherein the one or more optical elements are dynamic and are configured change a direction of the one or more optical waves to strike a plurality of receivers.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more optical emitters may be configured to increase or decrease an intensity of the optical wave according to a power requirement of a receiver.

13. The system of claim 1, further comprising an optical element configured to increase a frequency of the optical wave.

14. The system of claim 14, wherein said optical element turns at least two low energy photons into at least one higher energy photon.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more waveguides are configured to distribute the optical waves in a predetermined pattern across at least one target area.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of a waveguide of the one or more waveguides is coated on one or more surfaces, wherein the coating comprises a dichroic coating configured to allow a first set of waves with a first set of wavelengths to pass through the coating and to reflect a second set of waves with a second set of wavelengths.

17. The system of claim 17, wherein the dichroic coating is configured to reflect the second set of waves and (i) increase the amount of the second set of waves are incident upon one or more photovoltaic cells or (ii) decrease the amount of the second set of waves that are absorbed by a material of the waveguide and generate heat.

18. A method for wireless power transmission comprising:

(a) emitting one or more optical waves via one or more optical emitters to one or more optical receivers, wherein the one or more optical receivers comprise (i) a plurality of photovoltaic cells arranged in a parallel configuration, and (ii) one or more waveguides provided adjacent to the plurality of photovoltaic cells;

(b) directing the one or more optical waves through the one or more waveguides;

(c) distributing at least a portion of the one or more optical waves onto a surface area of the one or more photovoltaic cells via the one or more waveguides

(d) using the one or more photovoltaic cells, absorbing the optical energy of the one or more optical waves and converting the absorbed optical energy into electrical power.