Wi Power Entering The World Of Wireless Charging

Wipower Power Kit Designed For engineers And Devlopers

Wipower Power Kit Designed For engineers And Devlopers

WiPower announed today the launch of a power kit designed for engineers, product developers and researchers to evaluate, design and build wireless power system for a wide variety of applications. It is basically similar to  PowerMat and Wildcharge charging mats. The main difference is that Wipower’s product comes with a full license that allows others to use the technology to develope new products. This is the reason for its high price – $4500. Wipower also provides the design documentation in a simple how-to format to make engineers life much easier.  Here is what their press release says:

The Mobile Design Kit is based on WiPower’s industry leading technology which transfers power wirelessly without the need for precise alignment between the transmitter and receiver in the x,y direction and within limits in the z direction. Thus, the technology can support “through surface” use-models such as under a desk or the other side of a wall. In addition, the technology naturally supports multiple devices all at a compelling cost point. The Kit consists of a wireless power transmitter which can support applications up to 15 Watts, a wireless power receiver which can be integrated with end product, and documentation in simple how-to format that allows engineers without deep knowledge of electromagnetic principles or power electronics to create their own wireless power products. They simply USE the technology for their product. To facilitate the task of prototyping, product design, or volume manufacturing, WiPower has assembled a qualified partner network which can help the customer if desired. Finally, WiPower provides a royalty-free license for the receiver, access to white-labeled transmitters, and standard terms and conditions to facilitate a very low barrier business model for end customers.

Nvidia To Release A Wireless Charging Tablet.

About 2 weeks ago, Nvidia’s CEO Jen-Hsun Huang was talking to journalsits in Dubai when a mysterious photo of him along with a new tablet was taken. It turns out that this tablet is not Apple’s but actually a one Nvidia themselves are developong. It is a slick looking tablet and most propably powered by Tegra, Nvidia’s handheld system on a chip. Based on initial impressions, 720p video playback is excellent, and there’s a fairly cool wireless charging station, similar to Palm’s Touchstone. Hopefully we’ll be seeing more of this device in the near future, perhaps with Google’s Chrome OS loaded into it. Here’s a video of the Tablet prototype

 

Wirelessly Charging Car While On The Go. Possible?

A German company called IAV just registered a patnet on a system that enables the charging of cars while on the go. The system works on induction charging, similar to other, smaller wireless charging systems like Powermat. The discussed system will have 2 parts:

1. an embedded, recessed wireless charging strip that will be located underground, beneath the road.

2. A charger located on the bottom of the vehicle.

The system will use magnetic field to charge the vehicle on the go.
This kind of patnet, if indeed possible, can change the car industry forever, and the developing electric car industry in particualr.
At the moment, electric cars can only be charged using a power outlet or replacable batteries. Having the possibility of charging our cars while driving can make the current technology useless!
However, the development of such system will cost billions in infrastracture, as every road on the face of the earth will have to be digged and upgraded. For example, in the US alone, there are more than 5.7 million miles of paved road. Not an easy task at all. Question is, will goverments be willing to pay?

Berkline To Introduce A Recliner With Wireless Charging

Berkline Concert Series Recliner

Berkline Concert Series Recliner

Berkline, one of the world’s biggest Sofas and recliners Manufactures will be introducing in select motion furniture its new eCoupled technology option-a wireless charging station for electronic devices including cell phones, MP3 players, and laptops.
Developed by Fulton Innovation, it eliminates the need for power cords by
creating an electromagnetic conduit combined with an intelligent control system
that constantly monitors power flow so various devices from different
manufactures can charge at the same time.

eCoupled technology is also safe for electronic devices because it provides only
the amount of power needed to keep a device at peak energy levels, so there is
no risk of overcharging. While the number of devices compatible with this
technology is limited, Berkline expects that more and more brands will move
toward incorporating the ability to connect to the eCoupled function.

Duracell Introducing: MyGrid

Duracell have just announced the launch of MyGrid, a wireless charging pad that will be compatible with Apple, Blackberry, Motorola and Nokia products.
MyGrid is actually a licensed product of Wildcharge tough no mention is made from Duracell of Wildcharge about it.
The charging pad works on the same technology as Wildcharge or Powermat.

The kit will come equipped with one charging pad and one power sleeve to fit your favorite gadget.

Mygrid kit is priced at $84.99 and can be purchased through Amazon.com

What Is Wireless Charging?

Wireless charging is referred to several different methods of charging batteries or electrical devices without the use of cables or AC adapters. Wireless charging is used for many different things, but it mostly common used as a rechargers for cellphones and smartphones like the iPhone, game consoles like Nintendo DSi, MP3 players like the iPod and other similer devices.

Currently it is only possible to transfer low current wirelessly but in the future, the technology could be used to power homes, factories and larger objects such as cars. It will propably have a military use to provide power to the forces fighting in the battle field. There are 3 methods of wireless charging: RESONANCE CHARGING, RADIO CHARGING and INDUCTIVE CHARGING.

Inductive charging is used in the Powermat and Wildcharge technology. In inductive charging, an adapter equipped with contact points is attached to the device’s back plate. When the device requires a charge, it is placed on a conductive charging pad, which is plugged into a socket. The idea of wireless power transmission is not new. In 1899, Nikola Tesla wirelessly transmitted 100 million volts of electricity 26 miles to light 200 bulbs and run an electric motor. However, at that time direct current (DC, which is the wired method) and alternating current (AC) were competing technologies. DC, backed strenuously by Thomas Edison, emerged the winner.

Powermat Wireless Charging Mat For Home And Office Review


Powermat Wireless Charging Mat For home&Office (Product code: PMM-HO100):

Measuring .5 by 12.3 by 4.5-inches (HWD), the black, oval-shaped Powermat features three charging positions, and an additional USB port for powering up a fourth device. despite it’s name the mat is not completely wireless. A small power adapter, hidden on the side of the mat is providing the device with electricity.The power adapter supports 100-240V power sources (so it can travel abroad), and the four-foot cord winds neatly around the wall wart for storage.

Main Features Include:

  • Simple: enable your device with a Powermat receiver, then drop and charge. No software needed, no installation needed.
  • Fast: charges as fast or faster than the original charger that comes packaged with your electronic device.
  • Clean: wirelessly charges up to 3 devices at the same time and eliminates the spaghetti of wires.
  • Energy Saving: charges multiple devices from one plug and stops charging when the device is fully powered.
  • Smart: RFID technology facilitates  “conversation” between the mat and the devices ensuring that the precise power amount needed is provided for the required duration are to optimize each device.
  • Extensive range: Powermat supports nearly 300 million of the top selling devices. Device-specific receivers include:
    • iPhone receivers cover the iPhone 3G and iPod Touch (2nd gen) with a protective case, while allowing micro USB access for sync.
    • Blackberry receivers replace the battery door on the back of the Blackberry Curve 8300 Series, Blackberry Curve 8900 Series, Blackberry Bold and Blackberry Pearl 8110+ Series for an ultra slim profile.
    • An iPod dock is available for iPod and iPhone, allowing convenient access to your device.
    • Nintendo cases are available for the Nintendo DSi and DS.
    • The universal Powercube comes standard with each mat.  It includes 8 unique tips, including mini and micro USB, and is compatible with  most popular handheld devices.
  • Powermat offers stationary and portable mat options:
    • Home & Office Mat:  Just plug it in once and then drop & charge.
    • Powermat Portable: For the convenience of Powermat wherever you need it.  Folds down for travel and includes a compact carrying case.
    • Both Powermat designs wirelessly charge up to three (3) devices simultaneously and come equipped with a  built-in USB port to accommodate a  fourth device.
  • Included with each mat is a universal Powercube and an Energy Star Level 5 custom power supply.