The idea of wireless transmission of energy was first introduced over a century ago. However, the application of the technology was not widely used for many years. Recent years saw it resurfacing. Now, we see wireless power transfer being applied in our daily lives.
Whether at home, in the office, or while on the road, we use electricity. While we have become used to power cords to keep some appliances working and charge mobile devices, the introduction of wireless charging offers a lot of changes.
Wireless charging is another name for wireless power transfer. Generally, it refers to the transmission of energy without wires and cables. There is no need to plug a cord into a power outlet. Instead, you place your device on a charging pad or furniture equipped with a charging pad. Electric cars can also be charged wirelessly. Instead of a pad, the car will be parked in a wireless charging-enabled garage or road.
Here are five different ways wireless charging is being applied in our daily lives:
At Home and In the Car
Wires and cords can lead to cluttered spaces. There are also times when you cannot prevent them from tangling.
Sure, you can keep them hidden when not in use. But that requires you to immediately clean up after use. You would also have to get the cord and set the charger up before you can transmit power to your device.
Wireless charging addresses these issues. Since there are no wires involved, you only need to worry about the charging pad. For convenience, you can simply leave it in a place where you often put down your phone or tablet. For instance, you can make your desk or bedside table your charging station.
When you have to travel or commute, you do not have to worry about finding an outlet or a cord. You can bring the charging pad with you and charge your phone in the car.
In the Office
Another place that people spend the most time in is the office.
Sometimes, seeing a cluttered space can be stressful and distracting. That is why a lot of people look for ways to try to trim their office clutter. Reducing the number of wires in use can help.
Wireless charging in the office has become possible thanks to furniture manufacturers who design tables and desks equipped with wireless charging devices.
In Public Spaces
Wireless charging is seen in some establishments and public spaces. You can find it in some cafes and restaurants. Some shopping malls, hotels, and transport hubs have also applied this technology.
One good example is McDonald’s. In 2015, McDonald’s started offering wireless charging solutions in its restaurants.
Soon, more establishments will adopt this technology. We may expect wireless charging in sports arenas, stadiums, and more venues.
In Trains and Buses
Adopting wireless charging in public transport is a great idea. While it may sound like a futuristic idea, it has become a reality in many areas.
The UK saw the first-ever wireless charging system for trains in 2018. Passengers of the South Western Railway in the routes London Waterloo to Bournemouth and Weymouth can take advantage of the charging pads integrated into some of the tables inside the train.
South Korea launched its wirelessly charged electric bus in Gumi in 2013. They use induction charging to enable the bus to move.
In the UK, electric vehicle charging was pushed by the Department for Transport. The government invested £3.4 million for wireless charging for electric taxis in Nottingham. This project aims to provide alternative charging so that electric taxis no longer need to deal with plugs and charge points. At the same time, it can help reduce clutter on the streets.
In the US, California welcomed wireless charging systems for electric buses in 2019. This project reduces the use of cords and wires. The bus just has to park over a special charging pad.
In Hospitals
The medical field also benefits from wireless charging. Hospitals use various equipment. Additionally, there are medical implants that need power. However, cords can be invasive. The introduction of wireless charging changes the game.
There is radio frequency wireless medical devices using wireless communication, such as Bluetooth, mobile phones, and Wi-Fi, for healthcare delivery. Various functions can be accomplished with the help of wireless power transfer. For example, it is easier to control and program a medical device. Medical professionals can also monitor their patients remotely. Transferring the data of a patient from a medical device to a different platform is also possible.
The current state of wireless charging technology provides many benefits. Its application to various aspects of our lives helps make a lot of things easier. However, like any other technology, it will continue to evolve. More uses will be discovered because of further development. More people will get to experience wireless charging.