Sam Alfaro
Engineering (mechanical engineering systems)
Hometown: Mesa, Arizona, United States
Graduation date: Spring 2028
FURI | Spring 2025
Enhancing Drone Technology with Wireless Power
Wireless power transfer (WPT) is a technology that eliminates the need for connections in energy transmission. This research explores the optimization of inductive coupling WPT systems to charge drone batteries. The system utilizes an inverter to generate AC, which is transmitted wirelessly through a coil. The receiving coil uses rectification to regulate outputs. Importances such as Misalignment, efficiency, and losses are analyzed through simulations and experiments. The study aims to maximize efficiency while stably charging. The results will contribute to developing scalable WPT for drones, enabling extended flights and reducing constraints in various applications, including surveillance, delivery, and space exploration.
Mentor: Zhicheng Guo
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Featured project | Spring 2025
Sam Alfaro, an undergraduate student majoring in engineering, has always been fascinated with the wireless movement of electricity and its applications to improve sustainability. He pursued this field through his FURI project, which focuses on how to wirelessly charge a drone battery following its use, under the guidance of his faculty mentor Zhicheng Guo, a Fulton Schools assistant professor of engineering.
What made you want to get involved in this program? Why did you choose the project you’re working on?
I have always been passionate about power electronics and wireless energy transfer, especially as technology advances toward more efficient and sustainable solutions. The idea of transmitting power without physical connections has fascinated me, and I wanted to explore its real-world applications.
How will your engineering research project impact the world?
My project focuses on wirelessly charging a drone after flight, which has potential applications in aerospace, robotics and remote charging solutions. This technology could extend drone operation times, eliminate the need for battery swaps and contribute to the future of wireless energy networks.
Have there been any surprises in your research?
A surprise was how small circuit parasites, such as resistance in electrical coil windings or imperfections in capacitors, could significantly impact resonance and efficiency. I had to refine my simulations and component choices to account for the resulting losses in power, which reinforced the importance of precise modeling before physical testing.
How do you see this experience helping with your career and advanced degree goals?
I chose this project because it aligns with my long-term goal of working on advanced energy systems, possibly in space applications. This research gives me the opportunity to develop innovative solutions while also contributing to a growing field with real-world impact.
Why should other students get involved in this program?
Getting involved in research provides hands-on experience that goes beyond what we learn in lectures. It allows students to apply theoretical concepts to real-world problems, develop technical skills and gain proficiency with tools like computer-aided design, circuit design and prototyping.
