Imagine a perfect world where our phones never have to be charged. Well, wireless charging is a step in the right direction. There are aggressive pushes toward wireless charging technology, but not everyone is completely convinced that wireless charging will have the effect we need it to, in order to get a strong charge for our cell phones.
Where the Technology Stands Now
Wireless charging has become relatively common within the last few years. Many devices are able to be wirelessly charged, as long as they use a specific charging pad and are in the right position. One company called Ossia is attempting to create wireless charging that takes place at a distance, using trickle charging capabilities.
This is the use of radio frequencies that send both power and data to the connected device in order to charge it. With this new power, Ossia has left charging pads in the past. Instead of the device touch a power source, signals are used to bounce power and Wi-Fi connectivity to the device.
This method uses AA batteries and other components that can be charged wireless and ceiling drop tiles that help send the signals to the device.
Is This Necessarily a Good Thing?
This technology, if it was standardized, would bring so much convenience to phone charging requirements. But what effects could it have on the device? Such as: What does having a fully charged battery constantly do to the device in the end?
Unfortunately, this is not good for the device. While “overcharging” is a thing of the past, modern battery makeup can still suffer damage from being constantly charged. The explanation is in the chemistry of the makeup.
With three essential components of lithium-ion batteries, a positive and negative electrode, and an electrolyte, this is how it works. As the battery charges, lithium ions move from the positive electrode to the negative electrode via the electrolyte to be stored as energy. When this power is used, the ions move back to the positive electrode.
Over a period of time, the charge wears away that allows the ions to sway back and forth, and since they can’t move anymore, the battery drains. Every battery has a specific amount of time the cycle can happen before it no longer works. So by a phone being constantly charged, this will eat away at the lifespan of the battery. Others think that the battery may last longer because it is being topped off. Some think that the convenience factor may make it worth it to purchase batteries more frequently.
What are your thoughts? Is wireless charging possible and necessary? MyTek comes out with many tech tips in our blog posts, so come back later to read more.