Waven – wirelessly charged batteries
Project title
Waven – wirelessly charged batteries
Name of Beneficiary/Beneficiaries
Waven Sp. z o.o.
Name of programme
“Smart Growth” Operational Program
Competition
“Bridge Alfa” program, with Invento Capital fund
Project value
PLN 1,000,000
Funding value
PLN 800,000
Project delivery period
01/06/2021 - 28/02/2023
See the effect of our work
What problem does our project solve?
Currently used batteries, both disposable and reusable, do not have self-charging mechanisms. Over time they self-discharge, and after a period of use they become toxic waste. In addition, during operation batteries require regular replacement or recharging using contact chargers. The processes by which the user must remember to replace and recharge the battery are related to access to a powered device, disassembly and replacement of used batteries with new or recharged ones.
Thanks to the wireless battery charging solution using radio waves, which was designed and created by the Waven team, it is possible to recharge batteries wirelessly without having to remove them from the powered device. Wireless charging and energy transfer technology combined with energy storage allows for continuous charging of systems with low voltages sourced from both surrounding electromagnetic fields and dedicated wireless chargers.
The biggest advantages of the proposed solution is the lack of need to remove the battery to replace or recharge, which increases the comfort of use by preventing situations in which the user experiences battery discharge at the least expected moment. By reducing the risk of deep cell discharge, the solution developed by Waven contributes to the reduction of battery waste.
Who will benefit from the results of the project?
The project is very complex and has a very long list of potential recipients. These are both individual consumers and business customers.
In the case of individual customers, these are all users of classic AA non-rechargeable and rechargeable batteries. Users can directly use wirelessly charged Waven AA batteries as a replacement for classic disposable batteries and rechargeable batteries. Waven AA batteries with built-in wireless charging module have the format of AA batteries, which allows direct use in standard devices, without the need for additional modification or replacement of devices.
In specialized or industrial applications, the Waven solution allows the creation of tailored power systems with wireless charging, which significantly contributes to lower operating and maintenance costs by reducing the need to replace and purchase new batteries. Examples of specialized and industrial applications are broadly understood Internet of Things devices, sensors, measuring and security devices.
Waven batteries, which are the result of design work, are a breakthrough innovation on a global scale.
What was the biggest challenge for us in the implementation of the project?
During the project, countless iterations were carried out, which consisted in the integration of the components of the entire system for the wireless batteries being charged. AA batteries have their geometrical limitations, but the entire system must maintain its functionality. The biggest challenge of the project was to construct an efficient and, at the same time, limited in size system operating in RF frequencies. Achieving results consistent with the assumptions of the project and satisfying users was possible thanks to the implementation of innovative solutions in the field of semiconductor technologies, and efficient implementation of electronic prototypes.