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Intel (INTC) demonstrated has demonstrated wireless electricity. The wireless electric power system that could revolutionize modern life by eliminating chargers, wall outlets and batteries by 2050. Intel chief technology officer Justin Rattner demonstrated a Wireless Energy Resonant Link at Intel’s 2008 developer’s forum.

During the demo electricity was sent wirelessly to a lamp on stage, lighting a 60 watt bulb. The bulb used more power than a typical laptop computer. Most importantly, the electricity was transmitted without zapping anything or anyone that got between the sending and receiving units. “The trick with wireless power is not can you do it; it’s can you do it safely and efficiently,” according to Intel researcher Josh Smith. “It turns out the human body is not affected by magnetic fields; it is affected by elective fields. So what we are doing is transmitting energy using the magnetic field not the electric field.”

Intel did not develop wireless electricity

Examples of potential applications include airports, offices or other buildings. They could be rigged to supply power to laptops, mobile telephones or other devices toted into them. The technology could also be built into plugged in computer components. Monitors could broadcast power to devices left on desks or carried into rooms, according to Mr. Smith.

Intel did not develop this idea. In the 1890’s scientist and engineer Nikola Tesla envisioned a world, in which all electricity is transferred wirelessly. The idea was abandoned and highly efficient copper cables became the basis for modern electricity infrastructure. Researchers at MIT demonstrated the technology in 2007.

Inductive coupling

Ada, Michigan based, Fulton Innovations‘ eCoupled technology, uses inductive coupling and combining it with communications and control properties to deliver on Tesla’s vision of wireless electrical distribution. eCoupled supplies power and communication through an inductively coupled power circuit. The circuit dynamically seeks resonance. This allows the primary supply circuit to adapt its operation to match the needs of the eCoupled-enabled devices it recognizes.

Energizer is using eCoupled technology. The Energizer Hard Case Professional eCoupled Swivel Light waterproof flashlight that never needs new batteries will go on sale this year. At CES 2009, Tool manufacturer Bosch brought prototypes that can charge on the workbench or inside their carrying case when the case is placed on a charging surface. The wireless charger could be in a workshop or even fitted inside a truck ensuring that cordless tools are always ready to go.

Wireless electricity applications

Texas Instruments is also utilizing the eCoupled technology. Masoud Beheshti, director of battery charge solutions in TI’s battery management solutions group, added: “We look forward to supporting eCoupled-based solutions using our extensive portfolio of charge and power management solutions for all types of portable applications.”

Wireless electrical products are already on the market. Colorado based Wild Charge is licensing their wireless electrical charging systems. They have products available for sale on their website for Blackberry and Motorola phones.

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Ralph Bach has been in IT long enough to know better and has blogged from his Bach Seat about IT, careers and anything else that catches his attention since 2005. You can follow him at LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. Email the Bach Seat here.