REctenna in Millimeter-Wave frequency range for High-POWer Energy Reception

Introduction

The REMPOWER project embarks on a pioneering journey to harness the untapped potential of space-based solar power (SBSP) through innovative rectenna technology and sub-THz wireless energy transmission. However, SBSP also faces many challenges, such as high launch costs, technical difficulties, and potential safety and security issues.

Technical Objectives

At its core, REMPOWER is driven by four pivotal technical objectives associated with the capture and rectification of a sub-THz high energy beam:

1. 100 GHz Modular, Flexible and Lightweight Rectenna:

   • REMPOWER will develop rectenna technologies capable of capturing energy at 100 GHz.
   • These modular rectenna technologies will provide modularity and flexibility at the panel level and will allow the reduction of the weight of the final solution.

2. High Efficiency and High Power Rectification:

   • REMPOWER’s advanced diode and rectifier modeling and design will allow tackling high rectification efficiency and high power handling capability, despite the sub-THz constraint.
   • This will yield high output DC power while limiting the cost related to the number of required non-linear devices.

3. Nonlinear Rectifier and Rectenna Characterization:

   • REMPOWER will introduce a novel approach by subjecting rectifiers to wideband signals, enabling a comprehensive analysis of amplitudes and phases across multiple intermodulation frequencies.
   • This breakthrough will unveil intricate nonlinear behaviors for heightened efficiency.

4. Scalable Rectenna Arrays for Large Surfaces:

   • REMPOWER will focus on scalability to enable high-power transmission, to reduce design and manufacturing costs, and to improve modularity and flexibility.

Conclusion

The progress within REMPOWER transcends current technological boundaries, offering promise for sustainable in-space mobility solutions and renewable energy generation. By conquering the challenges of high-frequency energy capture, REMPOWER will reshape the future of space exploration, energy generation, and sustainability.