Warning: Even though these microwaves are about as harmful as the leakage from an ordinary microwave oven (not much), do not put computers, televisions, other sensitive electrical equipment, food, liquids, paper, glass, flammable substances, magnets, or living things in between the base and satellite units. Just in case.which would certainly give one pause. However, at only $35 for a base-satellite pair, I may just have to try this out. Since this design uses beamed power (beamcasting?), it would appear that it is not as wasteful as power broadcasting would be. Unfortunately, as implemented, this scheme does not directly address the problem of reducing the wire clutter behind a computer.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Contra Ancoralia Redux
As a follow-on to my Contra Ancoralia posting from Nov. 1, Eric pointed me at this new product that does indeed deliver power wirelessly. Eric also pointed out the circumspect warning at the bottom of the product writeup:
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I thought about the microwave technique or the use of laser transmission as is contemplated for the space elevator. The problem is you need a clear line of sight and the likelihood that no person or pet will walk across it. (Maybe your cat will decide to nap in the beam on a cold day.) The only application I can see is to beam power for non-critical uses where stringing wires is problematic. E.g., you could use it to temporarily power Christmas decorations on the other side of a sidewalk or driveway where you don't want to tunnel underneath or erect power poles to string a wire overhead.
An adaptive power array using current technology sounds good. For flexibility the arrays could be sold as power mats of various sizes. Put one on your desk and then set all your computer components on it. To avoid unwanted shocks I think it needs intelligence to query devices and then to route power only where needed and confirmed by query. How about “packet-switched” power via electro-net that is constantly checking reception and only sends more power to each device when reception and continued need is confirmed. That would require all devices be tolerant of interruption. Just a big capacitor would probably work since interruptions would be only a few milliseconds.
The arrays could be sold as desk-top mats, integrated into vinyl flooring or carpet, or, for example, into the surfaces of stage risers. A rock group sets up its risers and puts all the electric keyboards, amps, monitors, and synthesizers in place. There are no cords because mikes and pickups are wireless, devices communicate via intelligent Bluetooth, and power is pulled out of the risers which have your adaptive power arrays built in. Of course, the risers are powered because the surface of the stage is similarly equipped. For the old stages the roadies could hang onto a couple of antique extension cords left over from the last Stones tour. (See, I’m thinking about the not too distant future here.)
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