Wireless Power

Wireless Power (Print This)
06/17/2007
In this wireless world, we’re still tied to cords for power. And, if not cords, to batteries that constantly need charging. That may be about to change.

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Randy Atkins: In an MIT lab, a light bulb shines even though its power source is seven feet away and unconnected—except by magnetic energy that’s beamed between precisely engineered coils.

Andre Kurs: We have to adjust the geometric properties very carefully.

Randy Atkins: Andre Kurs, a physicist working on the project, says the receiving coil’s shape allows it to absorb energy at a precise frequency ignored by other objects.

Andre Kurs: It goes through walls, it goes through all sorts of objects, metals. It goes through people.
Randy Atkins: So Kurs says the energy beam is safe. Its magnetic energy creates electricity, and they’re working to fit the coils in things like laptops and cell phones. With the National Academy of Engineering, Randy Atkins, WTOP Radio.

Kurs' project, and background on wireless power
Nikola Tesla proposed beaming electricity through the air in the late 1800s

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