We knew it was just a matter of time. Wireless electricity. Next will come transporters, food replicators and then, finally, the holodeck - and you know I'm never leaving my house once that arrives. A group of scientists at MIT have demonstrated what they are tentatively calling "WiTricity" - the ability to send significant amounts of electricity through the air without the use of wires. For many this has been the holy grail of achievements and could signal a new revolutionary wave of development in the consumer electronics industry.
I'm curious as to the power requirements. It seems like they are proposing to have these systems radiate into a large volume (like a room), and that takes power whether devices within the field are using it or not. So, instead of needing 60 W to light a bulb, it will require significantly more unless it can somehow recover the radiated energy that isn't absorbed (now, that would be cool).
On a side note, my brother brought up the idea to me years ago to implement inductive power on a large scale within homes for this exact purpose, but we both knew that neither of us would spend enough effort to get it going. I'm glad that someone is working on it.
Yes, it's likely not going to replace standard power supplies, however inefficiency doesn't matter as much for the particular purpose of providing a convenience service.
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Clint DeBoer
Editor in Chief Audioholics
Im not sure I'll be converting my 15 and 20 hp three phase motors over to wireless... Its bad enough my electric bill is like vaporware at $2000+ a month...
They mention efficiency is 40%. Hmm. And, no, it's not like a microwave, although they would want to underplay any potential hazards.
At least they mention Tesla. Also, this has been around for a while. What I wonder about is: I already have enough of people trying to piggyback on my wi-fi for free, now how am I going to stop them sucking into my power bill?
Whats the big deal? Nikola Tesla already did this only about 80 years ago. Taking credit for an 80 year old idea, how inventive.
Dan
Exactly my thoughts. Tesla did a huge amount of research on this. Also, this "development" is no more or less visible than what Tesla did. You can put a cover over anything.
Whats the big deal? Nikola Tesla already did this only about 80 years ago. Taking credit for an 80 year old idea, how inventive.
Dan
The idea is much older, and research and invention that lead into actual implementation is over 100 years old. Tesla began planning his research facility in 1898, Wardenclyffe Tower, which began construction in 1901 with the intent to demonstrate this as well as predating cellular phones, and a number of other modern technologies.
As stated, wireless transmission of power is not a new idea and Tesla is unfortunately often neglected for his many contributions that were far ahead of their time.
For more information on Tesla's many and much earlier contributions please see:
Wireless Electricity
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