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Electromagnetic Induction and Wireless Charging

Mobile,Phone,Battery,With,Wireless,Charging,Device,In,The
Resource Type: Hands-on Activity
Engineering Discipline: Electrical/Electronics Engineering
Stem Field: Physics (light, sound, heat)
Age Group: High School: Ages 14–17

Wireless charging (also known as inductive charging) is a type of wireless power transfer. It utilizes electromagnetic induction to power portable electronic devices. How does a wireless charger function? What factors affect the efficiency of wireless charging? We will explore these questions while also considering the ethical implications of wireless charging technology. Principled Innovation (PI) refers to the ability to envision new concepts and design innovative solutions, guided by principles, to create positive change for humanity. This lesson encourages students to develop as PI thinkers, learning to balance moral, civic, intellectual, and performance character assets by exploring the systems involved in a wireless charger.

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  • Hands-On Activity Presentation

  • Resources/Materials Required

    • IEEE Power Electronics Kit & Lesson
      • IEEE Power Electronics Board
      • Wireless charging coil
      • Mini-screwdriver
      • Display
      • Dupont wires
      • Battery
      • Battery cable
    • 3D-printed phone holder (3D-Printing Files in Onshape)
    • Qi-compatible cell phone
    • Cardboard sheets – 3”x6” sheet for each group
    • Aluminum foil – 3”x6” sheet for each group
    • Plastic wrap – 3”x6” sheet for each group
    • Styrofoam sheets can be used as an alternate material
    • Each sheet can be cut into different shapes for testing
    • Stopwatch

    Before class, ensure that students have access to:

    • Qi-compatible cell phone that is not fully charged
    • Computer (desktop or laptop) and an internet connection

    Worksheets and Attachments:

  • Learning Objectives

    Learners will be able to:

    • Articulate STEM content, practices, and principles for their design and functional claims
    • Explain the importance of considering ethical issues throughout the engineering design process (problem, solution, iterations)
    • Address how their design solution might impact society if it were widely produced
    • Plan and carry out investigations to build and refine a device that works within given constraints to demonstrate that an electric current can produce a magnetic field and that a changing magnetic field can produce an electric current
    • Build a device that works within given constraints to transfer energy within a system

  • Activity Instructions and Procedures

    [20 min] Part 1: Introduction

    1. [5 min] Ask students if they have seen a wireless charger in use. Ask what they think are the advantages and disadvantages of this technology and whether or not those make this type of charging useful or desirable.
    2. [5 min] Explore Faraday’s Electromagnetic Lab: https://phet.colorado.edu/sims/html/faradays-electromagnetic-lab/latest/faradays-electrom agnetic-lab_all.html (works on desktop or mobile).
      1. Use the “Pickup Coil” demo to show how a moving magnetic field induces an electrical current.
      2. Use the “Electromagnet” demo to show how an AC current source produces an alternating (moving) magnetic field.
      3. Use the “Transformer” demo to show essentially how the wireless charger transfers electricity.
    3. [10 min] Go through the slide deck.

    [20 min] Part 2: Conduct PE.1.1 Activity – Assembling a Wireless Phone Charger

    1. Follow the steps in PE.1.1 Activity – Assembling a Wireless Phone Charger.

    [60 min] Part 3: Conduct PE.1.2 Activity – Testing Wireless Phone Charging Effectiveness

    1. Follow the steps in PE.1.2 Activity – Testing Wireless Phone Charging Effectiveness.

  • Key Vocabulary

    • Magnetic Field: the portion of space around a magnet where the magnetic forces of the object can be detected
    • Electromagnetism: magnetism created by an electric current
    • Electromagnetic Induction: a current produced because of voltage production (electromotive force) due to a changing magnetic field
    • Rectifier: a device used to convert an AC current to a DC current.
    • Qi: An established, evolving wireless charging standard owned by The Wireless Power Consortium and backed by more than 200 leading companies, including Apple, Samsung, Philips, and Belkin

  • Dig Deeper

    Supplemental Resources

  • Acknowledgements

    This curriculum/course material was developed by Engineering for us all (e4usa) in partnership with the IEEE Power Electronics Society and the IEEE Industry Applications Society.

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