WiPower

WiPower (pronounced “y-power”) is a technology start-up company that has used the principles of inductive coupling to develop a near-field wireless energy transfer system. The technology makes use of two components that are typical of all inductive power systems: a transmitter and a receiver. The WiPower system uses directed and controlled magnetic fields to replace traditional power cords. ^[1] To do this, the transmitter utilizes one or more primary windings in order to induce an even magnetic field above its surface. A receiver in the magnetic field uses a secondary winding which captures the magnetic energy and converts it back to electrical energy. ^[2]

WiPower's system is based on modified coreless inductive technology and dynamically adjusts power supplied by the transmitter to power demanded by the receiver without the need for control systems or communication. ^{[3] [4]} As such, the company's technology represents a simpler design versus alternate wireless power solutions. ^[5] The system is capable of supplying power to multiple receivers simultaneously that reside atop the transmitter in any position or orientation. The company has reported systems efficiencies between 60-90%, far surpassing the industry average for wired chargers of approximately 40%. ^[6]

History

Originally pioneered by Nikola Tesla in the 1890s, wireless power transfer systems, largely based on Michael Faraday's electromagnetic induction principles of 1831, are not new and have seen many applications, from electronic toothbrushes to Sprint's Palm Pre smartphone. ^[7]

Founded in 2004, WiPower emerged out of the University of Florida when founder Ryan Tseng began exploring the technology as his senior design project in UF’s electrical and computer engineering department. ^[8] He recruited fellow UF engineer, Henoch Senbetta, and developed a business plan centered around the technology, winning UF's Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation’s business plan competition. ^[9] Over the following three years, the company continued research and development with the University of Florida, ultimately creating the current technology.

WiPower won the 2008 North American Technology of the Year Award from Frost & Sullivan, a growth partnership company. ^[10] The company has also received coverage in mainstream print, such as Fast Company magazine and the New York Times, and been featured on television shows, such as NBC's "Today Show" and CNBC's "Power Lunch." ^{[11] [12] [13]}

References

External links

WiPower