Articles tagged with "wireless-power-transfer"
Maxell Develops All-Solid-State Battery Power Module Compatible with ER Battery Size - CleanTechnica
Maxell has developed an all-solid-state battery power module that matches the size and output voltage (3.6V) of the commonly used lithium thionyl chloride (ER) battery. ER batteries are widely employed in industrial equipment backup systems, smart meters, and IoT sensors but are primary (non-rechargeable), necessitating frequent replacements that increase maintenance workload and generate waste. Maxell’s new module fits within the standard ER battery dimensions (17.9 mm diameter, 50 mm height) and incorporates eight mass-produced “PSB401010H” cells to provide approximately 35 mAh capacity. It also includes an integrated charging circuit (charging at 5V), enabling easy adoption as a rechargeable replacement for ER batteries. By using this all-solid-state battery module, industries can reduce battery replacement frequency, thereby lowering maintenance time and increasing equipment operating hours, which enhances productivity. Additionally, the rechargeable nature of the module helps minimize environmental impact by reducing waste battery disposal. Maxell is focusing
energyall-solid-state-batterybattery-technologyIoT-sensorsindustrial-equipmentenergy-harvestingwireless-power-transferChina’s 6G surface converts enemy radar beam into power for stealth jets
Chinese researchers have developed a novel smart electromagnetic surface based on reconfigurable intelligent surface (RIS) technology that can convert ambient electromagnetic waves—such as enemy radar beams—into electrical power. This innovation enables stealth jets to harvest energy directly from radar signals, eliminating the need for traditional batteries and supporting the concept of "electromagnetic cooperative stealth," where multiple networked platforms coordinate to minimize radar visibility. The RIS is a two-dimensional reflecting material capable of real-time manipulation of electromagnetic waves, allowing simultaneous wireless information transfer, sensing, and energy harvesting. Beyond military applications, this technology is poised to impact 6G telecommunications by integrating data transmission with radar-like functions, optimizing spectrum and hardware usage. Current prototypes demonstrate effective beam steering and the ability to create intentional radio dead zones, enhancing signal coverage and security. The RIS platform offers a low-cost, programmable solution that reduces physical hardware requirements and can support environment-adaptive micro base stations and self-powered relay systems. Researchers anticipate that as this technology matures, it will
6Genergy-harvestingreconfigurable-intelligent-surfaceelectromagnetic-stealthInternet-of-Robotic-Thingswireless-power-transferIoTNew US laser system could beam power to aircraft flying at 5,000 feet
PowerLight Technologies has developed and tested a wireless laser power system designed to recharge drones in flight, aiming to extend their operational endurance. Supported by the US military’s PTROL-UAS program, the system features an autonomous high-power laser transmitter that can deliver kilowatt-level energy over several miles to drones flying up to 5,000 feet. The transmitter combines advanced beam control software and hardware to safely track and lock onto aerial targets, ensuring precise and secure power delivery. Safety measures include automated controls and expert oversight to enable operation in shared airspace, with real-time monitoring integrated into existing drone control and ground power systems. On the drone side, PowerLight created a lightweight receiver that converts the laser energy into electricity to recharge onboard batteries, while also enabling telemetry feedback and potential future optical data links. The technology is being integrated with the K1000ULE, an ultra-long-endurance unmanned aircraft developed by Kraus Hamdani Aerospace for US Navy and Army missions requiring extended persistence without traditional refueling.
energywireless-power-transferlaser-power-beamingdronesunmanned-aerial-vehiclesautonomous-systemsmilitary-technologyInside the engineering of electric roads that could transform EVs
Electric roads, which enable electric vehicles (EVs) to charge dynamically while driving via inductive or conductive systems embedded in roadways, represent a promising advancement for next-generation transport. These systems allow vehicles equipped with compatible receivers to draw power continuously, reducing reliance on large onboard batteries. Notably, France’s A10 motorway project, using Electreon’s technology, has demonstrated the feasibility of this approach with peak power outputs exceeding 300 kW, sufficient to charge heavy trucks, buses, and passenger cars at full speed. This dynamic charging can lower vehicle weight and upfront costs, increase cargo capacity for freight operators, and significantly reduce transport emissions, especially when powered by renewable energy. Despite these benefits, widespread adoption of electric road systems (ERS) faces substantial challenges. The high cost of installation—estimated at €30–€40 billion for a nationwide rollout in France—along with infrastructure demands such as road resurfacing, power grid upgrades, and new metering systems, complicate deployment. Technical hurdles remain
energyelectric-vehicleselectric-roadsdynamic-chargingrenewable-energytransportation-infrastructurewireless-power-transferKorea unveils world’s first wireless OLED contact lens for eye tests
Korean researchers at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology (KAIST) have developed the world’s first wireless OLED contact lens designed for on-the-go electroretinography (ERG), a diagnostic test that measures the electrical response of retinal cells. This ultrathin (12.5 μm) organic light-emitting diode (OLED) is integrated into a flexible contact lens, enabling retinal function testing without the need for traditional bulky equipment like the Ganzfeld device, which requires patients to sit still in dark rooms. The lens operates wirelessly via a power antenna and control chip at a 433 MHz resonant frequency, allowing stable communication and control through a smartphone-linked sleep mask. Unlike conventional inorganic LEDs, which are rigid and emit light from a single point, the OLED contact lens provides a diffusive, gentle light source that avoids heat damage and produces clear ERG signals at low luminance levels (126 nits). Animal tests confirmed the device’s safety, showing it maintains eye surface temperature below
IoTwearable-technologyOLEDwireless-power-transfermedical-devicessmart-contact-lensretinal-diagnosticsJapanese breakthrough could help make a 'fully wireless society'
A research team at Chiba University, led by Professor Hiroo Sekiya, has developed a machine learning-based design method for wireless power transfer (WPT) systems that maintain stable output regardless of load changes, a property known as load-independent (LI) operation. Traditional WPT systems require precise component values based on idealized equations, but real-world factors like parasitic capacitance and manufacturing tolerances often cause unstable output voltage and loss of zero voltage switching (ZVS), which reduces efficiency. The new approach models the WPT circuit with differential equations incorporating real component behaviors and uses a genetic algorithm to optimize circuit parameters for stable voltage, high efficiency, and low harmonic distortion. Testing their method on a class-EF WPT system, the researchers achieved voltage fluctuations under 5% across varying loads, significantly better than the 18% typical in conventional systems. The system delivered 23 watts at 86.7% efficiency and maintained ZVS under different load conditions, including light loads, due to
wireless-power-transfermachine-learningload-independent-operationenergy-efficiencyIoT-sensorselectromagnetic-fieldswireless-chargingInductive Charging Experiment In Germany - CleanTechnica
The article discusses an innovative inductive charging experiment underway in Bavaria, Germany, led by Friedrich Alexander Universität Erlangen Nürnberg (FAU) and partners including the Federal Autobahn and Israeli company Electreon. The project involves embedding copper coils beneath a one-kilometer stretch of the A6 highway near Nuremberg to wirelessly charge specially equipped electric vehicles as they drive or stop over the coils. This dynamic inductive charging system, similar in principle to wireless phone charging, aims to reduce reliance on large, expensive batteries and alleviate range anxiety by providing continuous power on the road with over 90% efficiency. Scheduled to begin testing in the second half of 2025, the E|MPOWER project seeks to evaluate both the technical performance and economic feasibility of integrating inductive charging into heavy goods transport infrastructure. Key goals include optimizing coil manufacturing and installation methods to lower costs and installation times. Bavarian officials and FAU leadership emphasize the potential of this technology to revolutionize e-mobility by enabling seamless
energyinductive-chargingelectric-vehicleswireless-power-transfere-mobilityelectric-road-systemtransportation-technology