Inductive Charging

Since the invention of synthetic electricity, safe distribution over vast distances, long-term storage mediums, and output sources have been continuously refined over several decades. Following the rise of mobile computing throughout the early 2000’s, more people than ever are depending upon point-source charging for daily tasks including educational assignments, workplace efforts, navigation, emergency communications, annual taxes, and more. With the addition of constant use and current battery limitations, convenient power sources have become a common priority with year-over-year innovations.

Most recently, inductive charging* (a method of wirelessly transferring energy from one source to another) has become increasingly popular among consumer smartphones, laptops, and tablets each using different identifiers as well as technology. Notably, MagSafe, Qi, Qi2, and Qi2 Ready can be found across most modern devices including Apple’s iPhone, MacBook, Watch, etc., Google Pixel/Tablet, and Samsung Galaxy S Series. While all standards suffer from energy loss (more than physical cables), they all have similarities and key differences in their design making each ideal for various individuals.

Introduced with the MacBook Pro in 2006 and iPhone 12 in 2020, Apple’s MagSafe works by integrating magnets of opposite polarity within the device as well as their respective charger (for alignment) and passing an electrical current between enclosed metal such as copper or aluminum. Like this, Qi2 works by adding the Magnetic Power Profile (developed by Apple) to their first-generation standard (Qi) for increased charging capabilities [1]. Likewise, Qi2 Ready allows for increased charging, but is limited to the Extended Power Profile because of excluded magnets. This limits Qi2 Ready devices to only being certified as Qi (first-generation) but are “Ready” for the second using a Qi2 approved case with built-in magnets.

(Qi served as one of the first standards for wirelessly charging consumer electronics and has been vastly adopted across multiple global manufacturers. It’s commonly found in vehicles and works by supplying a device’s battery with up to 5 watts of power but doesn’t use any magnetic alignment).

With respect to all types of charging, wired or inductive, substantial advancements have been made in the form of port development, increased capacity, braided cables, reversable terminals, magnet integration, and more. As technology continues to improve, power delivery will follow and hopefully gain efficiency as well as transition towards cleaner materials thereby promoting an overall healthier environment.

*It should be noted that any device using inductive charging via a non-port will have further decreased efficiency due to passing energy through additional materials. (To exemplify, most smartphones receive power through their back panel which is a nonconductive glass, plastic, or polycarbonate. These materials are used to avoid electrocution yet retain a similar aesthetic).

[1]         S. Hill. “What is Qi2? The Wireless Charging Standard Goes Magnetic.” https://www.wired.com/story/what-is-qi2-wireless-charging/ accessed (January 27, 2025).

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