How Does Wireless Charging Work?

The semi-pricey high-tech pads that magically charge our phones are a modern marvel. It eliminates the frustration of fumbling for a cord since you can sit the phone on the surface. Then, the battery seems to charge like magic — no hookups required. But how does wireless charging work, and is it just as effective, if not more, than wired charging connections?

Wireless charging is an increasingly popular option for many of today’s smartphones. But how does inductive charging work?

The Technology Behind Wireless Charging

This technology hasn’t been around for long, but it’s been in development since the 19th century. Nikola Tesla investigated ways to send electric currents through the air using a transmitter and receiver to create a magnetic field. While his plans for magnetic resonant coupling didn’t take off immediately, they led to what is now becoming more popular — wireless charging.

Unfortunately, it took until the modern technological age for this invention to flourish since more electronics nowadays could take advantage of its benefits. Removing wires for at-home electronics provides convenience, but it has an even more significant impact on industry.

Though we associate wireless charging with personal phones, the concept could stretch into maximizing the optimization of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, giving greater flexibility in any sector that uses tech. An advancement like this can only happen if we expand our minds outside using copper coils to provide the charging energy at short distances.

Now that it’s taking over the smartphone accessory scene, experts and consumers want to know how they work, their pros and cons and how they’ll change in the future.

How Does Wireless Charging Work?

Inductive charging is a relatively simple process. It’s the transfer of power between any two objects through an electromagnetic field. 

First, there’s a magnetic bar, and around this bar is a loop of coiled wires, which makes the inductor. When in proximity with a receiver – like the coils and magnets inside a smartphone – the loops can resonate at the same frequency in both devices. With an electric current running through the coiled wires, you get the electromagnetic field, which creates the charge. 

These materials and steps are what go into making three types of wireless charging possible:

Radio Frequency

This type of inductive charging is a way to power smaller devices, those that don’t require large batteries. Wireless keyboards, hearing aids and smartphones are examples that already use radio waves, which makes them optimal for RF technology. 

Inductive Charging

This technology takes a step up and hosts a platform for medium-sized devices. For instance, tablets and some smartphones may require inductive charging. Most commonly, you place your device on a charging pad that plugs into an outlet.

Resonance Charging

For devices that entail large-scale energy or battery use — an electric car or robot may use this form of charging. This short-range technology requires that both sources emit electromagnetic frequencies from their wire coils. 

The trajectory of wireless charging is controlled by two major standards groups — the AirFuel Alliance and the Alliance for Wireless Power (A4WP). The biggest names in tech, including Google, Apple and Intel, are a part of one of these groups supporting inductive charging development.

The AirFuel Alliance focuses on creating a few wireless protocols, including Qi which focuses on pad-style inductive charging. A4WP supports the Rezence protocol. This is still a new development, but it strives to relieve tech from pad-style chargers to go truly wireless.

Though wireless charging is becoming the next big thing, it has some drawbacks, too.

Pros and Cons of Wireless Charging

Since inductive charging is relatively new, developers are still working on how to bring it to its full potential. For instance, this technology is frequently slower than charging with a cord. If you’re on the go, you’ll want to use the wire. 

It also doesn’t offer the most practical use while charging. If a phone is on the charging pad, you can’t use it like you would with a cable. Developers are currently attempting to work on offering a greater charging distance, so the device does not need to remain on the pad. In some cases though, improper placement could make your phone fail to charge.

Nevertheless, charge speed is improving, and a pad does offer more convenience if you’re not using the device. It’s also is less likely to fray or get damaged since you won’t be using it like a regular cord.

Some believe the myth that wireless charging is bad for your phone’s battery. However, it operates roughly the same as a wire does. Still, the pros and cons are arguably equally balanced, and experts are working on more integrations every day.

The Future of Wireless Charging 

Inductive charging integrations are starting to appear everywhere you look.

Newer car models offer wireless charging in the center console. Airports and various Starbucks locations are implementing charging pads into their counters and visitor stations. IKEA is even rolling out new furniture with built-in inductive charging. With these new developments, this technology shows promise for the future.

Currently, developments for Qi and Rezence are top priorities. As research continues, safety and security issues are at the forefront, wondering how it will affect human health to be surrounded by the energy these technologies emit. Most authorities assert the radiation is weak, not affecting living beings. 

However, development must continue for charging to become genuinely wireless and charge through other materials like wood or metal.

Eventually, wireless charging could happen at all times. If humans install the infrastructure, walking around a home, office or even city could charge everything from wearable health tech, modern gaming consoles and electric vehicles. 

Though this may still be far off, developments in wireless charging could lead us to this reality, creating a more streamlined and convenient lifestyle for all with access. Projections suggest this future may be close as demand continues to increase.

Experts will continue to work on charging over longer distances. With smaller, tighter coils, they can perhaps fit more wires and create stronger electromagnetic fields. In the future, you can expect to see the integration of wireless charging in new industries, as well as everyday life.

Wireless Charging Innovates Old Tech

Technology we now view as innocuous is made more influential with wireless charging. Imagine a long day of sightseeing while traveling and never concerning yourself with not using your camera to save battery. Work stations become more portable if laptops can find energy no matter where they go. In industry, supply chains could streamline, and manufacturers could save hours of downtime. The only question is how long it’ll take to get there.