The famous inventor Nikola Tesla developed the idea of wireless energy transmission a century ago. Nevertheless, it’s only in the modern world that this technology has become Wireless charging technology that helps to make the best use of the environment. In a business environment, this technology allows people to save time and increase staff functionality. Specialists no longer have to look for outlets and suffer from intermittent wires in offices or houses if they work remotely. Today, this fresh development has become relevant even for the field of food, health, automotive and manufacturing industries.
How Qi and PMA Technology Works
The concept of electromagnetic induction is used to recharge devices. It takes place when the variable electric charge creates an oscillating magnetic field on the induction coil. It is used to feed the device from the charging station.
Today, there are two standards for electric power transmission, such as Qi and PMA. The first one has a range between 100 and 205 kHz, and charging stations provide from 5 to 15 W power for personal mobile devices. Apple uses Qi technology.
The Power Matters Alliance (PMA) has a standard that extends the range from 277 to 357 kHz. It remains functional if the source and consumer of the food are within 50 mm. You can also use your device and charge multiple devices at the same time. This technology has already been tested in coffee shops and airports.
Safety of wireless charging issue: technology and risk management
Heat matter is generated by any energy transfer method. Overheating is one of the main risks of wireless charging. In order to minimize it, the developers take measures such as:
- carefully test the devices for heating;
- reduce the overall heat output by installing cooling systems such as air, liquid;
- reduce the rate of heat transfer by means of special layers such as cooling edges;
- equip wireless chargers with options that disable them when the specified temperature level is exceeded automatically.
Extraneous objects can also cause safety problems, especially if they are made of metal. For example, a coin or a set of keys randomly placed on a charging panel can damage it and even melt the transmitter from one end of the system to the other. The developers complement modern devices with special features for detecting foreign objects.
In the modern world, mobile devices are the most functional basis of any business operation, and the fact that they are so easy to use is a very important factor for productivity. Wireless versions of charging devices simplify the work of personnel and make these processes safe and intensive. Even today, they have a wide range of applications, from smartphones, laptops and kitchen appliances to electric cars. This extraordinary technology continues to evolve at an intense rate, and in the near future, we will be able to transfer power through the air at distances of several metres.