Several companies offer solutions for wireless transmission of power, but an already granted patent in Europe is proof that WPC’s technology is unique! HERNIS, who have already marketed a line of WPC-based products, are following the development closely. The technology is thought to revolutionize the use of electricity in products designed for hazardous environments and subsea operations. The many solutions for wireless transmission of power on the market all differ in efficiency, transmission range, transmission surface size, and power transfer capacity. Wireless Power & Communication (WPC) is the Norwegian based company behind the technology that can transfer hundreds of watts across very small surfaces and with an efficiency of up to 95%.
Mr. Audun Andersen, Development Engineer at WPC gives us his thoughts on the potentially revolutionizing technology. “Several companies claim to possess the technology of wireless transmission of power, but not many products are commercially available, especially not in the offshore industry. One of the main reasons that so few products exist is the challenge of achieving high efficiency when transferring high power. Often unwanted heat is generated in the process and a large transmission surface is required. To illustrate this transmitting 1 kW with 50% efficiency would generate 500 W of heat. Dissipating that amount of heat would cause problems in most products. When talking about wireless power many people imagine a house with no cables for any of their electrical products. Due to uncertainties concerning effects from the magnetic fields generated when transferring power, WPC focuses on transmission distances in the centimetre range. In such solutions the field is contained within the product and there is no danger of exposing people to the magnetic field”.
The Potential
“We see the WPC solution revolutionizing products in many market segments but one obvious area is products designed for hazardous environments and subsea operations that rely on electricity” Audun continues. «Even with limited transmission range, the technology opens possibilities where the traditional connectors are inconvenient or even impossible to use; Due to the risk of sparks igniting ambient gases the use of traditional connectors is prohibited in hazardous areas. Use of regular connectors in water or other conducting fluids could cause short circuits. Another issue with metallic connectors in harsh environments is contact problems caused by corrosion or dirt isolating the conductor. Rotation is another limitation of traditional connectors as the cable easily gets wound up, and the alternative of slip rings often leads to unreliable transmission and unwanted maintenance. In terms of safety the wireless transmission means the connector can be fully enclosed in composites hence avoiding the danger of electric shock to people touching it. WPC’s patented technology eliminates all said problems» Audun explains.
Staying true to the core activity
“To keep focus on our core competence WPC focuses on implementing our unique technology into other companies’ products. WPC’s income is based on consultancy during development, royalty on manufactured products and licensed rights to use the technology in different markets. This strategy allows us to use all our resources on development and let other companies handle the marketing and sales. For products suited for wireless power there is often also a need for wireless communication. WPC therefore specialize in developing combined solutions for wireless power and communication”.
Developing Camera station with Wireless power communication
"HERNIS is taking advantage of the new technology in our latest camera station the PT12. By avoiding the use of a slip ring in the rotating equipment we eliminate the risk of unreliable transmission. Another benefit is of course the low maintenance aspect", says Egil N. Olsen, Managing Director. "The technology is perfect for connecting electrical signals in hazardous areas, making it fit right into HERNIS’ core activity". HERNIS owns 34,2 % of WPC and are excited to see what the future will bring for the innovative team.
