The last stage will involve the full utilization of the space power technology where clean and efficient space power will effectively be used to light and power the world. While many of these ideas might seem years from full implementation, it is imperative to stress that the major step in the whole process has actually been undertaken and the present research is only focused on modifications and limiting wastage. Without doubt, the development of wireless solar power will greatly reduce the reliance on fossil fuels that is presently realized in the world.
The use and development of wireless power transmission transcends all facets of modern life. It will be applied in the low grade charging stations to the huge industrial applications in providing cheap and clean power across the world. While the initial investment might be too costly and challenging for most sectors, the benefits of the whole process will surely outweigh these costs. These benefits will range from both financial advantages to environmental benefits.
The wireless power transmission is not actually a single technological process. It is basically a combination of different technologies in place which are geared towards achieving the same end result. In this way, different researchers are actually experimenting with different technologies ranging from the use of microwaves to inductive beaming. This certainly offers wide range of possibilities and applications to which the whole technology can be applied. The whole research process analyses the key drivers for the process and different applications of the end product.
The four major modes of transmission that are currently under much focus and study include radio frequency, electromagnetic induction, microwaves and laser beams. The different technologies have their own sets of advantages and disadvantages and are at different stages of development. They are basically categorized on the basis of such factors like method of energy transfer, medium of transmission, degree of maturity of applications and the range of energy transfer. On the other hand, the obstacles in the application of these methods are also currently under study and these range from biological to environmental impacts.
Environmental Implications
The environmental impacts of the wireless transmission mechanism are actually far reaching. Indeed, the method will offer a better way of mitigating and reducing the challenge of electronic waste through the elimination of wires in the electric transmission process. Indeed external power supplies constitute so much waste that is always raising a lot of environmental concerns. Millions of tons of electronic waste can effectively be avoided through the use of wireless transmission of power. Much of this waste is normally disposed by incineration which releases a lot of toxic waste into the atmosphere in the form of carbon products. This would become a past story if the new technology is effectively used and managed "Wireless Electricity, Smart Phones, Bargain Hardware," 2009()
Psychological and Sociological Implications
The use of wireless power transmission would gain a lot of popularity and application due to the mere public perception regarding its safety to human beings and the environment. The adoption of this method would therefore be quick considering that people will have already leant the advantages and benefits of this new transmission mechanism. However, this would only be after the necessary safeguard measures are taken into account and the present safety challenges addressed effectively Adamson, 2001()
In the medical field, the use of wireless power transmission in equipment will actually require a lot of safety measures in order to limit any chances for accidents or risks that could occur in the process. It would therefore require a lot of testing and experimentation before the medical devices are actually commercially used in the hospitals. In this regard, it is seen that the developmental phase of the process is the most demanding and expensive Dan ()
. It therefore creates the need to appropriately fund the process and effectively take all necessary factors into account.
In the mobile phone industry, the whole wireless transmission technology will actually be a success albeit with its own share of challenges. While the developers will actually encourage the phone manufacturers to adopt the technology in order to eliminate the need for conventional chargers, much of these efforts might not be easily accepted by most of these manufacturers. This is mostly because the sale of chargers usually forms a large share of the profits that these manufacturers make in the form of accessory sales. They would therefore be much unwilling to easily forego this large profit by adopting the use of the wireless transmission of power in the new handsets. In this regard, some executives of these companies have relayed their skepticisms and doubts on the whole technology...
Research and development into the new field can open doors for other discoveries and developments which can effectively lead to the maturity and development of the technology to greater heights. In the same way, the application and use of the technology will require the further harmonization and development of international and universal standards. These protocols would become necessary for the use of the wireless transmission off power across the world.
More importantly, it has to be realized that the use of wireless transmission of power will create the need for a complete redesigning of the electronic devices and other instruments that will use this technology. These devices will have to be developed taking account of the universal standards that will have been instituted. In any case, it is clearly seen that the adoption of this technology will certainly revolutionize most sectors and industries across the world and will set into motion new research and studies on other related areas of concern.
The reliability and stability of this mechanism is one of the greatest factors of concern when evaluating its efficiency. Most skeptics have said that except in cases where there is a risk of damage of the wiring, the benefits of the wired transmission will always outweigh those of this wireless mechanism. However, it must be remembered that the efficiency and effectiveness of this mechanism transcends the simple fact that it eliminates the need for wires in the transmission of electricity. The method will also enable airplanes and other vehicles to fly without the need to carry large volumes of liquid fuel as presently realized.
Ethical and Moral Implications
Ethically, the new technology will create the need for a total overhaul of the character ad behavior of the masses with regard to technology. This is certainly a new change that will have to be embraced by all and sundry. Nevertheless, the transmission of power wirelessly will not fail to have its own challenges and limitations in the process. The environment is normally subject to so many changes and these could affect the transmission process or block the whole process. In the same way, environmental changes like sunlight and temperature variations might interfere with the amount of power transmitted through the environment Ranganathan, 2004.
Such factors form the basis of the present research that is focused on mitigating some of these practical challenges that would be realized in the process.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is realized that wireless power transmission is certainly a new field that can certainly address some of the challenges often realized in the present transmission of power through wires and other contacts. The success of this method will nevertheless depend upon its proper application and the provision of the necessary enabling environment which will facilitate its adoption. While challenges are part and parcel of every new technological undertaking, it is greatly hoped that most of these limitations presently realize din the experimental stages will effectively be addressed before the technology is adopted for commercial usage. In the same way, the adoption of this technology might not completely eliminate the need for using other transmission methods due to some of its shortcomings. However, it is hoped that the use of wireless transmission of power will soon become part and parcel of the power industry.
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