Computerworld reports that RCA demonstrated a prototype device that converts Wi-Fi radio signals into DC power to charge wireless devices. The W-iFi Hotspot Power Harvester, also known as Airnergy, was shown at the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show. RCA’s device was able to charge a BlackBerry Bold with about 30 percent power in 90 minutes using Wi-Fi access points located nearby, according to an RCA official recorded on video by Geeky-Gadgets.com. The amount of charging time depends on a user’s proximity to the Wi-Fi hot spot.
The Airnergy unit stores the charge in an internal lithium battery, so you don’t necessarily have to be in a Wi-Fi hot spot to recharge your device. The device is about 2 in. by 3 in. in size and will sell for $39 to $49 this summer. RCA said it is developing a smaller version that would replace a battery inside a hand-held device and sell for about $60. That smaller version could ship in 2011.
Other wireless chargers
Demonstrations of wireless chargers have been a staple of CES for several years, and some products promised in 2008 have not materialized. Some products, such as the Dell Latitude Z laptop, allow charging by placing the laptop directly on a wireless charging stand. Fulton Innovation LLC, (I wrote about here) showed products and prototypes at CES. One Fulton technology concept powers a 12-watt light bulb from a transmitter placed 35 inches away. Powermat USA showed new wireless charging mats for handheld computers at prices ranging from $39 to $149, and the company’s CEO said Powermat has sold 750,000 devices since the company launched two months ago.
There is much skepticism over this product. The inverse-square law roughly says in this case that the signal would decrease in intensity inversely proportional to the square of the distance. Double the distance and signal strength drops by a fourth and so on. Thus at the distance at which most people find themselves from access points, the amount of energy available is minute.
Here is an article from SensorMag.com that describes how RF energy harvesting works.
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 on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. Email the Bach Seat here.