MIT develops system for wireless electricity, dubbs it WiTricity
As a blogger, we often live on our electronic gadgetry like laptops, cell phones and digital cameras, and I am absolutely certain that many of our readers use the same devices and more in their everyday life. So, I am sure that you will agree with me that you would love to cut all the cords that tether these mobile devices into power outlets. Ever tripped on a laptop cord? I've seen many damaged laptops that hit the deck after the cord was tripped on! Researchers at MIT, using funding from the Army Research Office (Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies), National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy might have come up with a solution to this problem.
Imagine the possibilities of this system for a moment. The automotive applications are obvious, imagine not needed cell phone adapters and the like in your car. But, imagine for a moment an electric recharging station where all you had to do was drive up into a designated spot, turning on the wireless charging. The researchers are certainly not suggesting wireless electric car charging at this point, but it would certainly be cool if that were possible. I'll take a wait and see attitude with this new technology, as I do with most. But I am extra hopeful that this turns out to be commercially feasible.
[Source: MIT via Engadget]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Ralph 12:04PM (6/09/2007)
This sounds a lot like Tesla's idea of wireless electric distribution. Of course, the "killer app" here is embedding the interstate highway system with induction coils and then selling the power to electric cars as they cruise down the road.
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Tim 4:37PM (6/09/2007)
Big Energy will have a hard time billing it and therefore they won't let their (not our) representatives in Big Gov't allow it. It was this billing issue that destroyed Tesla's work.
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Domenick 8:09PM (6/09/2007)
Of course, this technology could be integrated into the parking lots of businesses. Instead of a billable service, it could be another reason to shop at a particular location. Free energy fill=up!
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Joseph M. 12:49PM (6/10/2007)
Tesla already did this many many years ago. Nikola Tesla, been there done that. Well, ok. here we go again. this may happen for small devices, but take into consideration you're putting battery companies out of business. Oil Companies and Big Three Automotive won't let this happen. just like the battery patents. Can't even get Chevron Oil to let go of those NiMh batteries. Like I said, been done before, if you can make it happen, get past the political bullshit, then good luck to you. and with the military funding your projects definitely means hush hush, on the system. they get it, the public don't such bullshit. anyway, good luck to you guys. I know you can do it, Have already done it or we wouldn't be having this conversation. Period.
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Dave 8:02AM (6/11/2007)
Cool concept.
But how much is the installed cost?
And how expensive to operate?
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Witricity 3:02PM (7/16/2007)
Witricity News, Experimental Videos And Information:
http://www.witricitynet.com
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