Inductive charging

Inductive charging (also known as "wireless charging") uses an electromagnetic field  to transfer energy between two objects. This is usually done with a charging station. Energy is sent through inductive coupling to an electrical device, which then can use that energy to charge batteries or run the device.

                                                          

Induction chargers typically use an induction coil to create an alternating electromagnetic field from within a charging base station, and a second induction coil in the portable device takes power from the electromagnetic field and converts it back into electrical current to charge the battery. The two induction coils in proximity combine to form an electrical transformers.

Advantages

• Lower risk of electrical shock or shorting out when wet because there are no exposed conductors. e.g., for toothbrushes and shavers, or outdoors.

• Consistent and secure connections - no corrosion when the electronics are all enclosed away from water or oxygen in the atmosphere.

• Safer for implants - for embedded medical devices, allows recharging/powering through the skin rather than having wires penetrate the skin, which would increase the risk of infection.

• Convenience - rather than having to connect a power cable, the device can be placed on or close to a charge plate or stand.

Disadvantages

• Lower efficiency, waste heat - The main disadvantages of inductive charging are its lower efficiency and increased resistive heating in comparison to direct contact. Implementations using lower frequencies or older drive technologies charge more slowly and generate heat within most portable electronics.

• More costly - Inductive charging also requires drive electronics and coils in both device and charger, increasing the complexity and cost of manufacturing.

• Slower charging - due to the lower efficiency, devices can take longer to charge when supplied power is equal.

• Inconvenience - When a mobile device is connected to a cable, it can be freely moved around and operated while charging. In some implementations of inductive charging , the mobile device must be left on a pad, and thus can't be moved around or easily operated while charging.

• Standards - There are no DE fact o standards, potentially leaving a consumer, organisation or manufacturer with redundant equipment when a standard emerges