Drayson Technologies' Freevolt system is a new electronics device that collects energy from radio frequency (RF) signals in the air. Then the transmitter-free gadget converts the energy into never-ending power that could be used for wearables, smartphones, and the Internet of Things (IoT) such as surveillance cameras and fire alarms in connected homes.
The research and development (R&D) company focuses on energy. It has now developed the first commercial tech that produces power from air.
In today's world of mobile devices, digital TVs, and WiFi Internet, increasingly more RF signals are zapped through the air. Harvesting energy from such electronic signals is in fact not new.
However, the tech was only used in labs for short ranges. One exception is a smartphone case in the works that reportedly uses RF energy to extend iPhone battery life, according to Engadget.
Freevolt contains three key components that provide top-notch efficiency. A multi-band antenna scans the air for RV energy falling within the 0.5 to 5 Gigahertz (GHz) range.
Next, the energy is fed through a super-efficient "rectifier." It converts the energy into Direct Current (DC) electricity.
The final step involves a power management module. It increases, stores, and outputs the electrical power.
Freevolt is likely the most efficient RF-to-electricity system to date. However, it currently only works on devices needing a small amount of power, such as smartphones or wearables.
Drayson believes that Freevolt is ideal for various applications. It could manage the Internet of Things (IoT) in a smart home, such as security cameras and smoke alarms.
At an unveiling event on September 30, Wednesday, Freevolt was used to light up a blue LED bulb, according to Ars Technica. However, the power needed was very small.
Freevolt could also be used on a bigger scale. That could include an entire smart city in which free energy powers intelligent garbage bins and busy highways.