Laser wireless power transfer system design for lunar rover

In order to address the future power generation needs for scientific exploration of the lunar permanently shadowed regions, this paper proposes a laser wireless power transfer (LWPT) system from a power source at the illuminated rim of the crater to a photovoltaic laser receiver on a rover exploring inside the permanently shadowed region. To fill a gap between the conceptual design and an operational system, the required conditions were analyzed regarding the effects of beam alignment and shaping, wavelength-dependent conversion efficiency on the system level efficiency, and a ground-based prototype system was established. Electric–electric efficiency of 11.55% was measured at a ground transmission distance of 10 m. The study is complemented by discussing optimization analysis for subsequent research, can be more effective and employed in the future.