Cut the Cord: Wireless Power Transfer, its Applications, and its limits

The transfer of power from source to receiver is a technology that has existed for over a century. Wireless power transfer (WPT) has been made feasible in recent years due to advances in technology and better implementations of transfer techniques, such as Microwave Power Transfer (MPT). The MPT system works by converting power to microwaves through a microwave generator and then transmitting that power through free space where it is received and converted back to power at a special device called a rectenna. The applications of MPT are numerous, not only to change the way existing technologies work, but also as theoretical constructs for future constructs. While the benefits are great, there are many limitations and drawbacks of MPT, necessitating the discussion of possible alternative methods for WPT. The transfer of power wirelessly has the potential to completely disrupt and revolutionize existing and future technologies.