Harvesting electromagnetic waves using copper coil for deep space propulsion

Rashickha, DS and Mariappan, A and Sukumaran, A and Tamilselvi, R and Ibrahim, A and Sanal Kumar, VR (2020) Harvesting electromagnetic waves using copper coil for deep space propulsion. In: AIAA Propulsion and Energy 2020 Forum, 24-28 August 2020, Virtual, Online, pp. 1-10.

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Abstract

Electromagnetic (EM) waves bring energy into a system by virtue of its electric and magnetic fields. As a proof of the concept we demonstrated herein the use of copper coils for harvesting EM waves from the atmosphere to create voltage. As a first step, classical laboratory tests are carried out at the sea level for establishing the concept and further theoretical studies are conducted. The experience gained from the sea level tests proved that the voltage produced from harvesting EM waves from the outer atmosphere can be utilized for power supply sources in micro/nano systems/thrusters, rovers and deep space propulsion probes. The test setup involves a simple helical antenna that works as a receiver, to harvest the cosmic radio waves and produce electricity. The design optimization of copper coils is explored and a mathematical model with existing design features for antennae are investigated. Geometrical optimization of the copper coil depends on the diameter, pitch and number of turns. The results are optimized based on frequency, electromagnetic field intensity and power. The dominant contributor to the power production in terms of geometrical parameters are theoretically studied. Modeling of an analytical system of equations for predicting ideal/semi-ideal energy harvesting is carried out in detail. The current research is aimed for scientific exploration to enhance the space systems and subsystems endurance, which however is depending on the power density and field intensity of the EM waves as it is a possible alternative power source to solar/starlight. We concluded that the proposed lucrative method for garnering EM waves from the outer environment is a viable technique for energy scavenging for various power systems on-board, and also for deep space propulsion applications. © 2020, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Inc, AIAA. All rights reserved.

Item Type:	Conference Paper
Publication:	AIAA Propulsion and Energy 2020 Forum
Publisher:	American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Inc, AIAA
Additional Information:	cited By 0; Conference of AIAA Propulsion and Energy 2020 Forum ; Conference Date: 24 August 2020 Through 28 August 2020; Conference Code:244349
Keywords:	Copper; Cosmology; Electric power generation; Electric power systems; Electromagnetic fields; Energy harvesting; Geometry; Helical antennas; Sea level; Spacecraft propulsion, Alternative power; Analytical systems; Cosmic radio waves; Design optimization; Electric and magnetic fields; Geometrical optimization; Scientific exploration; Theoretical study, Electromagnetic waves
Department/Centre:	Others
Date Deposited:	03 Dec 2020 07:21
Last Modified:	03 Dec 2020 07:21
URI:	http://eprints.iisc.ac.in/id/eprint/66789

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