Beam power with receiver impingement detection
A beam power source transmits a signal indicating power availability, receives a request for power in response, and beams power in response to the request.
1. A system for receiving beamed power from a power source, the beamed power including a guard beam substantially surrounding a power beam and differing in modulation, polarization, or character from the power beam, comprising:
a power receiving unit configured to accept the power beam;
a detection unit configured to recognize an imminent impingement on the power beam by detecting an impingement on the guard beam; and
a beam interruption signaling unit configured to transmit a signal to the power source indicating interruption of the guard beam.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the detection unit is configured to distinguish an impingement on the guard beam from an impingement on the power beam by recognizing modulation or polarization.
3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the beam interruption signaling unit is configured to request suspension or termination of the power beam to prevent the detected imminent impingement.
4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the beam interruption signaling unit is configured to request rerouting of the power beam to prevent the detected imminent impingement.
5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the guard beam is substantially cylindrical.
6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the guard beam includes a plurality of beams arranged around the power beam.
7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the guard beam includes a plurality of substantially concentric beams.
8. The system of claim 1 , wherein the beam interruption signaling unit is configured to determine a characteristic of an object impinging on the guard beam.
9. The system of claim 8 , wherein the characteristic of the object is selected from the group consisting of speed, direction, size, shape, and composition.
10. The system of claim 1 , wherein the power receive unit is configured to receive electromagnetic power.
11. The system of claim 10 , wherein the electromagnetic power has an optical frequency.
12. The system of claim 10 , wherein the electromagnetic power has an RF frequency.
13. The system of claim 1 , wherein the power receiving unit is configured to receive pulsed power.
14. The system of claim 1 , wherein the power receive unit is configured to receive power continuously.
15. The system of claim 1 , wherein the beam interruption signaling unit is configured to transmit a signal to the power source indicating interruption of the guard beam by retroreflection.