Date of this Version

12-1-2021

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Wireless charging of devices has significant outcomes for mobile devices, IoT devices and wearables. Existing technologies consider using Point to Point type wireless transfer from a transmitter Tx (node that is sending Power) to a receiver Rx (node that receives power), which limits the area of coverage for devices. As a result, existing systems are forced to use near field coupling to charge such devices. Fundamental limitation is also that such methods limit charging to a small hotspot. In partnership with Wireless Electrical Grid LANs (WiGL pronounced “wiggle”), we demonstrate patented Ad-hoc mesh networking method(s) to provide wireless recharging at over 5 feet from the source, while allowing significant lateral movement of the receiver on the WiGL (Wireless Grid LAN or local area network). The transmitter network method leverages a series of panels, operating as a mesh of transmitters that can be miniaturized or hidden in walls or furniture for an ergonomic use. This disruptive technology holds the unique advantage of being able to provide recharging of moving targets similar to the cellular concept used in WiLAN, as opposed to prior wireless charging attempts, which only allow a hotspot-based charging. Specifically, we demonstrate the charging of a popular smartphone using the proposed system in the radiating near field zone of the transmitter antennas, while the user is free to move in the space on the meshed network. The averaged received power of 10 dBm is demonstrated using 1W RF-transmitter(s), operating in the 2.4 GHz ISM band. The proposed hardware consists of antennas arrays, rectennas, power management and USB 2.0 interfaces for maintaining a voltage between 4.2 and 5.3 V and smooth charging. We also show extending the wireless grid coverage with the use of multiple transmitting antennas, and mechanical beam-steering even further an increased coverage using the proposed system.

DOI

10.1038/s41598-021-97528-5

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