Energy startup Infrgy says it has developed a prototype wireless energy transfer system that can charge multiple devices at once.
Using a benign radio frequency (RF), Infrgy says its system can transfer energy to devices up to three feet away without any direct contact.
Unlike other wireless charging technologies, that use lasers, microwaves or infrared light, it does not require a charging pad or direct line of sight to the device that is being charged, which could make it much more versatile and suitable for industrial settings.
The company has produced a demonstration video which it says shows the system in action. A 3.7V transmitter sends RF signals to two LED bulbs equipped with circuitry to receive the signals and convert them to electricity.
Infrgy says it conceived the idea through a partnership with the Centre for Innovation, Incubation, and Entrepreneurship at the University of Kashmir, India.
As reported by DCD, the company is also developing a novel energy harvesting system that can convert radio waves into electricity, It has produced a working prototype that generates more output than input, and is working with “high technology institutions” in India to test and develop the device.
The company is based in Hawaii, and has recruited the island state’s former governor John Waihee as an advisor.
Waihee said: “It’s an exciting time to be involved in the development of this burgeoning technology.”