Your Wi-Fi router already brings you Netflix and cat pictures, but someday it might become even more important to your life. A group of researchers from the University of Washington were able to send energy from a Wi-Fi router to low power electronics from up to 28 feet away, without interfering with the router’s – and neighboring routers’ – ability to transmit data. They call their technology Power over Wi-Fi (PoWiFi).
Using Atheros chipsets, the researchers made several PoWiFi routers that worked as normal but also sent meaningless packets of data over multiple 2.4Ghz channels. They programmed these routers to send these “unintrusive power traffic” only when the router isn’t sending data to connected devices. They then built four low power devices: a temperature sensor, a camera, a coin battery charger and the AA battery charger shown above.
Each of those devices was equipped with a harvester that converted the radio waves from the router – whether it contained actual data or the aforementioned power traffic – into direct current voltage, which was then boosted to a usable voltage with a DC-DC converter. In their tests, they were able to operate the camera up to 17 feet away, the temperature sensor up to 20ft away and the battery chargers up to 28 feet away from their router.
Using a 2.4Ghz antenna and their harvester, the researchers also built a wireless USB charger (top image). It was able to charge a Jawbone UP 24 from 0% to 41% in 2.5 hours while placed a couple of inches away from their router.
Finally, the researchers tested how their routers fared in real world settings. They asked six different households to use a PoWiFi router for their usual Internet activities for a few days. They also installed harvester-equipped temperature sensors 10 feet away from each router. Their results showed that the routers performed well, adjusting for client traffic both within the households and from neighboring routers while still sending enough power to the temperature sensors.
The researchers hope that their technology will lead to battery-free sensors and mobile devices that are continuously powered by Wi-Fi routers. Check out the researcher’s full paper at Cornell University Library’s arXiv.
[via New Scientist via Digital Trends]
It’s claimed that up to 97% of a cellphone’s radio signals are simply lost, most of the time simply trying to find nearby towers, or just staying connected to your router. Researchers at The Ohio State University are developing a product that could extend current battery life by up to 30% by harvesting a portion of these wasted signals.
There are some products newly on the market that harvest stray radio signals to charge tiny wireless devices such as temperature sensors. But the Ohio State invention is many times more powerful and efficient, said Robert Lee, professor of electrical and computer engineering.
To communicate, today’s portable devices broadcast radio signals—that is, high-frequency AC—a portion of which the Ohio State rectifier system captures and converts back to DC. Its trick is to siphon off just enough of the radio signal to noticeably slow battery drain, but not enough to degrade voice quality or data transmission.
The researchers are currently working on a skin that could be applied to your phone and would do the job of harvesting this lost energy. But the aim is to eventually work at the OEM level, directly with phone manufacturers, to help them extend devices’ battery lives. When and if it ever does make it to market, the engineers expect it to cost around $100.
It was only a matter of time until someone perfected the USB plug… and now it’s been done! SnapPower is an INGENIOUS replacement outlet cover plate with a built-in USB charger that truly sets the standard for wall plates moving forward. It eliminates the need for bulky wall chargers and is conveniently located on the side so it’s only slightly deeper than a standard cover. Better yet, no wiring to mess with! Just bring a screwdriver and you’re good to go. Get it here!
Designer: Jeremy Smith
-
Yanko Design
Timeless Designs - Explore wonderful concepts from around the world!
Shop CKIE - We are more than just concepts. See what's hot at the CKIE store by Yanko Design!
(The Best Thing Since the USB Itself was originally posted on Yanko Design)
No related posts.
If you’ve ever tried plugging something in while it’s dark you know that it’s next to impossible. EASY PUT is a next generation power socket that makes it EASY to PUT your plug in even when it’s dark or your line of vision is obstructed. The key is in its functional funnel shape that helps users feel their way around. Simply define the outlet and twist the plug until it’s guided to the holes. A simple yet effective solution for not only the average user but also those with vision impairments.
Designer: Soroush Vahidian
-
Yanko Design
Timeless Designs - Explore wonderful concepts from around the world!
Shop CKIE - We are more than just concepts. See what's hot at the CKIE store by Yanko Design!
(The Power Socket for Dummies was originally posted on Yanko Design)
Related posts:
In this wide and populated world, every now and then I come across something that reminds me just how diverse people are. The Pylon Appreciation Society is one such thing. Founded by Flash Wilson Bristow in 2005, the group is for people who love electricity pylons. Sorry Protoss.
For £15 (~$24 USD) you can become a lifetime member of the club and have access to instructional materials, a message board and more. You also receive a welcome pack, shown below.
Head to the Pylon Appreciation Society’s website for more info. You can also browse hundreds of photos of pylons from around the world on their gallery.
[via Boing Boing]
Say goodbye to the hassle of bending down to sort through tangled up cords and hard-to-reach outlets! The ergonomically designed Tower brings power UP to you when and where you need it most. Modern and sleek, the vertical design features 4 AC outlets, two USB ports, detachable caddy to hold smartphones and tablets, as well as a removable bottom to stand flush against the wall. It’s the ultimate in electrical convenience everywhere from the bathroom to the gym!
Designer: The Art of Power
-
Yanko Design
Timeless Designs - Explore wonderful concepts from around the world!
Shop CKIE - We are more than just concepts. See what's hot at the CKIE store by Yanko Design!
(The Tower of Power was originally posted on Yanko Design)
Related posts:
