interpreting tesla's wireless system

8/7/2019 Interpreting Tesla's Wireless System

1/23

This document contains text automatically extracted from a PDF or image file. Formatting may havebeen lost and not all text may have been recognized.

To remove this note, right-click and select "Delete table".


2/23

Tesla's Wireless System: Wireless Power Now, Future High-


3/23

Power Communications

By: Michael C Ellis

On: March 18, 2011

For: Terry O'Laughlin

605-150 Spring 2011 Electronic Data Transmission

Madison Area Technical College 3550 Anderson Street | Madison,

Wisconsin 53704


4/23


5/23

Table of Contents

Abstract .................................................................................................... 3

Introduction ............................................................................................. 4

The True Wireless by Nikola Tesla (1919) ............................................. 4Non-Hertzian Nature of Transmission ....................................... 4

Sympathetic Scalar Resonance ................................................... 5

Suggested Theories of Operation ............................................................ 6

Unconventional Ground Wave Phenomena ................................ 6

Communication Through Ground Current ................................ 6

Data Transmission Along a Single Line Without Return ........... 7

Modern Applications and Research ........................................................ 7

Commercial Wireless RF Platforms Fall Short .......................... 7

Lunar Wireless Power .................................................................. 7

Resonant Power Realized ............................................................. 7

Conclusion ................................................................................................. 8

Works Cited ................................................................................................ 9

Illustrations

Transmission With Return and Mechanical Analogue .................... 5

Transmission Without Return and Mechanical Analogue ............... 5

NBS Wireless Telephone Demonstration .......................................... 6


6/23


7/23

3

I. Abstract

Nikola Tesla's wireless power distribution system is feasible and applicable to modern

wireless electronic systems. Historic references to Tesla's wireless systems have been clouded

by the assumptions of modern radio theory. Not only could Tesla's system be used to createtruly wireless devices, but with the proper engineering, information systems of low loss through

obstructions otherwise impenetrable to conventional radio waves. Researchers have confirmed

the use of resonant magnetic coupling for powering local devices, and further suggest that this

may be scalable to manufacturing plants. Taking advantage of wireless power distribution

could reduce the use of resources expended on power distribution as well as create transmission

systems that have a lower environmental impact, and create a much safer environment for those

living and working around them.


8/23


9/23

4

II. Introduction

Actually in 1892 -- before the birth of electrical engineering itself --- Lorentz arbitrarily

symmetrized the Heaviside equations precisely to eliminate those remaining asymmetrical

systems that had been uncovered by Tesla... Lorentz was elicited to do this at the specific will ofJ. P. Morgan, who was in the process of destroying Tesla. - Thomas E. Bearden

I author this document suggesting the consideration of Nikola Tesla's wireless power

transmission system for the transmission of both power for communications devices and data

in an amplitude modulated, broadband transmission line, or digital form as is appropriate to the

medium. This would require amending Tesla's original demonstration circuits with a receiver

branch for data interpretation, a power rectification/transformation branch connected to a local

power supply, and possibly other security measures to prevent misuse of the transmission.

Much as a crystal radio set requires no input power beside the signal itself, this system could

power a vehicle's radio, stereo and amplification system, and potentially the vehicle itself. Thecapacitive element of the circuit used to induce resonance could couple via the conductive layer

of the atmosphere itself, enabling the transmission circuits to couple to a receiver at any point on

the globe.

Unfortunately my experimental model was unsuccessful due to poor transformer coupling

between the input stage/output stage and the transmission coils easily remedied with a solid

core, and misunderstanding of the relationship of the inductances and capacitances to the

circuit behavior which have been conceptually corrected as explained later. Since significant

demonstration has already been successful in a university research setting (Kurs, et al.), it is

largely in vain to try to reproduce Tesla's power transmission experiment to merely prove thatit exists. This is the primary reason I have changed to authoring this research paper instead of

completing the intended project. This is not to imply that I will not further experiment with this

on a later date, as it appears a very promising undertaking.

III. The True Wireless by Nikola Tesla (1919)

In this groundbreaking article, Nikola Tesla outlines his research and design efforts

to transmit power wirelessly via non-conventional radio physics. He cites Michael Faraday's

research and moves to disprove the efforts of Heinrich Hertz to isolate radio physics into merely

transverse electromagnetic waves of energy. Tesla outlines a system that outperforms Hertzian

waves in such a way as to reveal his prejudice against the shortcomings of the prevailing model.Non-Hertzian Nature of Transmission

Tesla, describing his system, verifies that he is not working with Hertzian electromagnetic

waves: Recognizing the limitations of the devices he [Dr. Hertz] had employed, I concentrated

my attention on the production of a powerful induction coil but made no notable progress until

a happy inspiration led to the invention of the oscillation transformer. In the later part of 1891


10/23

I was already so far advanced in the development of this new principle that I had at my disposal

means vastly superior to those of the German physicist.


11/23


12/23

5

One of those means was the capability to transmit great voltages at a distance with minimal

losses, so much so that Tesla planed to use it, from Wardenclyffe tower in New York, as a

world-wide power distribution network. One of the historical photos of these experiments

shows a high-wattage light bulb illuminated by nothing more than a large receiving coil. Teslaalso found that he could transmit power through mountains without reflection, and in front of

mountainsides without reinforcement. Unlike transverse radio waves, he favored the use of

high frequencies for high-power transfer of energy this was presently confirmed feasible by

physicists at MIT, outlined later. (Trinkaus, 2)(Kurs, et al.)

Sympathetic Scalar Resonance

Tesla's system is physically marked by sympathetic action of two remote coils. In order

to achieve these effects he takes advantage of the principle of resonance along a single wire.

Tesla notes, all kinds of devices could be operated through a single wire, and it might be

possible, under observance of proper conditions of resonance, to transmit electric energy throughthe earth, thus dispensing with all artificial conductors.(Trinkaus 2) The necessity of a ground

connection is obvious. As the periodic impulses pass through the wire, differences of potential

will be created along the same as well as right angles to it... either of these may be usefully

applied.(Trinkaus, 4)

Illustration 1: Transmission With A Return and Mechanical Analouge

When an elevated capacity of only one pole and inductance attached to the ground are tuned

to resonate at the same frequency, energy could essentially interact across the devices with

little consequence in the way of distance or losses through an artificially created reservoir.

By articulating the behavior of varied capacitance relationships for self-inductance, Teslaarrived at the conclusion that the Earth's atmosphere plays a significant role as the other end

of the capacity in certain conditions, and that when the capacity is close to that of the Earth's

atmosphere, special considerations must be undertaken. (Trinkaus, 5) The remainder of his

system behaves like his previously demonstrated transformer systems.

Illustration 2: Transmission Without Return and Mechanical Analouge


13/23


14/23

6

IV. Suggested Theories of Operation

Unconventional Ground Wave Phenomena

Many modern theories suggest that Tesla was simply using ground-wave transmission

of power via conventional radio waves.(Peterson) These do not take into account the various

observations that Tesla made, and equally disregard that transmission through mountains and

reduced power dissipation when the system is not in use would be impossible when using

conventional radio waves; this behaves closer to a closed-circuit device.

Communication Through Ground Current

Photo 1: Can you hear me now? Happily inspired, Nikola Tesla Watches Nathan

Stubblefield Demonstrate An Early Wireless Telephone.(qtd in Bedini)

Nathan Stubblefield, one of the early wireless researchers that likely inspired Tesla,

was a melon farmer from Kentucky who invented a number of wireless transmission devicesthat took advantage of an earth common without return transmission. Like other farms of the

past, large acreage properties required the use of long expensive cables for communication

and power distribution - this is what is largely believed to have inspired him as an inventor.

Tesla is photographed in the crowd above as Stubblefield demonstrated communication via a

ground-current telephone at audio frequencies (see Photo 1). Stubblefield also patented earth-cell

technology that powered his devices entirely. John Bedini suggested that Stubblefield's design

is closer to Tesla's wireless system of magnetic coupling than a simple ground-current system.

Many hobbyists continue to replicate Stubblefield's earth cell results. (Lasersaber)


15/23


16/23

7

Data Transmission Along a Single Line Without Return

William Beaty, an avid Tesla technology researcher, suggests that the method of

transmission of power through Tesla's system made use of a similar phenomena to Goubou line

used in the UHF field.

A Goubou line functions as a single transmission line without return, taking advantage of the

dielectric coating on exposed UHF cables, as well as a set of directional horns to contain the

return. Beaty's illustration equivocates the Tesla transmission method to a transformer-like

coupling across the transmitter/receiver coil setup as a whole. This would similarly suggest the

use of ground conduction and include the use of what he proposes are longitudnal waves of

energy around the earth along the transmitter and receiver.

V. Modern Applications and Research

Commercial Wireless RF Energy Platforms Fall Short

Many modern commercial systems are available for wireless transmission of power by

gigahertz radio frequency receivers. The term used to describe them is energy harvesting, due to

the fact that they involve the transmission and re-collection of RF energy at a distance.(Cantrell)

Unfortunately they are not true Tesla wireless systems in contradiction to many of their sale

claims, and would likely waste more energy than simple wires due to the fact that in many

systems the energy is transmitted in all directions constantly instead of through some type of

mutual load or beaming system.

Lunar Wireless Power

In 2008, a research team at Colorado university published an attempt to apply Tesla'swireless technology to lunar colony scenario. The major problem with a lunar model of wireless

power, the DOE study found, is the lack of an electrical ground in the lunar soil. The wireless

power transfer on the lunar surface would thus require the use of high-energy microwave or RF

energy transmission in a concentrated beam onto collector arrays. This would be more efficient

and lighter weight, they found, than traditional transmission wires but would also present a

significant danger to any workers in the vicinity of the transmission arrays.(Popovic)

Resonant Power Realized

A team of physicists at MIT decided to tackle the problem of recharging wireless devices

by making them truly wireless for all of their power requirements. They used a model of mutualmagnetic resonance in the 6.4MHz spectrum to create devices that recharged themselves across

the distance of a room (a similar scenario to a home appliance system).

Professor Soljacic's project was supposedly inspired by many nights of interrupted sleep from

ailing cell phones. The research was funded by the US Army Research Office, however the

physics behind the concept are already familiar to most musicians and acoustic engineers

resonance.(Hadley)


17/23

"When you have two resonant objects of the same frequency they tend to couple very strongly,


18/23


19/23

8

When energy is applied to these objects it remains bound to them, rather than escaping to

space. 'Tails' of energy, which can be many metres [sic] long, flicker over the surface.

This description sounds much like one would visualize the behavior of a plasma or line-of-

force through the electromagnetic aether.(Dollard, 7) According to their research abstract, theytransmitted power 8 times the radius of the coils, and were able to transfer 60 watts with

40% efficiency over distances in excess of 2 meters.(Kurs, et al.) Their study also included

scalability and efficiency improvement suggestions. If a large coil was built under the upper

floor of a 2-story residence, for example, wireless power could be easily realized anywhere in

the dwelling. The losses cited, however, are a far cry from what Tesla proposed for long-distance

transmission, namely due to the lack of a common ground which would eliminate the necessity

for the formation of tunnels through the air a low-impedance path of paramagnetic 'conduction'

would already exist.

Soljacic likens the concept to musical resonance between two similarly tuned instruments theexact same reference that Tesla makes in his wireless coupling model description. "If you bring

another resonant object with the same frequency close enough to these tails then it turns out that

the energy can tunnel from one object to another," said Professor Soljacic during an interview

with the BBC. (qtd. In Fildes)

Soljacic noted that this would be ideal to scale up for a manufacturing plant's power

requirements. This would obviously eliminate many of the hazards associated with wiring and

transmission of high voltages across the plant.

VI. Conclusion

Modern research into wireless power is presently phenomenal, but very promising. The

studies noted above imply that a major overhaul of our power and communication distribution

may be feasible and even practical once this technology is properly developed. Energy savings

could result for wireless communication technologies that would no longer need to constantly

broadcast at full power without use.

The elimination of the miles of wire used in just a local grid alone could significantly reduce

setup costs for communication/power networks, and nearly eliminate the need for remote

maintenance and hazard services. The aesthetic and health benefits of the removal of said

elevated lines would be worth it alone. With greatly reduced setup cost, comes great savings for

the consumers themselves, increased competition as witnessed with our present cellular wirelesscommunication technology boom, and thus a boost to the energy-supply sector of our economy.

Power could be generated more remotely from the service area than wires would allow, and

thus safer application of dangerous emissions and radiations from generators could be realized.

At home, wall outlets and their associated hazards would disappear. The only electrical contact

would be through the solid wall, floor or ceiling, or for more distant applications a single ground

wire no dangerous electrical contacts would need to be exposed.


20/23


21/23


22/23

9

communication systems face today.

VII. Works Cited

Bearden, Thomas E. RE: Questions for Mr. Bearden. June, 2008. Accessed March 18, 2011.

Beaty, William. Tesla's Big Mistake? 1999. Accessed

March 13,

2011.

Bedini, John. Nathan Stubblefield Earth Battery: NBS Wireless... Lyoness.com 2006.

Accessed March 13, 2011. (website currently down)

Cantrell, Tom. Tune In, Turn On: Power Via Radio Waves Circuit Cellar, Issue 247, Feb.

2011.

Dollard, Eric. Introduction to Dielectric & Magnetic Discharges in Electrical Windings,

Borderland Sciences, 1982. Currently avaliable through

bookstore.

Fildes, Jonathan. Physics Promises Wireless Power, BBC: Daily Tech, Nov. 2006.

Accessed March 13,

2011.

Hadley, Franklin. Goodbye Wires!: MIT Team Successfully Demonstrates... MIT News, June,

2007.

Accessed March 14, 2011.

Kurs, et al. Wireless Power Transfer via Strongly Coupled Magnetic Resonances, 2007


Lasersaber. Nathan Sutbblefield Coil Runs Motor! YouTube, 2010 Accessed March 15, 2011. Lasersaber demonstrates an earth cell with

voltage capable of easily powering a small motor.

Peterson, Gary. Wireless Transmission Theory, June, 2008. TeslaRadio.com.


Popovic, Zoya, et al. Lunar Wireless Power Transfer Feasibility Study March, 2008.

Trinkaus, George. Tesla, The True Wireless. (Nikola Tesla. (edited) The True Wireless 1919)

High


23/23

Voltage Press, 1998. (Illustration 1 and 2)

Wikipedia: Nathan B. Stubblefield Accessed March 14, 2011.

interpreting tesla's wireless system

Documents