How Wireless Energy From Space Could Power Everything | Ali Hajimiri | TED

Summary

The speaker envisions a future where wireless energy transfer mirrors the accessibility of wireless data, discussing the concept of energy transmission through synchronized waves and interference. They explore the practical applications, such as powering devices in a room or a battery-less drone, and the ambitious idea of collecting solar energy in space and beaming it to Earth. The presentation highlights technological advancements like flexible, deployable structures for space-based solar power stations, demonstrating the potential of wireless energy to revolutionize power distribution and access.

Takeaways

• 🌐 Data and energy are the primary currencies of modern life, with data transitioning from wired to wireless, democratizing access to information.
• 🔌 The speaker envisions a similar democratization of energy through wireless energy transfer, eliminating the need for physical energy cables.
• 🌊 The concept of wireless energy transfer is based on the principle of waves, including acoustic waves, light, and RF waves, which are all integral to daily life.
• 🤝 Interference of waves with the same frequency can either amplify or cancel each other out, depending on their phase, which is a fundamental aspect of wireless energy transfer.
• 📍 By controlling the timing of wave interactions, it's possible to direct energy in specific directions without any physical movement.
• 🔎 The idea of focusing energy to a single point, similar to how a magnifying glass focuses sunlight, is used to concentrate wireless energy transfer.
• 🐜 The technology involves an array of synchronized electronic chips and antennas working in unison, like an 'army of ants,' to transmit energy efficiently.
• 💡 Practical demonstrations include a generator unit wirelessly powering LED panels and light bulbs, showing precise energy delivery to desired locations.
• 🚀 The concept extends to powering devices like drones without batteries, utilizing the same wireless energy transfer principles.
• 🌍 The potential applications of wireless energy transfer are vast, including space-based solar panels sending energy to Earth, overcoming limitations of traditional solar power.
• 🛰️ The speaker discusses the challenges of traditional space-based energy collection and proposes a new approach using flexible, rollable solar panel structures for easier deployment.
• 🚀 The 'Maple' technology demonstrator is a proof of concept for wireless power transfer in space, combining flexible structures with electronic circuitry for efficient energy generation and transmission.

Q & A

What are the two major currencies of our lives today mentioned in the script?

The two major currencies of our lives today mentioned in the script are energy and data.

How has the transition from wired to wireless data impacted society?

The transition from wired to wireless data has helped democratize access to information by making it more accessible and convenient.

What is the dream of wireless energy transfer as described in the script?

The dream of wireless energy transfer is to send energy when and where we want, as much as we want, potentially eliminating the need for physical wires to transmit energy.

What role do waves play in the concept of wireless energy transfer?

Waves, specifically electromagnetic waves, are essential to wireless energy transfer. They are used to transmit energy through processes like interference and synchronization.

How does the interference of waves with the same frequency work when they meet in space?

When two waves of the same frequency meet in space, they add up to form a wave that is twice the height and carries four times the energy if they are in phase, or they cancel each other out if they are out of phase.

What is the significance of synchronization in the context of directing energy in a specific direction?

Synchronization is crucial for directing energy in a specific direction. By having multiple sources of waves synchronized, the energy can be focused and directed towards a particular point, rather than being dispersed.

How does the concept of a 'magnifying glass' relate to wireless energy transfer?

The 'magnifying glass' concept refers to a focusing system in wireless energy transfer that can concentrate a large portion of the energy at a specific focal point, which can be controlled and changed by adjusting the timing of the wave sources.

What are the integrated circuits mentioned in the script, and how do they contribute to wireless energy transfer?

The integrated circuits mentioned in the script are electronic chips designed to generate a small amount of power. When working in perfect synchronization as a group, they drive antennas to transmit energy, creating focal points for energy transfer.

Can you explain the example of the generator unit and its wireless power transfer capabilities as shown in the script?

The generator unit in the script is capable of wirelessly transmitting power to receivers, such as LED panels or light bulbs. It can dynamically track and send energy to the new location of a moving object, demonstrating well-defined focal points and efficient energy transfer.

What is the potential application of wireless energy transfer for powering a drone as described in the script?

The script describes a battery-less drone that is powered purely by a wireless energy generator. The system can track the drone's movement and adjust the energy transfer accordingly, allowing for continuous power supply without physical connections.

What is the idea of placing solar panels in space for energy collection and wireless transmission to Earth?

The idea involves placing photovoltaic solar panels in space to collect energy, which can then be wirelessly transmitted to Earth. This concept offers the benefits of constant energy collection due to the lack of day and night cycles, clouds, and atmospheric absorption in space.

What are the challenges associated with traditional approaches to space-based solar power generation?

Traditional approaches to space-based solar power generation face challenges such as the high cost of sending large structures to space, the complexity and expense of assembling massive structures in space, and the limitations of current space assembly capabilities.

How does the script propose overcoming the challenges of space-based solar power generation?

The script proposes using flexible, fabric-like structures made possible by integrated and flexible electronics. These lightweight structures can be rolled and packed for launch, then deployed in space to form a constellation that functions as a power station for wireless energy transmission to Earth.

What is the 'Maple' technology demonstrator mentioned in the script, and what does it demonstrate?

The 'Maple' technology demonstrator is a proof of concept that showcases the capabilities of flexible structures and electronic circuitry to generate and transmit power in space. It was integrated with other technology demonstrators for deployable structures and photovoltaics and launched as a satellite to demonstrate wireless power transfer in space.

What is the potential impact of wireless energy transfer on democratizing access to energy?

Wireless energy transfer has the potential to democratize access to energy by providing dispatchable and always-available power to remote locations, disaster-stricken areas, or places with damaged or non-existent power infrastructure, such as remote villages in sub-Saharan Africa or areas above the Arctic circle.

Outlines

00:00

🌐 Wireless Energy Transfer: A Dream of the Future

The first paragraph introduces the concept of wireless energy transfer, drawing parallels with the evolution of data from wired to wireless. The speaker explores the possibility of sending energy wirelessly, just as we send data, and the potential this has for democratizing access to energy. The idea is illustrated through the analogy of waves, particularly how they can interfere constructively or destructively based on their timing. The speaker discusses how controlling the timing of multiple wave sources can direct energy in a specific direction, which is the basis for wireless energy transfer. The concept is likened to an army of ants working in synchronization, with each contributing a small amount of energy that collectively is directed to a specific focal point.

05:00

🚀 Practical Applications and Space Solar Panels

The second paragraph delves into practical applications of wireless energy transfer, such as powering devices in a room or a drone, by using a generator unit that sends power to receivers. The technology allows for dynamic tracking and redirection of energy to different points as needed. The speaker then poses the question of how far this technology can be extended, suggesting the idea of placing photovoltaic solar panels in space to collect energy and send it wirelessly to Earth. This concept, first mentioned by Isaac Asimov in 1941, is revisited with a focus on the benefits of space-based solar power, such as higher energy yield and dispatchable power. The speaker also addresses the challenges of implementing such a system, including the high cost of space missions and the technical difficulties of assembling large structures in space. A new approach is proposed, involving flexible, fabric-like structures that can be easily deployed in space, forming a constellation that acts as a power station.

10:03

🔋 The Future of Wireless Power Transfer

The final paragraph wraps up the discussion by highlighting the potential of wireless energy transfer technology. The speaker expresses confidence that this technology will inevitably become a part of our lives, despite the challenges it faces. The concept is compared to a compelling idea that is too significant to be ignored. The speaker also mentions a technology demonstrator called Maple, which was launched into space to prove the concept of wireless power transfer. The experiment aims to demonstrate the feasibility of generating and transmitting power in space, marking a significant step towards realizing the dream of wireless energy transfer.

Keywords

💡Energy

Energy is the capacity to do work or the ability to cause change. In the context of the video, it is presented as a major currency of modern life, highlighting its importance in our daily activities. The script discusses the potential of wireless energy transfer, which would allow energy to be sent as freely as data is today, emphasizing the transformative impact this could have on society.

💡Data

Data refers to information, facts, or figures collected for analysis or reference. The video script uses data as a comparison to energy, illustrating how the transition from wired to wireless data has democratized access to information. It then poses the question of whether energy could follow a similar path, suggesting a parallel evolution for energy distribution.

💡Wireless Energy Transfer

Wireless energy transfer is the concept of moving energy from one point to another without the need for physical connections. The script introduces this idea as a dream or goal, suggesting that if achieved, it could lead to boundless possibilities, including applications in Earth and space, and the elimination of the 'last wire'.

💡Waves

Waves, in the script, are fundamental to various forms of communication and energy transfer. The video explains how acoustic waves allow us to hear and electromagnetic waves, specifically light, allow us to see. The concept of wave interference is used to illustrate how energy can be directed and focused, which is central to the idea of wireless energy transfer.

💡Interference

Interference is the process where two waves of the same frequency interact, either constructively to increase energy or destructively to cancel each other out. The script uses the analogy of waves in a pond to explain how energy can be directed in specific directions by controlling the timing and synchronization of wave sources, which is crucial for wireless energy transfer.

💡Synchronization

Synchronization refers to the coordination of events or actions to occur at the same time. In the video, synchronization is key to the concept of directing energy in a specific direction through wave interference. The script describes how multiple wave sources, when perfectly synchronized, can focus energy towards a single point.

💡Focal Point

A focal point is a specific location where energy is concentrated in a field of waves. The script discusses the ability to create a 'magnifying glass' effect, where energy can be directed to a focal point with high efficiency. This concept is essential for wireless energy transfer, as it allows for targeted energy delivery.

💡Integrated Circuits

Integrated circuits are miniature electronic devices that contain many interconnected components on a small chip. The video script mentions these circuits as part of the technology that enables wireless energy transfer, with each circuit generating a small amount of power that, when synchronized, can drive antennas to transmit energy.

💡Antennas

Antennas are devices used to transmit or receive electromagnetic waves. In the context of the video, antennas are used by the 'army of ants' or integrated circuits to transmit energy wirelessly. The script shows how these antennas work together to create focal points of energy for wireless transfer.

💡Tracking

Tracking, in the script, refers to the ability of the wireless energy transfer system to dynamically locate and direct energy to a moving receiver. The video provides an example of a light bulb being tracked as it moves, demonstrating the system's capability to adjust energy delivery in real-time.

💡Photovoltaics

Photovoltaics is the technology that converts sunlight into electricity using solar panels. The script suggests a futuristic idea of placing photovoltaics in space to collect energy and wirelessly transmit it to Earth, which would bypass the limitations of atmospheric absorption and provide a constant energy supply.

💡Constellation

In the context of the video, a constellation refers to a group of satellites working together as a unit. The script describes a concept where multiple satellites with flexible, fabric-like structures could be deployed in space to form a power station for wireless energy transmission back to Earth.

💡Maple

Maple is the name given to a technology demonstrator mentioned in the script. It represents the proof of concept for wireless power transfer in space, combining flexible structures and electronic circuitry to generate and transmit power. The script highlights Maple as part of a satellite launch aimed at demonstrating this innovative technology.

Highlights

Energy and data are the major currencies of our lives today.

Data has transitioned from wired to wireless, democratizing access to information.

The concept of wireless energy transfer aims to eliminate the last wire.

Waves, such as acoustic and electromagnetic waves, are essential to our daily lives.

Interference of waves with the same frequency can result in increased or canceled energy.

By controlling the timing of wave interactions, energy can be directed in specific directions.

The idea of using multiple synchronized sources to direct energy is akin to an army of ants working together.

Electronic chips and integrated circuits can be designed to generate and transmit energy in synchronization.

A generator unit can wirelessly send power to receivers, demonstrating well-defined energy focal points.

Energy can be dynamically tracked and sent to moving objects, such as a light bulb or a drone.

Wireless energy transfer technology could be used to power devices in various settings, including remote or disaster-stricken areas.

The concept of collecting solar energy in space and sending it to Earth was first mentioned in a 1941 science-fiction story by Isaac Asimov.

Space-based solar panels could provide eight times more energy due to constant sunlight and lack of atmospheric absorption.

The technology could enable dispatchable and always-available power, useful in emergency situations or remote locations.

Traditional approaches to space-based solar power involve expensive and complex assembly of large structures.

A new approach involves using flexible, fabric-like structures made from integrated electronics for lightweight space deployment.

The Maple technology demonstrator showcases the potential of flexible structures and electronic circuitry for wireless power transfer in space.

Wireless energy transfer technology is compelling and is expected to appear in various forms in our lives.

Transcripts

Energy and data are the major currencies of our lives today.

Over the last couple of decades,

we've seen data going from being wired to becoming wireless.

And this has helped democratize access to information.

Can we do the same thing with energy?

Can we send energy when we want,

where we want and as much as we want

and in the process, eliminate the last wire?

If we could do this, the possibilities would be endless.

From Earth to space.

I'd like to tell you about our dream of wireless energy transfer today.

It starts with something we are all familiar with -- waves.

So waves are very essential to our lives.

You can hear this talk because of acoustic waves.

You can see this talk

because of a certain kind of electromagnetic waves, called light.

And the odds are, if you're watching it on the internet,

you're using some sort of wireless connectivity

that relies on wireless and RF waves.

If you have two waves that have the same frequency

and are going up and down

and they come together at some point in space,

they will add and make a wave that's twice the height

but carries four times the energy.

Now, if the same two waves come together at some other place in space,

but one is running half a period late,

they cancel

and you get very little energy, practically no energy.

This is the basis for a process that has been known for a long time.

It's called interference.

The idea here is that if you go and sit at the edge of a pond

and take both hands and put them in the water

and move them up and down, each hand makes a wave.

But because of the interaction of these waves,

there will be some directions where you get more energy

and there are some directions that you will get less.

Can we make it go only in one direction?

Well, you need more hands.

And they have to go perfectly synchronized.

But if you do that,

what happens is that most of your energy starts traveling straight down.

Now, this is a remarkable thing

because if you think about each one of those little hands,

each one of those little sources,

they would send energy all over the place.

But when they work together,

the result is that the energy is going mostly in one direction.

Now, if the timing was the reason for this happening,

maybe we can play with it.

Maybe we can mess with it and see what happens.

So what if each one of these sources

goes a little bit after the one next to it?

So in that case,

what happens is that these waves start going in different directions,

and you can change that direction

purely by controlling timing and nothing else.

Now, this makes it possible to change this direction

without any mechanical movement.

So it can be almost instantaneous.

You can go even further.

You can think about creating a magnifying glass.

A focusing system,

where you can actually send the energy,

most of it, close to 90 percent of it, in one focal point.

But again, since you're controlling the timing,

you can create different focal points, and you can send it to them.

And this is the basis for wireless energy transfer.

It's as if you have an army of ants

that are working in perfect synchronization.

And each one of them contributes a little bit of energy.

But as a whole, they send it to the right place.

Now,

obviously here, timing is everything, like life and comedy.

(Laughter)

So we’ve taken this concept,

and we've built these electronic chips, integrated circuits,

that each one of them generates a little bit of power.

But again, as a group, they are designed to work in perfect synchronization

and drive these little antennas that transmit the energy.

Now this army of ants, or army of antennas,

is working together to create those focal points of energy.

And what I will show you next

is some examples of how that actually operates.

So what you have here, for example,

is a generator unit that's sending power wirelessly to the two receivers.

And here the point is to see how well-defined these focal points are.

That LED panel basically is receiving that power and showing it.

So you can see energy is going only where it needs to go and nowhere else.

You can take this and put one of these generators

on the ceiling of your conference room or your living room

and transmit energy to various devices that need energy.

Now this generator on the ceiling is going to power a light bulb.

Now, as we move the light bulb,

what happens is that you see

that there's no energy in the new location,

but the system finds it, tracks it

and sends it to the new location.

And you can see that it dynamically tracks it back and forth.

You can use this to send energy to one light bulb

or to the next one or to both of them at the same time.

Now you can use something like this, for example, to power a drone.

This is a battery-less drone

that's being purely powered by that generator

facing up from the bottom.

And it can also use the same tracking approach to track the drone.

So now that we know that we can send energy wirelessly,

the question is, how far can we go?

Really, how far can we go?

Could we put photovoltaics in space,

solar panels in space,

and collect the energy and send that wirelessly to Earth?

This is not a new idea.

The first time it was mentioned,

it was in a short science-fiction story by Isaac Asimov from 1941.

And what I love about this story is that

it's about a self-conscious robot.

And the humans describing this idea to the self-conscious robot,

after which the robot says,

"Do you expect me to believe such a far-fetched, crazy notion?

What do you take me for?"

The first question almost always asked is that,

“Why do you want to put your solar panels in space?

Why don’t you put them up in the desert and be done with it?” Right?

A few reasons.

First is that in space you get about eight times more energy

because you don't have day and night,

you don't have clouds, you don't have seasons,

and you don't have the atmospheric absorption.

Also, now that you have this ability to send energy where you want

and when you want dynamically,

you can imagine that you have dispatchable power.

On top of that,

it's an always-available power.

This can be used for a place, for example,

let's say an island hit by a hurricane

where there’s no power.

Or a city in war zone

where the power infrastructure is being constantly attacked.

You can think about using this to send power

to a remote village in sub-Saharan Africa

where there is no infrastructure for power transmission.

And that way democratize the access to energy.

Or send it somewhere above the Arctic circle.

So all of these things are great.

But the question is,

if it has been known for such a long time and it's such a great thing,

why hasn't it been done so far?

The main reason is that the way it has been envisioned before,

they've been thinking about it as a big elephant.

If you're thinking about putting big solar panels in space,

collecting the power, generating a lot of energy,

and then putting it into a massive parabolic dish antenna

and sending it to a fixed location on Earth.

Sending things to space is expensive.

You pay dollars -- and that's plural -- per gram.

The other problem is that even if you could afford it,

assembly of something like this in space

is still beyond the capabilities that we have today.

So we came up with a very different approach

where we took our generators

and turned them into flexible, fabric-like structures.

We are utilizing the amazing power of electronics,

integrated electronics and flexible electronics,

to make this very lightweight, flexible, fabric-like structures

that you can roll and pack.

And this allows you to have these satellites packed for launch

and deployed in space,

where each one of these units

would be about several tens of meters on the side.

And then you can pack a whole bunch of them

and create a constellation of them

that flies in space

and forms your power station to send green energy to Earth.

This will be flying in formation around the Earth.

Obviously, this is not the size of the planet

because we're talking about a kilometer across for the whole whole constellation

and the planet is a little bit larger than a kilometer.

We've been developing, as a proof of concept,

technology demonstrator,

and this is called Maple,

which demonstrates the power of flexible structures

and electronic circuitry

to generate and transmit power in space.

We integrated that with two other technology demonstrators

for deployable structures and photovoltaics

that were developed by three teams,

led by myself and two of my colleagues.

And we integrated into a satellite that was launched recently.

And the purpose of this experiment

has been to demonstrate the power transfer,

wireless power transfer in space.

Now that brings me back to the promise of wireless energy transfer

and what it could mean for us.

I believe this technology is too compelling to go away.

And I believe it's bound to appear in our lives in one form or another.

And that is something to look forward to.

Thank you.

(Applause)