Wireless charging has become increasingly popular, especially with smartphones offering it as a premium feature. While wireless charging is convenient, its efficiency decreases as the distance from the charger increases, often requiring devices to be placed directly on charging pads. However, a new wireless charging technique developed by engineers at Aalto University could make open-air charging up to 80 percent more efficient, bringing us one step closer to the dream of long-distance wireless charging.
Unlocking the Potential of Long-Distance Wireless Charging
The ultimate goal of wireless charging is to enable users to walk into their homes and have their devices charge wirelessly without needing to place them on any specific surface. Aalto University’s engineers have made significant strides toward realizing this vision by developing a system that enables devices to be charged wirelessly over longer distances.
While there have been glimpses of similar technology in the past, like Xiaomi’s Mi Air Charge, there has been limited progress in making this technology widely available. However, breakthroughs such as the one achieved by Aalto University’s engineers could pave the way for more efficient long-distance wireless charging solutions to hit the market.
Enhancing Efficiency Through Advanced Technology
To address the efficiency loss associated with increasing charging distances, the engineers at Aalto University implemented a system featuring two loop antennas, each approximately 7.2 cm wide. They fine-tuned these antennas to improve radiation resistance and boost the charging area’s efficiency.
Their efforts yielded impressive results, with power transfer efficiency remaining consistently high at over 80 percent, even when there was some distance between the device and the charger. Balancing power transfer with radiation loss is a crucial step toward creating effective open-air wireless chargers that can power devices efficiently.
Paving the Way for Future Innovations
This groundbreaking technique not only promises more efficient wireless charging but also opens the door to further advancements in open-air charging. Engineers can now explore and optimize the efficiency of various long-distance charging options, offering the potential for devices to self-charge even from extended distances.
The research findings have been published in a paper in the journal Physical Review, providing a solid foundation for future developments in the field of wireless charging.
