In todays Topic we are going to learn about how Wireless Charging Works.
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| Basics Of Wireless Charging |
Background:-
Wireless charging as a concept has been around since inventor and physicist Nikola Tesla first concluded that you could transfer power between two objects via an electromagnetic field.
Wireless charging can be considered synonymous to a transformer, where one winding is excited by a source and the other winding receives the power via electromagnetic waves and somewhat recreates the power sources, but without phyical electrical connection.
How it Works:-
Essentially, wireless charging uses a loop of coiled wires around a bar magnet — which is known as an inductor. When an electric current passes through the coiled wire,
it creates an electromagnetic field around the magnet, which can then be used to transfer a voltage, or charge, to something nearby. Like I its like a transformer, but just a flat one.
Induction chargers use an induction coil to create an alternating electromagnetic field from within a charging base, and a second induction coil in the portable device takes power from the electromagnetic field and converts it back into electric current to charge the battery.
Wireless charging can be done in two ways
- Pairing the Devices with their charing mats based on Resonance between the 2 coils.
- Aligning the 2 coils appropriately for the induction to work.
A simple Illustration showing how it works
Some Pictures showing how it is incorporated in Phones
Standards Governing Wireless Charging:-
- Qi: : The Qi wireless charging standard is one that has come to the market earlier than some others. It is basically what is termed and inductive system using a relatively low frequency (between 110 and 205 kHz for the low power and 80 to 300 kHz for the medium power) for the power transfer. Read more about Qi wireless charging standard.
- A4WP: : The A4WP wireless power standard was developed a little later than the Qi standard. It uses resonance techniques along with a higher power transfer frequency of 6.78 MHz for the power, and 2.4GHz for the control signals. It also allows simultaneous charging of multiple devices. Read more aboutA4WP wireless charging standard.
Pros and Cons:-
As we are all aware, that every coin has 2 sides, we can safely say that even the wireless charging has its own Pros and Cons. Lets have a look
Pros:
- Convenient
- Hassle Free and Corrosion Resistant
- Higher Durability
Cons:
- Inefficient (only 65-70% Efficiency)
- Slower Charging
- Expensive.
Given the tradeoffs between efficiency and convenience, Its a tough decision to make. Ofcourse people would tend towards convenience more, but thinking about the world ecological system where saving energy
is of prime importance, inefficiency of methods shouldn't be neglected.
Sources : computer weekly, google, wikipedia, my own research during my college.