Wireless Power to the People – Wireless Charging 101

An introduction to the world of modern wireless power electronics with practical engineering demo circuits

Created by: Awesome Academy
Engineer & Educator

What Will I Learn?

• Learn the various wireless power methods in research and development today (including a few that are scams!)
• Learn the pros and cons of all the different wireless power methods and the ONE technology mature enough for mainstream consumer use
• Understand electromagnetic induction
• Intuitively understand resonance and LC resonant circuits
• Understand inductive coupling and resonant power transfer
• Build a circuit that can wirelessly power a small fan
• Build a wireless power circuit that can power an LED 15cm away
• Build a wireless power circuit that can power LEDs, electric motors and more 30cm away
• Understand "the skin effect" and how to mitigate it
• Understand the main components of modern commercial wireless charging systems (with emphasis on Qi)
• Understand how data communication works in Qi wireless power systems
• Use off the shelf hardware to wirelessly charge phones, Playstation controllers and other USB devices
• Use off the shelf hardware to wirelessly power any electronic device up to 4 watts

Requirements

• Basic knowledge of electricity, resistors, capacitors, inductors, transistors, breadboards
• Basic knowledge of schematic reading, function generators and oscilloscopes if you want to recreate some of the experiments yourself
• The bill of materials is US$11 if you would like to replicate the experiments at home

Target audience

• Anyone who wants to understand the magic behind wireless power technology
• Science and engineering students
• Technicians and junior engineers
• Investors looking to invest in wireless power projects
• Technophiles and gadget lovers