Imagine a future in which wireless electricity makes everyday products/gadgets more convenient, reliable, and environmentally friendly.
Cell phones, iPods, laptop computers, capable of recharging themselves without being plugged in. Flat screen TVs, CD players, without requiring a wire and a socket for power. All these are in the not too distant future.
A new company, WiTricity is working on a Technology that wirelessly powers gadgets. The company was founded in 2007 to commercialize the technology which was invented two years earlier in Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
To simplify, wireless electricity transmission is caused by electric current at a specific frequency running through one coil, which causes a magnetic field oscillating at that same frequency to be emitted from the coil. When that magnetic field comes in contact with an identical coil at another location, the 2nd coil resonates at the same frequency as the magnetic wave and a current is induced in the second coil.
WiTricity technology can be used to provide direct wireless power to a device within the range of its WiTricity power source and automatic wireless charging for devices with rechargeable batteries while still in use or at rest without requiring power cord or change of batteries.
So if anyone is excited about the technology , Eric Giller, CEO of Witricity predicts that:
…electronics such as phones and laptops may start shedding their power cords within a year.
He seems to be right because Computer manufacturer Dell, recently unveiled a new system, Latitude Z which is capable of full recharging of its batteries wirelessly with the aid of a wireless docking device.
It is estimated that companies make about 40 billion disposable batteries each year and wireless electricity when widely adopted will do away with that which makes the technology environmentally friendly. Soon, the days of buying such batteries and tripping over power cords will soon be over. In the meantime, be sure to leave a comment about what you think about wireless electricity especially how you think it will change your life.
Source: CNN – A cordless future for electricity?
A very interesting piece. its definitely going to make life a lot easier if a wide range devices can be powered wirelessly. One issue I'd like Witricity to make crystal clear is what effect (if any) this will have on our health. At the moment, a lot of people are still confused about mobile phones' effect. But speaking as a techie... it'll be nice to stop worrying about power packs every time I use a device.
ReplyDelete@Omolara
ReplyDeleteWiTricity claims "technology is a non-radiative mode of energy transfer, relying instead on the magnetic near field. Magnetic fields interact very weakly with biological organisms—people and animals—and are scientifically regarded to be safe" so i guess we can put our minds at rest until they are proven wrong.
i'm also concerned about the effect it will have on one's health, in these days of cancer and other radiation related diseases
ReplyDeleteThe content is nice and inspiring. Keep the good work.
ReplyDeleteTolu
I just cant wait, its being a long time coming
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I want to believe that the opportunities that this will afford people will be enormous, especially in nigeria where the cost of running a busines is so high because of lack of electricity,people have to depend solely on generator, and also have to contend with the effect of fumes from these generators on their health.
ReplyDeleteI want to get more clarification on this issue. But its interesting for me and I'm loving it. Guy if Nigeria can tap into this concept what a difference that will make instead of waiting Power Holding Co. Nigeria or better still Please Hold your Candle @ Nite to strike. Oshodi welwork.
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