Electrical excitation of the local earth for resonant, wireless energy transfer. Issue 2 (18th October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Van Neste, C. W.; Hull, Richard; Hawk, J. E.; Phani, Arindam; Unsworth, Martyn J.; Thundat, Thomas
• Is Part Of: Wireless power transfer. Volume 3:Issue 2(2016)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 9
• Publication Date: 2016-10-18
• Subjects: Dipole, -- Wireless, -- Near-field, -- Energy, -- Earth; Wireless power transmission -- Periodicals; 621.319
• DOI: 10.1017/wpt.2016.8
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2052-8418

Abstract

Abstract : Here we demonstrate wireless energy transfer that exploits the conductivity and permittivity of soil to create a potential gradient on the surface around an earthed electrode, distributing electrical energy over the area. This generated surface potential can be amplified using a special standing-wave receiver for harnessing the distributed energy. We have experimentally mapped the surface potential around the electrode and plotted the received energy covering an area of 1200 m 2 . Key operating parameters are determined with a discussion on optimizing the system efficiency. This technique could address the challenge of distributing electrical energy to many low power devices over large outdoor areas without the use of wires.