Wirelessly charging multiple devices simultaneously

Date:
July 27, 2021
Source:
Aalto University
Summary:
A new type of wireless charger can charge multiple devices
simultaneously, researchers report. The device transfers energy
with 90 percent efficiency within 20-centimeter charging range.



FULL STORY ========================================================================== Mobile phones and tablets have allowed us to stay in touch regardless
of our location, yet they still rely on plugs, sockets, and charging
pads to power up.

New technology developed at Aalto University may be the key to
true wireless charging for these and other electronics in years to
come. The research team includes researches Dr. Prasad Jayathurathnage
and Dr. Xiaojie Dang, and professors Sergei Tretyakov and Constantin
Simovski. The findings are published in IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics on 21 July 2021.


========================================================================== While researchers around the globe are working on free-position wireless charging -- which would unchain devices from set charging points -- the
most common solutions involve complex control and detection functions. A transmitter traditionally has to first detect a device presence and
position to be able to send energy in its direction, usually done with
cameras or sensors, adding bulk and cost to the device.

The new transmitter bypasses this need by creating power transfer channels
in all directions, automatically tuning channels when receiving devices
are in motion. Devices like phones, laptops, and other small appliance
equipped with a new receiver can simultaneously receive energy to charge batteries or directly power their functions -- without ever being in
physical contact or being brought to a specific place.

'What sets this transmitter apart is that it's self-tuning, which means
you don't need complex electronics to connect with receivers embedded
in devices.

Since it self-tunes, you can also move the device freely within a
wide charging range,' explains Prasad Jayathurathnage, a post-doctoral researcher at Aalto University.

The team has achieved the effect through the design of the coils used
in the transmitter. By winding the coils in a specific way, they create
two kinds of electromagnetic fields: one going outwards and the other
around. These fields couple the receiver and transmitter to achieve
efficient power transfer.

Currently, the transmitter is highly efficient at 90 percent at up to
20 centimetres distance, but continues to work at longer distances,
just with a lower efficiency of energy transfer. In principle, the peak-efficiency range could grow as the technology is refined.

'For now, the maximum range at peak efficiency is dependent on the size
of the transmitter and receiver. With the right engineering, we could
shrink them down,' Jayathurathnage comments.

While the team has demonstrated proof of concept, safety tests are
still needed to confirm that the electromagnetic field generated by
the transmitter is not harmful to humans. It is, however, clear that
the resulting electric field, which is known to be the main cause for potentially harmful effects, is minimal as the technology relies on
magnetic fields.

Once deemed safe, bringing the technology to product would mean a little
less hassle in a world increasingly dependent on smart devices.

'True wireless charging means more personal freedom. You won't have to
worry about where you put your phone or whether you remembered to plug
it in,' says Jayathurathnage.

The research team has already applied for a patent for the
transmitter. The same group is also developing wireless charging
possibilities for industrial applications through the Parkzia project,
which turns any waiting point for robots like e-movers into a charging
spot.

========================================================================== Story Source: Materials provided by Aalto_University. Note: Content may
be edited for style and length.


========================================================================== Journal Reference:
1. Prasad Kumara Sampath Jayathurathnage, Xiaojie Dang, Constantin
Simovski,
Sergei Tretyakov. Self-tuning Omnidirectional Wireless Power
Transfer using Double Toroidal Helix Coils. IEEE Transactions on
Industrial Electronics, 2021; 1 DOI: 10.1109/TIE.2021.3097663 ==========================================================================

Link to news story: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/07/210727171553.htm

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