Researchers make wireless electricity breakthrough

Published: June 8, 2007 | 6356th good news item since 2003

Scientists in the United States have successfully transmitted electricity between two devices without the use of a connecting cable.

The technology, known as ‘WiTricity’, could spell the end for wires and plugs in the home.

The researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology succeeded in transmitting electricity from a power source to a 60 watt light bulb more than two metres away using magnetic resonators.

This involves two copper coils, one at the power source and one at the application – in this instance the light bulb.

The transmitting coil sends out a magnetic field with the receiving coil specifically designed to resonate with that field.

Once those two copper coils have successfully coupled, power can flow between them and the bulb lights up.

Published in Science & Technology
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