Daily Times

Sir: I cannot imagine a world without electric power. Generally, power is transmitted through wires. One of the major issues in any power system is the loss occurring during the transmission and distribution of electrical power. These losses are approximately about 26 percent. The main reason for the power loss is the resistance of wires used in grid systems. To overcome this problem, Nicole Tesla in 1980 proposed a wireless energy transfer system.

Wireless energy transmission or wireless power transmission is transfer of energy from a power source to an electrical load without using any solid wires or conductors. There are two methods of transmission proposed by scientists and scholars. These are atmospheric conduction and electromagnetic induction. The atmospheric conduction method is used for near fields. For far fields when distances are in kilometers, we use electromagnetic radiation, which involves two techniques — lasers and microwaves.
The basics of wireless power involve the transmission of energy from a transmitter to a receiver via an oscillating magnetic field. To achieve this, Direct Current (DC) supplied by a power source is converted into high frequency Alternating Current (AC) by specially designed electronics built into the transmitter. The alternating current energizes a copper wire coil in the transmitter, which generates a magnetic field. Once a second (receiver) coil is place within proximity of the magnetic field, the field can induce an alternating current in the receiving coil. Electronics in the receiving device then convert the Alternating Current back into Direct Current, which becomes usable power.
It is a reliable, efficient and fast method of energy transfer. It has low maintenance cost but high initial cost. It is better than a conventional wire transfer system. By using this system, we can decrease the energy crisis because there is very low transmission loss. In addition, this system is more secure because there is no risk of getting electric shocks. By controlling distance between transmitter and receiver, we can increase its efficiency up to 95 percent. This transmission system can be used in various ways. It is more efficient than our current existing system although its implementation is a little difficult but I am sure by taking the first step towards modern technology we can envision a ‘safe’ wireless world.
SARWAT GHOURI
Lahore