It’s no secret that cordless tools and devices have an ever-increasing importance in the world today. However, even the most advanced battery-powered technology is only as good as its ability to be charged. Plug-in charging has been nearly industry-standard for quite some time, but wireless charging is quickly gaining in popularity. In this article, explore the newest Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) modules from Omron.
Recently, Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) has become increasingly popular across a wide set of applications. Although WPT is not a new technology, it has seen great innovation in recent years and continues to improve and advance the charging capabilities of countless uses. With wireless charging having a widespread need from both consumers and businesses alike, there have been constant innovations and improvement to the technology making it increasingly suitable for many industries.
Plug-in charging and mechanical contacts are a technology of the past and do not fit the high-level needs for smart products, automation, and ease of use. With that, there are significant advantages to wireless charging. WPT systems transfer electrical energy from a power source to a load without the use of wires, making it a more reliable, convenient and safer charging method than traditional wired chargers.
Wireless power transfer relies on magnetic induction between planar transmitter (Tx) and receiver (Rx) coils. Magnetic coupling occurs when the transmitter coil is placed over the transmitter coil, and the transmitter coil is driven by a power source. Flux couples into the secondary (receiver) coil, inducing voltage and current flow in the form of AC. The secondary voltage can then be rectified and transferred to the load (battery), all wirelessly.
OMRON’s new WPT modules are designed to solve the needs and challenges of the small mobility market. The patented 2 nd Resonance Technology adjusts the optimal charge frequency and offers robust charging with high transfer efficiency capabilities even when there is a large coil misalignment. In addition, OMRON’s 2 nd Resonance Technology allows for a max offset of ± ½ of the coil radius, a great advantage to other technology on the market today.
By implementing optimal design technology, OMRON WPT features high transfer efficiency across the modules. The unique circuit design for switching loss / energy loss reduction combined with a unique algorithm for controlling the optimal frequency for electricity transfer contribute to the high efficiency of the device, allowing the user to save energy and reduce electricity costs.
OMRON implements a high-quality product with safety design features so customers can use the WPT module safely and with confidence. Featuring a unique circuit for overvoltage protection, OMRON designs all products in compliance with global safety standards.
Applications
OMRON WPT modules can provide power between 100W and 500W. The WPT is optimal for charging the battery of small mobility devices such as a Bike Share (E-Bike, E-Scooter), AMR /AGV, Robotic Lawn Mower, and more.
Bike sharing has seen rapid growth in North America. But within this application, there is the problem of high operation and maintenance costs associated with charging batteries.
Omron WPT solutions can contribute to the reduction of these costs. In addition, the WPT modules can provide robust charging in outdoor applications and can charge even if coil position shifts or becomes dirty.
AMRs and AGVs have also seen quick advancement in North America. OMRON WPT modules can supply power to these devices for reliable and robust charging. By installing multiple charge stations on each line, charging can occur each time the AMR/AGV stops. Intermittent charging can contribute to reduced system downtime with no additional labor costs – reducing the overall operating costs.
Robotic lawnmowers are just one of many types of service robots where OMRON WPT contributes to easy, carefree charging. OMRON WPT modules require no need for cleaning, adjusting, or replacing of electrodes.
OMRON WPT Modules allow for simple and customizable wireless charging solutions to fit the needs of nearly any product or application. The OMRON general-purpose WPT demo kit is also available for demonstration of the WPT module at 100W or 200W.