Fundamentals of wireless power transfer technology

1. Explain the Fundamentals of wireless power transfer technology

Wireless power transfer is defined as the transfer of electric power from one device to another device without the use of a charging cord. It uses the principle of Faraday’s law of induction. The wireless power transfer is classified into two categories namely the non-radiating and the Radiating based charging (RF) (Xie, Shi, Hou & Lou, 2013).They entail inductive coupling, capacitive coupling, and magnetic resonance coupling. Inductive coupling can be merely understood as where a change in the voltage of one’s wires induces a change in the voltage of another wire using electromagnetic radiation. Capacitive coupling can be interpreted as the transfer of electrical energy between distant networks through the mechanism of displacement of current. Electromagnetic radiation is a form of radiation that either includes visible light, radio waves, and gamma rays.

2. Describe the business benefits of using wireless technology

First wireless technology has an extended product life. This is because unlike the physical connectors it is not prone to the mating cycles of a connector and corrosion at the connecting pints. On the side of the manufacturer, he/she will not incur added costs in replacing or repairing faulty connectors. On the side of the consumer, his operations will not be interfered with due to the breakdown of the connector.

Wireless technology is also efficient more so concerning the amount of power that it offers the consumer. It is not tied to low energy solutions as it can be even extended to say even 200W (Kesler, 2013). This expansive nature and flexibility makes it be easily used by any business

The wireless technology also reduces the cord clutter. In the past, each device would use an independent charging cord, however with the advent of wireless technology the electronic devices are charged using cordless solutions (Xueliang, 2013).This eliminates the cost of manufacturing the charging cords on the part of the manufacturer and the hassle of looking for the charging cords on the part of the consumer.

3. Identify two types of business opportunities companies could use to gain a competitive advantage using wireless technology

Free WIFI for customers

At least 62% of business owners in San Francisco said that customers spend more time on the business premises if Wi-Fi is offered. It is clear by a customer spending more time in a business premise he/she is likely to be induced to impulse buying thus increasing the company’s sales. Therefore, wireless technology can be used by businesses as means of boosting the company’s sales.

Increase in productivity

With wireless technology, this means employees can access information and communicate with other employees faster. This has been shown to increase productivity. Again, 20 % of a group of 1500 workers interviewed opted for the BYOD (Bring Your Device) mode of operation in the workplace. This is because it encourages flexibility.

Ease of Network expansion

Unlike the traditional method of expanding the business, contacts that required physical meetings among others have been eliminated. With wireless technology, other users can be easily added to the technology without any hassle. This may, in the end, give a business a competitive edge over other companies in the market.

4. What are some other creative uses of Wireless technology not mentioned in the case?

The integrated Furniture and lighting for homes, which are entirely wireless being pursued by IKEA.

The use of cordless power drills in construction sites and quarries currently being pursued by Borsch group of companies.

The use of Phone charging stations in coffee tables currently being pushed for by Starbucks.

5. How would a wireless power distribution network operate similarly to cell networks?

The first way is inside building where the electromagnetic field would be shaped in such a way that there is the use of various antennas put in different places close to the consuming devices. In this way, it will take the shape of a cell network although a bit different.

The other way would be where the power devices can sense the devices that consume power and transmit the power to the devices when there is a device that can use the power.

References

Kesler, M. (2013). Highly resonant wireless power transfer: safe, efficient, and over distance. WiTricity Corporation, 1-32.

Xie, L., Shi, Y., Hou, Y. T., & Lou, A. (2013). Wireless power transfer and applications to sensor networks. IEEE Wireless Communications, 20(4), 140-145.

Xueliang, H., Linlin, T., Zhong, C., Hao, Q., Yalong, Z., Wei, W., & Weijie, C. (2013). Review and research progress on wireless power transfer technology. Transactions of China Electrotechnical Society, 28(10), 1-11.