Charge your devices anywhere, even in your pocket. A new technology is changing wireless power. Learn more!
Researchers from the Department of Electrical Engineering at UNIST introduced a new electric resonance-based wireless power transfer (ERWPT) system. This advancement allows devices to charge anywhere in a 3D environment, overcoming the limitations of traditional magnetic resonance wireless power transfer (MRWPT) and providing efficient power transmission without requiring precise device positioning.
The researchers say that this new technological breakthrough makes it possible for mobile phones and other electronic devices to charge simply by being kept in a pocket. This innovation enables wireless charging in three-dimensional (3D) spaces, including walls, floors, and air.
While MRWPT has been a key technology for wireless energy transfer, it faces limitations due to how magnetic fields affect receiver placement. This reduces power transfer efficiency (PTE) as the receiver’s position changes, making practical use difficult.
ERWPT, on the other hand, uses the monopole characteristic of electric charges, which offers a significant advantage. The technology has achieved nonradiative power transfer of up to 50 watts and a PTE of 46% over 2 meters, with consistent efficiency regardless of receiver position.
A crucial part of this innovation is the new design of the transceiver, which uses an open bifilar coil. This setup enhances electric resonance and allows devices to be placed freely within the electric field without losing efficiency. It also supports wireless power transfer over longer distances.
The ERWPT system can charge multiple devices simultaneously, and tests have shown that power transmission remains efficient even with multiple receivers in the same space.
The research team emphasized the broader academic impact of their work, offering a new understanding of electromagnetic forces beyond technical advancements.
The researchers highlighted that the ERWPT system presents a new energy transmission method based on electromagnetic force, offering a fresh perspective on understanding electromagnetic phenomena.
Reference: Bonyoung Lee et al, Arrangement Free Wireless Power Transfer via Strongly Coupled Electrical Resonances, Advanced Science (2024). DOI: 10.1002/advs.202407827
