Santiago de Compostela, 18/10/2024 - Developing a laser converter capable of transmitting wireless power in the kilowatt (kW) range with an efficiency of over 80%, thus reducing the size of batteries and extending the useful life of space devices: this is the goal of RePowerSiC, the new research project coordinated by CiTIUS that has just received funding through the prestigious EIC Pathfinder call of the Horizon Europe programme, aimed at funding pioneering, high-risk research projects that explore radically new and disruptive technologies.

The consortium proposes a paradigm shift in power systems for remote devices and includes universities and institutions from Denmark, Spain, Germany, Belgium, Sweden and Switzerland, as well as space agencies such as the European Space Agency (ESA) and other world-class organisations and companies.  

Purpose and impact

The main objective of RePowerSic (an acronym for High-Efficiency and High-Power Laser Beam Space Systems Based on SiC) is to overcome the limitations of current solar energy conversion technologies in space, which rely on solar panels backed by batteries, thus restricting their ability to generate power as vehicles move farther from the Sun. The technology developed in this project will enable wireless power transmission over long distances using high-power lasers, increasing efficiency, reducing weight and costs, and extending the lifespan of space devices. To achieve this, RePowerSic aims to develop a laser converter based primarily on silicon carbide (SiC) - a semiconductor material known for its high energy efficiency and resistance to extreme conditions, making it an ideal candidate for space applications.

The construction of the high-power and high-efficiency laser beam in RePowerSiC promises to revolutionize the paradigm of remote power supply. / CiTIUS

High-efficiency silicon carbide-based laser converters promise to be a disruptive breakthrough, offering multiple benefits: they increase laser energy conversion efficiency and are lighter, reducing manufacturing costs. In addition, SiC enables better heat dissipation, minimising the need for complex cooling systems and consequently reducing energy consumption. Furthermore, its durability and resistance to extreme conditions extend the life of space equipment, reducing the need for frequent replacement and minimising e-waste. All of these characteristics make Silicon Carbide a greener and more sustainable technology, positioning it as a key material for long-term sustainable solutions in areas such as space exploration and high-efficiency terrestrial applications.

The new technology will also facilitate deep space exploration by providing more efficcient power for spacecraft that require continuous energy, such as satellites or rovers - autonomous exploration devices designed to move across a planet's surface.

Future vision and terrestrial applications

Beyond space exploration, the technology developed in RePowerSiC will also have practical applications on Earth. Since the project addresses the challenge of on-demand energy transfer without the need for wires, industries such as agriculture and manufacturing will benefit from this new paradigm. For example, wireless energy transfer systems could be directly applied to the use of aerial or aquatic drones in the agricultural and industrial sectors, as well as to improve access to remote areas of the Earth. This shift in energy models will pave the way for new markets by significantly reducing battery dependency and helping to reduce electronic waste.

Visual representation of possible applications of the new technology / CiTIUS

Looking back, creating the future

Antonio García Loureiro, a CiTIUS researcher and project leader, reflected on how RePowerSiC will push space exploration beyond today's limits by providing spacecraft and robots with the power they need:

“The technology under development will play a crucial role in expanding our understanding of the universe and advancing human civilization. It will make feasible a wide range of applications, operations, and exploration missions that were previously out of reach.”

 He continued:

“Consider the future goals of space exploration, which include sending robots beyond the solar system’s boundaries, or establishing continuous access to complex destinations such as the Moon’s far side, asteroids, or even Mars.”

Meanwhile, Natalia Seoane Iglesias, co-leader of RePowerSiC and fellow researcher at CiTIUS, took a retrospective approach to assessing the project's impact:

"The scientists and engineers who successfully tackled past space challenges could not have foreseen the wide range of applications their innovations would later have on Earth. And while we cannot predict exactly how space exploration will benefit us in the future, current developments already indicate significant potential advantages in various fields, such as the discovery of new materials, advances in transportation systems, and improvements in computing technology.”

 As an expert in semiconductors, she concluded:

“Similarly, advances in wireless energy transmission technology from space will further expand the range of applications on our planet.”

At the forefront of global research

The EIC Work Programme is an initiative of the European Commission through the European Innovation Council (EIC). Under the framework of the prestigious Horizon Europe research funding program, this plan supports the development of pioneering and disruptive technologies.

One of its key funding instruments is the EIC Pathfinder, a call for high-risk research projects that aim to achieve scientific breakthroughs with the potential to transform industries and create new markets. In its 2023 edition, the program allocated €120 million to fund projects under the Pathfinder Challenge, focusing on specific challenges such as space-based solar energy, digitalization in construction, and efficient cooling technologies, among others.

The selection of the RePowerSiC project highlights the excellence of the proposal led by CiTIUS, which was chosen for its potential to revolutionize laser-based energy transmission in space. After a rigorous evaluation process that saw hundreds of proposals from across Europe, RePowerSiC stood out for its ability to enhance energy efficiency and reduce costs in deep space exploration - marking a key innovation for future EU space missions.