Appliance Design - March 2009 - (Page 15)

Fulton Innovation says eCoupled technology can deliver power loads ranging from milliwatts to kilowatts. POWER is device pres- The technology can simultaneously charge multiple devices, and at the same rate as would be possible with the device’s original charger. When an eCoupled-enabled device is placed on a mat or other surface embedded with a power transmitter, the system determines the power requirements for that particular device and supplies the requisite power to that section. Another device with a different power requirement would need to be placed on another sector of the charging surface. If the device is not compatible, the system automatically goes into sleep mode and awakens when a compatible ent. Dave Baarman, director of advanced technologies for Fulton Innovation, says that the system can deliver power loads ranging from milliwatts to kilowatts. It is used for everything from low-power applications such as a hearing aid on up to a 1-HP blender. The blender, which was showcased at CES, illustrated the company’s ability to directly power an electrical device as opposed to recharging batteries. The challenge of this application, Baarman says, was the varying power load requirements of the blender and adjusting to them as they changed. For instance, if the blender had to crush ice and simultaneously blend a drink, the power requirement would change as the action goes from crushing ice to mixing the liquid. The power transmitting side of the arrangement would then provide more or less power as needed. This direct power transfer capability may represent long-term opportunities for new product design. Imagine a whole suite of small appliances that could be powered simply by placing them on a countertop embedded with a power transmitter. The cordless devices would be easier to store and clean, and theoretically be more robust as they could be completely sealed against the elements. Embedding power transmitters in tabletops and other surfaces is a goal for Israelbased Powermat. The company currently markets inductive charging systems using technology akin to that of Fulton Innovation. Powermat uses a mat as the transmitting source and a magnetic induction coupling system to transfer power at more than 90 percent efficiency. The device uses a “receiver” unit, which is available as a case, dock, or power disc that can be embedded in a device. The mats are also sectioned into areas where devices with the same power requirements can be simultaneously charged. Each charging port is an independent unit with standalone power management capabilities Sense. Monitor. Protect. To be sure, specify EPCOS. Sensors Thermistors ■ Varistors ■ Gas Discharge Tubes (GDTs) ■ ■ www.epcos.com > Product Catalog > Protection Devices > ESD/EMI This illustration is a Crossbow Sensor Mote being powered by a Powercast RF wireless power solution. Powercast and Crossbow demonstrated a mesh network sensor being powered at 12 to 15 ft. www.applianceDESIGN.com AD03094Epcos1.indd 1 applianceDESIGN March 2009 15 1/15/09 1:01:58 PM http://www.epcos.com http://www.epcos.com http://www.appliancedesign.com

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Appliance Design - March 2009 Contents Editorial Shipments/Forecasts News Watch Transmitting Power Wirelessly Promises to Reduce the Ever-Growing Tangle of Cords and Cables Found in the Modern Home. There Are Different Technological Approaches for Achieving this Goal, and Some Are Already on the Market. Electrochemical Capacitors Can Provide an Extra Peak-Power Boost in Battery-Operated Appliances, Allowing Product Designs to Have Smaller Battery Packs. Metallic Foams Put the Properties of Metals into Lightweight Packages. Applications for this Emerging Technology Include Gas Burners, Heat Exchangers, and Electronics Housings. Hall-Effect Switches Are Compact and Provide a High Degree of Reliability and Durability as They Virtually Eliminate Mechanical Wear, Shock, and Contact Oxidation. Blowing Agents for Polyurethane Foam Insulation Face Increased Scrutiny Due to Global Warming Concerns, but Alternatives with Lower GWP Values May Provide Solutions to Meet These Challenges. Design Marts Association Report: AHAM Advertisers' Index

Appliance Design - March 2009

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