Wireless Charging
Resonant wireless charging provides a convenient and safe means to reliably charge and power millions of consumer electronic and industrial devices.
By eliminating the use of a physical connector or cable, wireless charging provides a number of advantages including, efficiency, cost and safety.
From smartphones and small electronic devices to mission critical equipment, wireless power maintains safe, reliable transfer of power to ensure all forms of device and equipment are always charged and ready to go.
What is Wireless Charging?
Wireless charging is essentially the transmission of an electrical current from a power source to a receiving device without the use of a physical connection. The electrical current is then used to charge or re-charge the battery of the receiving device. In this circumstance the receiving device can be anything from a smartphone or wearable, to a large industrial forklift.
How does wireless charging work?
Wireless charging is based on the principle of magnetic resonance or inductive power transfer (IPT) – the process whereby electricity is transferred between two objects through coils.
The diagram below simplifies the process of wireless power transfer into 5 key steps:
Click image to enlarge
Mains voltage is converted into high frequency alternating current (AC).
The alternating current (AC) is sent to the transmitter coil by the transmitter circuit. The alternating current then induces a time varying magnetic field in the transmitter coil.
Alternating current flowing within the transmitter coil induces a magnetic field which extends to the receiver coil (when within a specified distance).
The magnetic field generates current within the receiver coil of the device. The process whereby energy is transmitted between the transmitter and receiver coil is also referred to as magnetic or resonant coupling and is achieved by both coils resonating at the same frequency.
Current flowing within the receiver coil is converted into direct current (DC) by the receiver circuit, which can then be used to charge the battery.
Through the process described above, power can be transferred safely over an air gap and also through any non-metal object which might exist between the coils i.e. wood, plastic, granite. The addition of extra (or larger) transmitter coils can also extend the range at which the power can be transferred.
What is “Resonant” wireless charging?
Greater transfer distances and higher efficiency can be achieved through resonance – whereby the transmitter and receiver coils oscillate (or resonate) at the same frequency.
This resonant frequency refers to the frequency at which an object naturally vibrates or rings – much like the way a tuning fork rings at a particular frequency and can achieve their maximum amplitude.
Our vision for resonant wireless charging
Whatever the application, the removal of the physical connection delivers a number of benefits over traditional cable connectors, some of which aren’t always obvious. The video below highlights just some of the benefits and advantages of resonant wireless charging and offers an insight into a world where wireless power is widely integrated into the home, office and our everyday lives.
Benefits of wireless chargers
Greater convenience and ubiquity for charging of everyday devicesReduce cost associated with maintaining mechanical connectors
Safe powering or charging devices that need to remain sterile or hermetically sealed (waterproof)
Prevent corrosion due to elements such as oxygen and water
Eliminate sparks and debris associated with wired contacts
Wireless charging for smartphones & tablets
Current options for wireless charging of smartphones and tablets involve the use of a charging pad which acts as the transmitter, transferring power to a miniaturized wireless receiver integrated into the smartphone or tablet.
The Proxi 2D Charging Solution is the safest and most efficient wireless charging pad technology for smartphones, phablets and tablets, delivering simultaneous wireless charging of multiple devices, with full spatial freedom for the placement of devices in any position (no exact alignment).
Miniaturized receivers are integrated directly into the device, removing the need for external housing covers or sleeves on devices. Follow the link to read more about our Proxi 2D Charging pad technology. With continued advances in wireless charging technology, transmitters built into workstations, desks, tables and a whole range of everyday furniture will soon become a reality.
Proxi-2D Charging System
Wireless charging for Wearables and devices using AA batteries
In order to truly deliver wireless charging for all consumer electronic devices, the technology needed to somehow enable charging of irregular shaped objects i.e. not thin form or flat in shape. Such devices commonly use AA batteries, or specialized small batteries in the case of wearable devices. As a result PowerbyProxi designed the worlds first 3D wireless charging transmitter, capable of holding and wirelessly charging multiple irregular shaped devices at one time.
To enable wireless charging for these devices, we built the world’s first wirelessly rechargeable AA battery and integrated miniaturized wireless receiver for wearable devices, meaning that hundreds of millions of everyday devices can be charged wirelessly within the unit, without removing the batteries from the device.
We call this in-device charging and it means convenient, simultaneous charging of multiple devices including remotes controllers, gaming devices, cameras, toys, wearable technologies and more – without having to remove and replace batteries.
Proxi-3D In-Device Charging
Wireless Charging in Industrial Applications
PowerbyProxi has pioneered the application of inductive power for industrial applications since 2007, enabling equipment suppliers to deliver mission critical wireless power systems in wet, dirty and moving environments.
With a range of one-to-one and one-to-many wireless power transfer solutions, our Proxi-Point solution is ideal for supplying power and data to control systems and process automation equipment, providing a reliable and maintenance free alternative to traditional cable based connectors.
The system can operate at a range of input voltages and is available as a plug and play modular system to improve power supply and battery charging in new or existing equipment.
Wireless sensors and sensor networks play an important part in the industrial wireless industry. Read more on wireless sensors and wireless sensor networks.