International Journal of Engineering Trends and Technology (IJETT) – Volume 14 Number 2 – Aug 2014
Wireless Transmission of Electricity
Yugant A.Parate1, Pranav D.Chauhan2
1
2
Department of ElectricalEngineering, Sardar Patel College of Engineering , India
Department of Electrical Engineering,Sardar Patel College of Engineering , India
ABSTRACT—
this and keeping the power system synchronous
Power Crisis is one of the biggest problems of 21st
with the modern technologies, we have to replace
century. We can’t even survive without electricity.
the current distribution system with the efficient
Due to this we have to think about renewable source
of energy. Renewable energy sources such as
solar,wind,hydro etc are available abundant in nature
one. So transmission of power without wires may
be one noble alternative for electricity transmission.
but their initial cost is high. Also transmission of
electricity
over
long
distances
causes
large
transmission losses; the current transmission system
is 70-74% efficient i.e.30-26% of electricity is wasted
for transmission of electricity. And also it is very
costly. So to overcome such problems one can think
for Wireless Transmission of electricity.
This paper studies the possibility and development
of wireless transmission by discussing mainly three
technologies as:1) Tesla Theory
2) Microwave power transmission (MPT) called solar
Figure.The 187-foot Wardenclyffe Tower
(Tesla Tower)
power satellite
2. TESLA THEORY
3) Fiber Laser Technology
In this remarkable discovery of the "True Wireless"
Key Words: Microwave Power transmission (MPT),
and the principles upon which transmission and
Nikola Tesla, Tesla theory, Fiber laser technology .
reception, even in the present day systems, based,
are proposed by Dr. Nikola Tesla,shows us that he
1. INTRODUCTION
is indeed the "Father of the Wireless." The most
We see the world is going wireless day by day,
well known and famous
iphone
PC
Wardenclyffe Tower (Tesla Tower) was designed
applications wireless and 4G,Wi-Max technologies
and constructed mainly for wireless transmission of
will make it even faster .In that manner electricity
electrical power. Nikola Tesla began planning the
distribution seems to be outdated with big wires .So
Wardenclyffe Tower facility ca. 1898, and in 1901,
there is a need of wireless transmission of
construction began on the land near Long Island
electricity. In our current distribution system there
Sound. Architect Stanford White designed the
are large losses and the low efficiency, we waste
Wardenclyffe facility main building. This was the
more than half of its resources. While distributing
first step towards a practical wireless system. The
power from power station generators to the
wireless energy transmission effect involved the
consumer, the resistance of the wire used in the
creation of an electric field between two metal
electrical grid distribution system causes a loss of
plates, each being connected to one terminal of an
26-30% of the energy generated. So to overcome
induction coil’s secondary winding. Once again, a
and
blackberry
ISSN: 2231-5381
phones
makes
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International Journal of Engineering Trends and Technology (IJETT) – Volume 14 Number 2 – Aug 2014
light-producing device (in this case a gas discharge
microwave source, a transmitting antenna, and a
tube) was used as a means of detecting the presence
receiving rectenna.
of the transmitted energy. "The most striking result
The microwave source consists of a mi %) and high
obtained" involved the lighting of two partially
power handling capability. A rectifying antenna
evacuated tubes in an alternating electrostatic field
called a rectenna receives the transmitted power
while held in the hand of the experimenter. While
and converts the microwave power to direct current
working Sir Tesla went on to develop two theories
(DC) power. This demonstration rectenna consists
related to these observations, which are:-
of 6 rows of dipoles antennas where 8 dipoles
i)By using two type-one sources positioned at
belong to each row. Each row is connected to a
distant points on the Earth’s surface, it is possible
rectifying circuit which consists of low pass filters
to induce a flow of electrical current between them.
and a rectifier. The rectifier is a Ga AsSchottky
ii)By incorporating a portion of the Earth as part of
barrier diode that is impedance matched to the
a powerful type-two oscillator the disturbance can
dipoles by a low pass filter. The 6 rectifying diodes
be impressed upon the Earth and detected “at great
are connected to light bulbs for indicating that the
distance, or even all over the surface of the globe.”
power is received. The light bulbs also dissipated
Tesla also made the assumption that the Earth is a
the received power. This rectenna has a 25%
charged body floating in space. Tesla clearly
collection and conversion efficiency, but retinas
specified the Earth as being one of the conducting
have been tested with greater than 90% efficiency
media
at 2.45 GHz. The transmission of power without
involved in ground and
air
system
technology. The other specified medium is the
atmosphere above 5 miles (8.0 km) elevation.
While not an ohmic conductor, in this region of the
troposphere and upwards, the density or pressure is
sufficiently reduced to so that, according to Tesla’s
theory, the atmosphere’s insulating properties can
be easily impaired, allowing an electric current to
flow. His theory further states that the conducting
region is developed through the process of
atmospheric ionization, in which the effected
Fig 1: The figure demonstrates the wireless power transfer
portions thereof are changed to plasma.
process through microwaves.
wires is not a theory or a mere possibility, it is now
3. THE MICROWAVE POWER
a reality. The electrical energy can be economically
TRANSMISSION (MPT)
transmitted without wires to any terrestrial distance,
It is also called as Solar power satelliteWilliam C.
many researchers have established in numerous
Brown, the leading authority on wireless power
observations,
transmission
this
qualitative and quantitative [5-9]. These have
demonstration unit to the Texas Space Grant
demonstrated that it is practicable to distribute
Consortium to show how power can be transferred
power from a central plant in unlimited amounts,
through free space by microwaves. A block
with a loss not exceeding a small fraction of one
diagram of the demonstration components is shown
per cent, in the transmission, even to the greatest
below.
distance, twelve thousand miles - to the opposite
The
technology,
has
loaned
primary components
ISSN: 2231-5381
include
a
experiments
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and
measurements,
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International Journal of Engineering Trends and Technology (IJETT) – Volume 14 Number 2 – Aug 2014
end of the globe. This seemingly impossible feat
spaced individual placed in the X-Y plane disposed
can now be readily performed by electrical
to generate an ultrasound beam in the Z direction
researchers
and
.Another possibility is to use highly efficient fiber
construction of my "high-potential magnifying
lasers for wireless power transmission where the
transmitter," There were three popular theories
possibilities are similar to microwaves concept but
present in the literature of the late 1800's and early
lasers emit energy at frequencies much higher that
1900's. They were:
microwaves. For several years NASA, ENTECH,
1. Transmission through or along the Earth,
and UAH have been working on various aspects of
2. Propagation as a result of terrestrial resonances
collection of the laser radiation
3. Coupling to the ionosphere using propagation
And conversion to electrical power for laser
Diagram showing the transmitting & receiving
wireless power transmission.
familiar
with
the
design
circuit For the transmission & reception of electric
power by wireless Fig. Two optical forms of
wireless antennae formed of search light beamionized atmospheric streams.
It has been proven that electrical energy can be
propagated around the world between the surface of
the Earth and the ionosphere at extreme low
frequencies in what is known as the Schumann
Cavity. Knowing that a resonant cavity can be
excited and that power can be delivered to that
cavity similar to the methods used in microwave
Fig.: Laser energy used to power a model airplane with solar
cells. Source
ovens for home use, it should be possible to
4. LASER
resonate and deliver power via the Schumann
Cavity to any point on Earth.. The intent of the
With a laser beam centered on its panel of
experiments
had
photovoltaic cells, a lightweight model plane makes
constructed was to prove that wireless transmission
the first flight of an aircraft powered by a laser
of Electrical power was possible. Although Tesla
beam inside a building at NASA Marshall Space
was not able to commercially market a system to
Flight Center.
transmit power around the globe, modern scientific
In the case of electromagnetic radiation closer to
theory and mathematical calculations support his
visible region of spectrum (10s of microns (um) to
contention that
of
10s of nm), power can be transmitted by converting
electrical power is possible and a feasible
electricity into a laser beam that is then pointed at a
alternative to the extensive and costly grid of
solar cell receiver. This mechanism is generally
electrical
lines used today for
known as "Power Beaming" because the Power is
electrical power distribution. Power transmission
Beamed at a receiver that can convert it to usable
system using directional ultrasound for power
electrical energy.
transmission includes a transmitting device and
There are quite a few unique advantages of Laser
areceiving device. The transmitting device has a set
based
and
the
laboratory
the wireless
transmission
Tesla
propagation
of ultrasound transducers forming an ultrasound
energy
transfer
that
outweigh
the
]
disadvantages .
transducer array, wherein the array is a set of
ISSN: 2231-5381
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International Journal of Engineering Trends and Technology (IJETT) – Volume 14 Number 2 – Aug 2014
1.Collimated
monochromatic
wave
front
3.Airy
disk
(on
how
most
fundamentally
propagation allows narrow beam cross-section area
wavelength dictates the size of a disk with distance)
for energy confinement over large ranges.
4.Applications of laser diodes (on how the laser
2.Compact size of solid state lasers photovoltaic’s
sources are utilized in various industries and their
semiconductor diodes allows ease of integration
sizes are reducing for better integration)
into products with small form factors.
transfer of energy especially for Space and Lunar
3.Ability to operate with zero radio-frequency
missions.
interference to existing communication devices i.e.
NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center has
wi-fi and cell phones.
demonstrated flight of a lightweight unmanned
4.Control of Wireless Energy Access, instead of
model plane powered by a laser beam. Thisproof-
unidirectional transfer where there can be no
of-concept demonstratethe feasibility of periodic
authentication before transferring energy.
recharging using the Laser beam system and the
.Its drawbacks are:
lack of need to return to ground.
1.Conversion to light, such as with a laser, is
5. ECONOMIC IMPACT
moderately inefficient (although quantum cascade
The concept looks to be costly initially. The
lasers improve this)
investment cost of Tesla Tower was $150,000
2.Conversion back into electricity is moderately
(1905). In terms of economic theory, many
inefficient, with photovoltaic cells achieving 40%-
countries will benefit from this service. Only
50% efficiency.(Note that conversion efficiency is
private, dispersed receiving stations will be needed.
rather higher with monochromatic light than with
Just like television and radio, a single resonant
insulation of solar panels).
energy receiver is required, which may eventually
3.Atmospheric absorption causes losses. As with
be built into appliances, so no power cord will be
microwave beaming, this method requires a direct
necessary! Monthly electric utility bills from old-
line of sight with the target.
fashioned, fossil-fuelled, loss prone electrified
The Laser "Power Beaming" technology has been
wire-grid delivery services will be optional, much
mostly explored in military weaponsand aerospace
like “cable TV” of today. In the 21st century,
applications and is now being developed for
“Direct TV” is the rage, which is an exact parallel
commercial and consumer electronics Low-Power
of Tesla’s “Direct Electricity.”
applications. Wireless energy transfer system using
6. RECENT EXPERIMENTS
laser for consumer space has to satisfy Laser safety
1) Intel Company makes an experiment and proved
requirements standardized under IEC 60825.
that wireless transmission it is possible.
To develop an understanding of the trade-offs of
2)The
Laser ("a special type of light wave"-based system)
September 27, 2007 BUDDING SCIENTISTS
1.Propagation of a laser beam (on how Laser beam
Electricity in no more a miracle thanks to the
propagation is much less affected by diffraction
efforts of scientists like Nikola Tesla, Thomas Alva
limits)
Edison, Benjamin Franklin and Samuel Morse. In
2.Coherence and the range limitation problem (on
simple worlds, electricity is defined as the flow of
how spatial and spectral coherence characteristics
electrical power or charge through a wire. Omar
of
Ahmed Khan and Daniel Fu, 12th standard students
Lasers
allows
better
capabilities )
ISSN: 2231-5381
distance-to-power
Indian
Express,
Bangalore,
Thursday,
from Bishop Cotton Boys' School have generated a
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International Journal of Engineering Trends and Technology (IJETT) – Volume 14 Number 2 – Aug 2014
wireless electric circuit which conducts electricity
qualitative and quantitative. Dr.N.Tesla is the
without wires.
pioneer of this invention. Wireless transmission of
The endeavor began in April 2006 which is inspired
electricity have tremendous merits like high
by the works of Nikola Tesla whose experiments
transmission integrity and Low Loss (90 – 97%
failed due to lack of funds. Say the young talents,
efficient) and can be transmitted to anywhere in the
"Though many experiments have
globe and eliminate the need for an inefficient,
costly, and capital intensive grid of cables, towers,
and substations. The system would reduce the cost
of electrical energy used by the consumer and get
rid of the landscape of wires, cables, and
transmission towers. It has negligible demerits like
reactive power which was found insignificant and
biologically compatible. It has a tremendous
economic impact to human society. Many countries
will benefit from this service. Monthly electric
FIG.Intel Wireless Power Transmission
been carried our regarding electricity, there has
been a dearth of a full-fledged project. The recent
experiment by MIT, where they used a non-
utility bills from old-fashioned, fossil-fuelled, loss
prone electrified wire-grid delivery services will be
optional, much like “cable TV” of today.
8. REFERENCES
radiating magnetic field was also very expensive
and non compatible”. On the contrary, Omar and
[1] Nikola Tesla, “The Transmission of Electrical Energy
without Wires as a Means for Furthering Peace,” Electrical
Daniel's Wireless Circuit is purely based on
World andEngineer. Jan. 7, p. 21, 1905.
principles
[2] Nikola Tesla, My Inventions, Ben Johnston, Ed., Austin,
of
Electromagnetic
Resonance,
Electromagnetic Induction and Turns Ratio. The
wireless electric circuit consists of Iron bars with
HartBrothers, p. 91,1982.
[3] Thomas F. Valone, “Tesla’s Wireless Energy... For the
21stCentury!!!
One
Step
beyond
Direct
TV!!!”Extra
Copper Turnings........"The concept can be used to
OrdinarTechnology, 1, no. 4, Oct / Nov / Dec2003.
lighten the weight of a Formula 1 car and reduce
[4] James O. McSpadden, “Wireless Power Transmission
expenditure on lightening of an aircraft using no
Demonstration”, Texas A&M University, June, 1997.
wires. This project they say is dedicated to Dr. Raja
[5] Thomas W. Benson,“Wireless transmission of power now
possible”, News Letter, pp1118 9, March, 1920
Ramona, alumni of Bishop Cotton School. “He is a
[6]Science reporter magazine
great visionary figure. 3)A test of a wireless
[7] Wikipedia the free encyclopedia.
broadcast of solar power has been carried out which
[8] Brown., W. C. (September 1984). "The History of
was able to transmit energy RF energy over a
PowerTransmission by Radio Waves". Microwave Theory and
Techniques, IEEE Transactions on (Volume: 32, Issue: 9 On
distance of up to 148 kilometers (about 90 miles) -
page(s): 1230- 1242 + ISSN: 0018-9480).
almost 100-times further than a major 1970s power
http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/xpl/freeabs_all.jsp?arnumber=113283.
transmission performed by NASA in the Mojave
[9] HISTORY OF WIRELESS Tapan K. Sarkar Robert
J.Mailloux Arthur A. Oliner Magdalena Salazar-Palma Dipak L.
Desert in California.
Sengupta.
7. CONCLUSION
The
electrical
energy
[10]
can
be
economically
transmitted without wires to any terrestrial distance.
Many researchers have established in numerous
observations,
experiments
ISSN: 2231-5381
and
measurements,
]POINT-TO-POINT
TRANSPORTATION
IN
WIRELESS
REUNION
POWER
ISLAND
48th
International Astronautical Congress, Turin, Italy, 6-10 October
1997 - IAF-97-R.4.08 J. D. Lan Sun Luk, A. Celeste, P.
Romanacce, L. Chane Kuang Sang, J. C. Gatina - University of
La Réunion - Faculty of Science and Technology.
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