What is Wireless Charging?
Wireless charging is a technology in which one electronics device is charged without using any wire or cables. This uses electromagnetic induction to transfer power to charge the device. This technology includes wireless modules to manage the communication between charger and device, antennas to generate electromagnetic fields and sensors to detect the compatible device.
A wireless charger has a wireless charging pad which is connected to a power source . A compatible device is placed on the pad and this pad transfers energy using electromagnetic induction. Devices like smartphones , smartwatches , power tools , medical devices etc are charged with this wireless technology.
Benefits Of Wireless Charging
Easy To Use
It is easy to use in everyday life . One can carry it easily anywhere . Users just have to place their device on the charging pad to charge their device .
Less Wear and Tear
Cabled charging devices have the high chances of wearing and tearing of cables .But in wireless charging , there is no worries of wearing anything .
Better for Batteries
Many wireless chargers are smart enough to change the amount of power they give to your devices. This stops overcharging and overheating, helping your batteries stay in good shape and last longer.
Good for the Environment
Using wireless chargers means we need fewer single-use charging cords. This leads to less electronic waste, which is better for our planet and encourages environmentally friendly habits.
Applications of Wireless Charging
Wireless charging is widely used in consumer electronics in smartphones for charging, in wearable devices like smartwatches and it is used to charge earbuds as well.
In Automotive Industries , built-in wireless charging pad function is widely used in cars , which offers easy access to drivers to charge their mobile.
In the health care system , medical devices are charged wirelessly .Wearable health monitors which track the vital signs are charged wirelessly.
In offices, wireless charging pads are built into desks and meeting tables. This allows workers and guests to charge their devices easily without needing extra cords. It helps keep the workspace tidy and organized.
Schools are using wireless charging in libraries, classrooms, and study spots. This makes it easy for students and staff to charge their devices while they work or study.
Types of Wireless Charging
Inductive Wireless Charging
It is one of the short distance wireless charging methods. This works on the principle of Electromagnetic Induction in which charger will create an electromagnetic field with alternating polarity using a coil of insulated copper wire and a similar coil is placed inside the mobile device which converts electromagnetic field into electric current to charge the battery.
Example: MP3 players, Electric toothbrushes, Waterproof Vibrating Razors, Personal digital assistants etc.
How Inductive Wireless Charging Works?
Inductive wireless charging works mainly on electromagnetic induction principle.
Firstly the transmitter coil of a charger sends out an alternating current which creates a magnetic field . Then the signal finds the receiver coil in the device.
After finding the receiver coil , the magnetic field induces an alternating current in the receiver coil.
Then the alternating current (AC) converts to direct current (DC) by rectifier and with the help of DC current the device gets charged.
Resonance Charging
This type of wireless charging works on the phenomenon of “resonance” which causes an object to vibrate when energy of a certain frequency is applied. In this , two copper coils are used, among which one is connected to the transmitter and another to the receiver. Both the two coils are tuned to the same electromagnetic frequency. When we place these coils to one another , the power is transferred and the device gets charged.
Example: Robots , computers , vacuum cleaners etc.
How Resonant Wireless Charging Works?
This wireless charging system uses an oscillating magnetic field to transfer energy between two coils.
Firstly the charger produces an oscillating current into a coil and the coil creates an electromagnetic field.
A second coil which has the same resonant frequency detects the electromagnetic field.
The second coil converts the electromagnetic field back into an electrical current.
The received electrical current charges the battery of the device.
Radio Frequency Charging
This wireless charging uses radio waves to transmit the power . RF charging can power a device over a great distance. Here , a transmitter is plugged in a socket , it generates radio waves and propagates it in all directions . The receiver antenna which is connected to the device and tuned to the proper frequency catches the radio wave and charges the device.
Example: Watches , hearing aids, Medical implants, Cell phones etc.
Inductive Vs Resonant Wireless Charging
Inductive Wireless Charging | Resonant Wireless Charging |
It works on the principle of Electromagnetic Induction. | It works on the Resonance principle. |
It has higher efficiency due to close coupling between transmitter and receiver. | It has lower efficiency as the difference between transmitter and receiver is large. |
It works for devices at short range. | It works for devices at longer ranges. |
This is widely used in smartphones , earbuds , and smartwatches. | It is used in medical implants , vehicle charging stations . |
Pros of Wireless Charging
Easy to use as we just have to place our device on a charger which makes charging faster and more user-friendly.
There is less wear and tear of the charger as we don’t use any type of cable for charging the device.
Wireless chargers ensure safety as there are no exposed connectors .
Wireless chargers reduce the mess which is caused by various cabled chargers.
Public locations such as café, hotels , airports etc. now offer charging stations.
Cons of Wireless Charging
Some wireless chargers are slower than the wired chargers , especially when compared with fast charging cables.
Most wireless chargers come with a short charging range as we have to place the device near the charger.
There is a possibility that wireless chargers may generate excess heat and may affect the battery performance.
Wireless chargers are too costly than wired ones.
Neat alignment of the device is also necessary to connect the charger to the device.
