In a world that is increasingly gone wireless, it’s almost odd that it has taken this long for wireless charging to become a thing in the consumer market. While there are certain conveniences to charging mobile devices wirelessly, the technology hasn’t quite matched the efficiency and effectiveness of multiport USB chargers.
Explaining Wireless Charging
Wireless charging is the process of using electromagnetic fields as a means of transferring energy from one object to the next. There are no cables or any other form of physical connection to transfer this energy, which is why it is termed “wireless.”
Wireless charging works through a system called inductive power transfer (IPT) or magnetic resonance. Coils are used to move electromagnetic fields from the power source to the battery being charged.
Disadvantages of Wireless Charging for Mobile Devices
As futuristic and convenient as wireless charging appears to be, the disadvantages of wireless charging are just as evident. From health concerns to lack of efficiency, we examine some of the dangers of wireless charging.
Battery Heating/Fire Issues
Though you may initially think that charging your cellphone wirelessly will be less stressful on your battery, it’s actually the opposite. Wireless charging can damage your battery. Because charging your device wirelessly takes twice as long, in some cases, than traditional USBs, the excess amount of heat and energy can have a negative impact on your battery. This is one of the biggest disadvantages a wireless charger.
Wireless Chargers Are Less Efficient
Believe it or not, but with all the fuss about wireless charging, the process is actually less efficient. Here’s why: In order for your mobile device to charge, it has to be in contact or close proximity to the wireless source. What this means is while your device is charging, you can’t move around with it.
Think about it. That means not being able to stand up and speak on your cellphone while it’s charging, or move your laptop in a more comfortable position in which to type. Not only that, because the nature of the wireless charger is not as strong as a USB charger, you’ll have to keep your phone or mobile device in the same position for a much longer period of time. Again, you’ll have less access to your phone while it is charging wirelessly than when it is charging on a multiport USB charger. And for the environmentalists out there, more time charging equates to more energy being wasted.
There are Health Risks
Wireless charging health concerns are one aspect of this technology that many of its proponents don’t want to discuss. The fact is, however, that at the very least, the health risks associated with wireless charging are unknown.
It’s not an accident that at last year’s Consumers Electronics Show (CES), demonstrations that included wireless charging technology came with a public warning from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). In short, the FCC states that the technology has not yet been authorized by its board. The concern was in the amount of electromotive force (EMF) emissions being released as the transfer of energy between devices is being conducted.
Further, there were other companies at the same conference that demonstrated wireless charging technology that can be transferred over a distance of approximately 20 inches. Why this is alarming as a health issue is the fact that this energy being released into the room is stronger than that of cordless phones or the energy used to transmit Wi-Fi. Being present in a room with that much energy floating around in the air has the potential to be harmful.
Charge Multiple Devices Simultaneously with the Charge M.E. from Ohming Technology
The truth is that we are still a ways away from effective, safe, wireless charging technology. As it stands right now, multi-device USB chargers are still the best way to charge your mobile devices. The Charge M.E. from Ohming Technology is an example of a multiport charger that is proven to work effectively for consumers.
Not only can the Charge M.E. charge up to eight devices simultaneously, it charges both new and legacy devices. To learn more about the features of the Charge M.E, contact Ohming Technology today.
Paul Romanenko
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