Design and Development of a Patch Antenna Array for Wireless Power Transfer in Drones

Wireless power transfer has the potential to distribute energy to diverse applications, such as electric vehicles while they are operating, extending their range. This paper presents an antenna designed and simulated to receive RF power in a drone. To enhance aerodynamic performance, features such as holes and wedges were introduced to allow for improved airflow. In this preliminary study, the antenna maintains well-performing characteristics, achieving a gain of 17.7 dBi for a 16-element patch array. The modifications contribute to a lighter design, prompting additional studies to explore further enhancements in performance and efficiency.