Imagine charging your phone simply by keeping it in your pocket—no cables, no docks, and no need to position it just right.
Thanks to groundbreaking research by scientists at UNIST, this futuristic idea is now a reality.
Their new wireless charging system can power devices anywhere within a three-dimensional space, such as walls, floors, or even the air around you.
Professor Franklin Bien and his team from the Department of Electrical Engineering at UNIST have developed a revolutionary technology called the Electric Resonance-Based Wireless Power Transfer (ERWPT) system.
Unlike previous methods, this system doesn’t rely on magnetic fields, which often require devices to be positioned precisely for efficient charging.
Instead, ERWPT uses electric resonance to create a more flexible and powerful way to transfer energy.
Traditional wireless charging, like Magnetic Resonance Wireless Power Transfer (MRWPT), has limitations.
It struggles with efficiency when devices are not perfectly aligned because magnetic fields don’t have monopole (single-pole) properties.
This makes charging across longer distances or with multiple devices challenging.
ERWPT overcomes these issues by using the monopole properties of electric charges.
This new system can transfer power up to 2 meters away, delivering 50 watts of energy with an efficiency of 46%. For comparison, researchers at MIT previously achieved 40% efficiency at the same distance using magnetic resonance back in 2007.
One of the key innovations of ERWPT is its advanced transceiver design, featuring an open bifilar coil.
This allows devices to charge efficiently regardless of their position within the electric field. Moreover, the system supports simultaneous charging of multiple devices without losing efficiency.
Professor Bien explained, “Our technology is a true game-changer. It enables charging anywhere in a 3D space, opening up new possibilities for smart factories, logistics robots, and everyday devices like phones and laptops.”
The team’s work also holds great significance for science. By focusing on the unique properties of electromagnetic force, they’ve introduced a fresh perspective on how energy can be transmitted wirelessly.
Dr. Bonyoung Lee, the study’s first author, said, “This system not only advances technology but also deepens our understanding of electromagnetic phenomena.”
With this breakthrough, the days of fumbling with charging cables or perfectly aligning devices may soon be over. This new wireless charging technology could transform the way we power our gadgets, making it easier and more convenient than ever.
