Wireless Power Transfer for Mobile Applications, and Health Effects

Recent interest and current optimism regarding battery-charging wireless power-transfer technology are driven by the ubiquity of cell phones and other mobile communication devices. In some ways, this is to make a dream come true: a truly wireless mobile or portable communication device, completely free from being tethered in any way. The concept of wireless power transfer is not new, even for charging batteries. Cellular service users and customers may be annoyed by or do not want to be bothered with having to plug the mobile device into an electrical outlet. If this is true - as appears to be the case - then time may well provide a fix to the grief. Aside from not having to plug in the mobile phone or laptop, a more probable cause for the sudden interest in battery charging through wireless power transfer may come from the potential for mobile communication devices to get their electrical power the same way they get their data. Unlike wireless communication uses, the level of transmitted electromagnetic power required for large-scale or commercial implementation of wireless power transfer could be substantial. A key feature of the system design and research effort should be consideration of biological effects and human safety.