Microwave Energy Array

The Microwave Energy Array (aka MEA, Array System) is an energy transfer system used to power early mobile suits such as the MSXU-001 Riesen and ESP-005 Champion.

Description & Characteristics
Before the creation of the Ultracompact Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell and Storm Drive, mobile suits could not carry high output power sources and resorted to either the low output Petroleum Fuel Combustion Engine or receiving energy wirelessly. This concept was first proven in the MSXU-001 Riesen which sported multiple antennae to receive microwave energy from a stationary omni-directional transmitter array. In mock combat the Riesen massively outperformed rival machines such as the EPW-010 Titan which used a combustion engine.

While a potent system for its time, and theoretically able to provide an unlimited deployment time for connected machines, the array technology has several potential flaws. Each array only has a finite range before a mobile suit can no longer receive microwave energy and shut down. The arrays themselves also require enough power to maintain constant transmission, requiring a dedicated power source connection.

Following the successful usage of the technology with the Riesen and the planned use of microwave-powered machines, the Earth System Peacekeeping Force looked into remedying these shortfalls. One such solution involved the deployment of relay vehicles which could use excess microwave energy to partially extend the range of the arrays, as well as installing smaller arrays on vehicles.

Mk II
The ESP-005 Champion also used an improved version of the antenna technology, integrating it straight into the armour and removing the need for the larger antennae used by the Riesen. The mobile suit's power systems can also draw power more quickly than MSXU-001, allowing it to move out of the field for a period of time by running off internal batteries.

Core Components

 * Omnidirectional Transmitter Array
 * The main component of the system, the main array is connected to a high performance generator and relays energy to nearby machines. Due to its strategic importance the main relay is heavily protected.


 * Microwave Energy Receiver
 * Built into the mobile suit's armour are a series of microwave receivers which convert microwave energy into electricity.


 * Relay Array
 * A smaller array can be set up within the range of the main transmitter, able to relay microwave energy and extend the range of machines using it. Typically relays are mounted on trucks or specialised aircraft which are active within the operational area.

History
While only used for roughly fifteen years before being phased out, the Microwave Energy Array system provided a clean and efficient way of powering multiple mobile suits. While no longer in use by the military in 75 S.E., some civilian organisation use the technology to provide power to vehicles over short distances such as during colony maintenance.

Notes & Trivia

 * The Microwave Energy Array is based off Zone of the Ender's EPS system which functions in a similar manner.