ACM TechNews

Intel Moves to Free Gadgets of Their Recharging Cords

New York Times (08/21/08) P. C4; Markoff, John

Intel has developed "wireless resonant energy link" technology that could enable the wireless recharging of handheld devices and other gadgets and appliances. The technology uses a magnetic field to broadcast up to 60 watts of power to a distance of two to three feet. Intel says it can broadcast that power while losing only 25 percent of the power during transmission. The technology builds on the work of Massachusetts Institute of Technology physicist Marin Soljacic, who pioneered the idea of wirelessly transmitting power using resonant magnetic fields. Both the Intel and MIT researchers are exploring a phenomenon known as "resonant induction," which makes it possible to transmit power several feet without wires. Induction is already used to charge devices such as electric toothbrushes, but those applications require the device to be placed in a base station. The MIT group has demonstrated efficiencies of 50 percent while transmitting power several meters. Intel also is testing whether the technology could be used to power supercapacitors, which can be recharged far more quickly than modern batteries. Intel's Justin Rattner says that someday countertop appliances such as coffeemakers may only need to be placed on the counter to be powered. Intel researchers are experimenting with antennas less than two feet in diameter to remotely power a 60-watt light bulb.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/21/technology/21intel.html

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