Wireless Efficiency

[Anchor Lead]

Ever popular wireless charging technology is easy and simple, but its lower charging efficiency is regarded as a serious drawback. A South Korean research team is successfully changing that.

[Pkg]

Recharging begins as a smartphone is placed into a cup nine centimeters in diameter. Wireless charging is possible, since four electricity transmitters, smaller than nails, are installed in the cup. This is magnetic resonance wireless charging technology that countries around the world are striving to develop. A South Korean research team has succeeded in achieving 60 percent charging efficiency for the first time in the world.

[Soundbite] Cho In-gwi(ETRI Researcher) : "It is very meaningful that the charging efficiency reaches 60 percent regardless of direction or arrangement. Most existing magnetic resonance wireless chargers come with an efficiency of 50 percent."

The electricity transmission distance has also been lengthened. The distance can increase by over seven to eight times from the current nine centimeters.

[Soundbite] Kim Sang-won(ETRI Researcher) : "Currently, the technology is applicable in a limited space. But we are working to develop new technology that transmits electricity beyond a distance of 70 centimeters in diameter."

The research team plans to use this technology in making it possible to have electric bicycles recharged from a distance. It will also develop a device that automatically recharges a drone in operation.