A New Wireless Power Transmission Sheet 126
Roland Piquepaille writes "Several companies have started to sell power 'pads' that can charge your cellphone when you put it on the pad's surface. But these silicon-based pads are expensive — and relatively 'specialized.' Now, Japanese researchers have built a plastic sheet which could power all the devices placed close to it. So far, this 4-layer sheet, which uses printed organic transistors and plastic MEMS switches, can deliver up to 40 watts of power — enough for some laptops. The technology is apparently efficient and inexpensive to produce. But as the devices to recharge will need to incorporate a special receiver, don't expect to see these plastic power sheets on sale before several years."
Re:This is stupid (Score:5, Insightful)
If you were right, bluetooth would not exist, and we'd just use the little wire.
but you're wrong. wires are a bitch. and now that you can transfer the data wirelessly, it's highly desirable to be able to transmit power wirelessly as well.
This is also absolutely necessary in a hospital setting; currently you have to have covers over all ports. Eliminate the ports, eliminate the covers, make the device more fluid-resistant, it's a win-win-win situation.
Aftermarket receivers will come first... (Score:3, Insightful)
Just like every Chinese fab is making electronics accessories for laptops and cell phones and such, expect that, if these things get cheap enough, we'll start seeing adapters to clip onto the bottom of phones that will take power from the pad.
Shortly after that, expect to start seeing universal adaptor kits at Radio Shack with a switch-selector voltage output, and 87 plugs, to connect to a generic charger. Maybe a charger base with 3 outputs.
The application for such a pad is MUCH larger than the article implies. It won't require manufacturers to integrate such receivers until well after their acceptance, which will drive down the price per unit to incorporate them into devices.
Re:i remember this (Score:3, Insightful)
Re:How Efficient? (Score:3, Insightful)
One pad - even with transmission losses - is probably better than the typical 3-6 wall wart chargers in use at a given time.
Re:This is stupid (Score:2, Insightful)
Re:How Efficient? (Score:3, Insightful)
Additionally, it is only 40 watts now. Who's to say it won't be capable of, say, 1000 Watts in a few years time? Wireless kettle/microwave, anyone?
Ye Another Ridiculouxs Tesla Power Idea (Score:3, Insightful)
Here someone is suggesting letting free many watts.
Just ain't going to ever be approved.
It doesn't take much power, under a watt, to make instant cataracts. Ask any old radar operator.
Re:This is stupid (Score:2, Insightful)
Re:This is stupid (Score:2, Insightful)