Source: DUPONT™  CORIAN®.

DuPont and Powermat are pleased to provide the technology that is used to enable subsurface wireless charging in Corian® solid surface countertops.
The next phase in wireless power is seeing it embedded into surfaces used for furnishing solutions.

DuPont has been driving innovation for decades in the area of advanced materials. DuPont™ Corian® is a globally renowned premium solution in the markets of furnishing and interior design, both commercial and residential.

The collaboration between Powermat and DuPont marks another step forward in the vision to make smart wireless power a ubiquitous part of our lives.
Powermat technology works through the transfer of magnetic energy (induction) and not by transferring electricity. Therefore it is the ideal solution for use in kitchens, bathrooms and other water-related venues.
The technology is a combination of inductive energy transfer and Powermat Technologies’ own proprietary technology. The technology adheres to the Power Matters Alliance (PMA) standard1

1 The PMA (Power Matters Alliance_ is an industry standard-setting organization that supports Duracell Powermat technology. 
When an enabled device (a device with a PMA compatible case or adaptor) is placed on Powermat or on a Powermat-enabled surface, like DuPont™ Corian®, an electronic “handshake” occurs between the charging surface and the device, and energy (not electricity) is transferred wirelessly to the device. It is an intelligent system – it will only send power to devices it has identified and it monitors the power level so that when a device is fully charged, it will stop sending power. This not only avoids energy waste but also overcharging of the battery.
For now, you will need a PMA compatible case or adaptor to charge your phone on a DuPont™ Corian® countertop. Your device needs to communicate with the Wireless Charging Surface so that energy can be transferred wirelessly. In the future, we expect to see the technology built directly into devices.
In fact, AT&T recently announced that they expect PMA technology to be built into the portfolio of devices sold in their stores by 2014. We are on a trajectory similar to Wi-Fi, which was once an accessory but is now built-in and widely available.

Q: How does wireless charging work?

A: Wireless power, also known as inductive coupling, uses narrow magnetic fields that are a natural part of how electrical current moves through wires. It starts by creating a circular magnetic field around the electrical wire where a hidden coil amplifies the magnetic field, and the receiving device also has a hidden coil that can receive the magnetic energy created, thereby transferring power wirelessly. It’s very efficient and safe compared to regular wires in traditional power cables.

Q: How can people participate in wireless charging if they don’t own a special case or power connector?

A: Some smartphones already include built-in support for PMA or Powermat compatible wireless charging and customers can check

PowerUpHere.com for the latest information. However, we are also offering a new design called a “Powermat Ring” (a wireless charging adaptor) which comes in several different variations depending on the type of phone you have. The Ring is plugged into your phone and then acts as a receiver of the magnetic energy created by the technology embedded in the tabletop.

Q: Is wireless charging faster than wired charging?

A: Powermat wireless charging will charge your phone and approximately the same rate as your traditional power cable does.

Q: Can you charge other devices besides smartphones?

A: Yes, Powermat technology is scalable and versatile. We can charge any range of devices depending upon the specific makeup of the wireless charging spots are initially configured to support smartphones and other devices, such as tablets.

Q: What accessories are required to use wireless charging?

A: Until more smartphones come with wireless charging built in, you will want to buy a wireless charging case, a Ring or a PMA adaptor for your smartphone. Wireless charging accessories are available at online retailers, at AT&T stores and in major electronics stores. Customers can visit PowerUpHere.com or DurcaellPowermat.com to learn more.

Q: Which devices now and in the future will have this technology embedded?

A: It’s too soon for us to tell exactly which models will have wireless charging embedded, but we believe that it will eventually become a standard embedded capability just like Wifi. AT&T and many other OEMs are part of the PMA and are expected to help promote the PMA standard into handsets. In fact, recently AT&T announced that they expect PMA technology to be built into their phones in 2014.

Q: What are the environmental benefits of wireless charging?

A: The World Economic Forum designated wireless power as one of the most important environmental technologies for coming years. Wireless Power helps reduce the number of AC adapters, and ultimately can help us shift from AC to DC altogether (note that renewable energy like solar and wind is generated in DC, and portable devices consume DC, and the conversion to AC and then back to DC is very wasteful). In addition, wireless power adds intelligence to the system, ensuring power is used only when needed.
Wireless Charging Standards

Q: Is this wireless charging an industry standard like Wi-Fi?

A: Absolutely. The standard set by the PMA (www.powermatters.org), is backed by AT&T, Starbucks, , P&G, Flextronics, Powermat, Energy Star and many others.

Q: Is this compatible with the Qi version of wireless charging?

A: No, the Powermat solution is based on the specifications of the PMA, and is interoperable with the vast majority of wireless power solutions in the market and in stores.

Q: What is the energy efficiency of wireless charging as compared to a plug-in cable?

A: Wireless Power itself is very efficient and is estimated to save more power over a 24 hour period compared to traditional cabled solutions.
Safety and Security

Q: Do the Charging Spots take information off my phone when I use wireless charging?

A: Not at all.

Q: Should customers be concerned about the safety of wireless charging?

A: No. Wireless charging is safe and Powermat is committed to supporting the highest safety and standards, such as including UL (product safety) and CE (conformance European).

Q: Can you potentially be shocked by the Wireless Charging Spot?

A: No. Powermat transfers energy, not electricity. The transfer of electricity is done by means of magnetic induction which you can learn more about at PowerUphere.com. It is a sealed system and there is no chance of either electrical sparks or shocks. Wireless power is inherently safe.

Q: Is it possible for wireless charging to damage a customer’s device?

A: No. Powermat is a ‘smart’ technology that delivers power only to the extent needed and then stops charging when the device has reached maximum battery capacity.

Q: Can phones overheat or overcharge using wireless charging?

A: No.

Q: Will using wireless charging decrease the efficiency of my battery over time?

A: No. In fact, use of Powermat wireless charging protects the integrity and efficiency of your battery because it identifies the precise amount of energy needed to charge the battery and delivers only that amount of energy before stopping.