Inductive power transfer

Abstract

One embodiment provides a non-contact power transmitter device including a sealed housing disposed at least partially within a surface, and a transmitter coil within the sealed housing configured to inductively transfer power to a power receiver device. The power transmitter device also includes a transmitter control unit coupled to the transmitter coil, a transceiver configured to communicate with a power receiver device, and an electrical processor coupled to the transmitter control unit and the transceiver. The electrical processor is configured to establish communication with the power receiver device using the transceiver; and negotiating a power transfer requirement between the power transmitter device and the power receiver device. The electrical processor is also configured to control the transmitter coil unit to transmit power to a power receiver device.

Description

[0001] Priority claim

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 815,128, filed on March 7, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to inductive power transfer between electrical devices. Summary of the invention

[0004] Users of electrical devices generally prefer such devices without wires to prevent tripping and damage to the electrical device due to inadvertent pulling of the power cord during operation or when moving the electrical device. In addition, eliminating wires also simplifies the design of the electrical device. Electrical devices without wires are usually powered by batteries. However, batteries have limited operating time and capacity. Medium power range devices such as office and household appliances consume approximately 0.1 to 3.2 kilowatts of power. Using batteries to power these devices requires very large batteries, which affects the portability of the device. In addition, the battery usually must be charged regularly, which requires a wired charger and deactivates the device while the battery is charging.

[0005] Additionally, sealed / waterproof electrical installations are required in harsh or hazardous environments where power cords and exposed electrical outlets may pose additional environmental hazards.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for a wireless mid-range power transfer system that improves the portability and user accessibility of electrical devices. Additionally, there is a need for a wireless mid-range power transfer system that is sealed and waterproof.

[0007] One embodiment provides a contactless power transmitter device, comprising a sealed housing at least partially disposed within a surface, and a transmitter coil within the sealed housing, which is configured to inductively transfer power to a power receiver device. The power transmitter device also includes a transmitter control unit coupled to the transmitter coil, a transceiver configured to communicate with the power receiver device, and an electronic processor coupled to the transmitter control unit and the transceiver. The electronic processor is configured to establish communication with the power receiver device using the transceiver; and negotiate a power transfer requirement between the power transmitter device and the power receiver device. The electronic processor is also configured to control the transmitter coil unit to transfer power to the power receiver device.

[0008] Another embodiment provides a contactless power transfer system, including a power transmitter device, and a power receiver device, which is configured to be coupled with the power transmitter device in a power transfer relationship. The power transmitter device includes a sealed housing at least partially disposed within a surface, and a transmitter coil within the sealed housing. The power transmitter device also includes a transmitter control unit coupled to the transmitter coil, a transmitter transceiver, and a transmitter electronic processor coupled to the transmitter control unit and the transceiver. The power receiver device includes a second sealed housing at least partially disposed within the appliance, and a receiver coil within the sealed housing. The transmitter coil is configured to inductively transfer power to the receiver coil. The power receiver device also includes a power conversion unit coupled to the receiver coil, a receiver transceiver, and a receiver electronic processor coupled to the power conversion unit and the receiver transceiver.

[0009] Another embodiment provides a method for bidirectional contactless power transmission, including establishing communication between a first electrical device and a second electrical device of a bidirectional power transmission system; and determining one of the first electrical device and the second electrical device as a power transmitter, and the other of the first electrical device and the second electrical device as a power receiver. The method also includes converting input power of the power transmitter into AC power, and providing AC power to a transmitter coil of the power transmitter. The method also includes generating an oscillating magnetic field using the transmitter coil; and generating alternating current in a receiver coil of the power receiver based on the oscillating magnetic field. The method also includes converting the alternating current into direct current; and providing direct current to a load of the power receiver.

[0010] Another embodiment provides a method for contactless power transfer, including establishing communication between a power transmitter device and a power receiver device, and negotiating power transfer requirements between the power transmitter device and the power receiver device. The method also includes providing a first alternating current to a transmitter coil of the power transmitter device, and generating an oscillating magnetic field using the transmitter coil. The method also includes generating a second alternating current in a receiver coil of the power receiver device based on the oscillating magnetic field, and converting the second alternating current into output power. The method also includes providing the output power to a load of the power receiver device.

[0011] Another embodiment provides a contactless power transfer system, including a power transmitter device and a power receiver device, the power receiver device being configured to be coupled with the power transmitter device in a power transfer relationship. The power transmitter device includes a flat bottom portion, and a transmitter coil disposed in the flat bottom portion. The power transmitter device also includes a raised ledge portion surrounding the flat bottom portion, the raised ledge portion having an opening on an inner side thereof. The power receiver device includes a flat portion and a raised portion, and the raised portion is configured to be received in an opening formed by the raised ledge portion of the power transmitter device. The power receiver device includes a receiver coil disposed in the raised portion.

[0012] In some configurations, a first magnet is provided in a flat bottom portion at the center of the transmitter coil, and a second magnet is provided in a raised portion at the center of the receiver coil. When the raised portion is received in an opening formed by the raised ledge portion, the first magnet couples to the second magnet due to magnetic forces between the first and second magnets.

[0013] Another embodiment provides a method for contactless power transfer, including establishing communication with a plurality of power receiver devices using a transceiver of a power transmitter device, and determining priorities and power requirements of the plurality of power receiver devices using an electronic processor of the power transmitter device. The method also includes allocating power among a plurality of transmitter coils of the power transmitter device based on the priorities and power requirements of the plurality of power receiver devices coupled to the plurality of power transmitter coils using the electronic processor.

[0014] Another embodiment provides a contactless power transmitter device, including a plurality of transmitter coils configured to inductively transfer power to a plurality of power receiver devices, and a transmitter control unit coupled to the plurality of transmitter coils. The power transmitter device also includes a transceiver configured to communicate with the plurality of power receiver devices, and an electrical processor coupled to the transmitter control unit and the transceiver. The electrical processor is configured to establish communication with the plurality of power receiver devices using the transceiver, and based on the communication with the plurality of power receiver devices, determine the priority and power requirements of the plurality of power receiver devices. The electrical processor is also configured to control the transmitter coil unit based on the priority and power requirements to distribute power among the plurality of transmitter coils.

[0015] Another embodiment provides a method for contactless power transfer, including establishing communication between a power transmitter device and a power receiver device, and negotiating power transfer requirements between the power transmitter device and the power receiver device. The method also includes providing a first alternating current to a transmitter coil of the power transmitter device, and generating an oscillating magnetic field using the transmitter coil. The method also includes generating a second alternating current in a receiver coil of the power receiver device based on the oscillating magnetic field, and converting the second alternating current to output power. The method also includes providing the output power to a load of the power receiver device. The second alternating current is a single-phase alternating current, and converting the second alternating current to the output power includes converting the single-phase alternating current to a multi-phase alternating current.

[0016] Another embodiment provides a method for contactless power transfer, including establishing communication between a power transmitter device and a power receiver device, and negotiating power transfer requirements between the power transmitter device and the power receiver device. The method also includes providing a first alternating current to a transmitter coil of the power transmitter device. The first alternating current is a multi-phase alternating current. The method also includes generating an oscillating magnetic field using the transmitter coil, and generating a second alternating current in a receiver coil of the power receiver device based on the oscillating magnetic field. The method also includes converting the second alternating current into output power, and providing the output power to a load of the power receiver device.

[0017] Another embodiment provides a method for contactless power transfer, including establishing communication between a power transmitter device and a plurality of power receiver devices, and determining priorities and power requirements of the plurality of power receiver devices using an electronic processor of the power transmitter device. The method includes allocating a first AC input among a plurality of transmitter coils of the power transmitter device based on the priorities and power requirements of the plurality of power receiver devices coupled to the plurality of power transmitter coils using the electronic processor. The first AC input is a multi-phase AC input.

[0018] Another embodiment provides a method for contactless power transfer, including establishing communication between a power transmitter device and a power receiver device, and negotiating power transfer requirements between the power transmitter device and the power receiver device. The method also includes providing a first alternating current to a transmitter coil of the power transmitter device, and generating an oscillating magnetic field using the transmitter coil. The transmitter coil is disposed in a transmitter portion of the power transmitter device. The method also includes generating a second alternating current in a receiver coil of the power receiver device based on the oscillating magnetic field. The receiver coil is in a receiver portion of the power receiver device. The method also includes converting the second alternating current into output power, and providing the output power to a load of the power receiver device. Aligning the transmitter portion and the receiver portion so that the transmitter coil and the receiver coil are axially aligned without an air gap between the transmitter portion and the receiver portion.

[0019] Another embodiment provides a contactless power transfer system, including a power transmitter device and a power receiver device, the power receiver device configured to be coupled with the power transmitter device in a power transfer relationship. The power transmitter device includes a flat bottom portion, and a transmitter coil disposed in the flat bottom portion. The power receiver device includes a flat portion configured to be aligned with the flat bottom portion of the power transmitter device, and a receiver coil disposed in the flat portion. The flat bottom portion and the flat portion are aligned so that the transmitter coil and the receiver coil are axially aligned without an air gap between the flat bottom portion and the flat portion.

[0020] In some configurations, a first magnet is disposed in a flat bottom portion at the center of the transmitter coil, and a second magnet is disposed in a flat portion at the center of the receiver coil. When the flat portion is aligned with the flat bottom portion, the first magnet couples to the second magnet due to the magnetic force between the first magnet and the second magnet. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] A detailed discussion of embodiments for those of ordinary skill in the art is set forth in the specification, which refers to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0022] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a bidirectional contactless power transfer system according to some embodiments;

[0023] Figure 2 is an operation according to some embodiments Figure 1 A flow chart of a method for a bidirectional contactless detachable wiring power transmission system;

[0024] Figure 3 is a block diagram of a contactless power transfer system according to some embodiments;

[0025] Figure 4 is an operation according to some embodiments Figure 3 A flow chart of a method of a contactless power transmission system;

[0026] Figure 5 is a block diagram of a multi-node contactless power transfer system according to some embodiments;

[0027] Figure 6 is an operation according to some embodiments Figure 5 A flowchart of a method of a power transmitter device of a multi-node contactless power transmission system;

[0028] Fig. 7A -C shows a schematic diagram of a method implemented in a separable wiring device according to some embodiments. Figure 3 Example implementations of a contactless power transfer system;

[0029] Fig. 8A -C shows a schematic diagram of a method implemented in a separable wiring device according to some embodiments. Figure 3 Example implementations of a contactless power transfer system;

[0030] Fig. 9 According to some embodiments Figure 7C and 8C Example implementations of a contactless power transfer system;

[0031] Fig. 10A A method of implementing a separable wiring device according to some embodiments is shown. Figure 3 Example implementations of a contactless power transfer system;

[0032] Fig. 10B A method of implementing a separable wiring device according to some embodiments is shown. Figure 3 Example implementations of a contactless power transfer system;

[0033] Fig.11 According to some embodiments Figure 3 An example implementation of a contactless power transfer system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] Before explaining any embodiment of the present disclosure in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited in its application to the structural details and component arrangements set forth in the following description or shown in the following drawings. The present disclosure is capable of other embodiments and can be practiced or implemented in various ways.

[0035] Figure 11 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a bidirectional contactless detachable wiring device power transmission system 100. In the example shown, the bidirectional contactless detachable wiring device power transmission system 100 is an inductive power transmission system that includes a first electrical device 110 and a second electrical device 115 that are in a power transmission relationship with each other. In the bidirectional contactless detachable wiring device power transmission system 100, electrical power can be transmitted from the first electrical device 110 to the second electrical device 115 or from the second electrical device 115 to the first electrical device 110. The first electrical device 110 includes a first electrical processor 120, a first memory 125, a first transceiver 130, a first power conversion circuit 135, a first control unit 140, and a first coil 145. Similarly, the second electrical device 115 includes a second electrical processor 150, a second memory 155, a second transceiver 160, a second power conversion circuit 165, a second control unit 170, and a second coil 175. The first electrical device 110 and the second electrical device 115 may include a first electrical processor 120, a second memory 125, a second transceiver 160, a second power conversion circuit 165, a second control unit 170, and a second coil 175. Figure 1 The invention may include more or fewer components than those shown in , and may perform additional functions to those described herein.

[0036] An example of a detachable wiring device system, as compared to, for example, a permanently connected or wired system, may be a detachable pair of electrical devices. For example, a detachable wiring device is a system in which a plug and socket are used to connect the two devices, and are therefore detachable, rather than using a wire-to-wire welding or bolting connection to connect the two devices. In the following embodiments, a detachable wiring device system includes two wiring devices that may be detachable, and the devices may be used with any other compatible transmitter or receiver combination.

[0037] In some embodiments, the first electrical processor 120 is implemented as a microprocessor with a separate memory (such as the first memory 125). In other embodiments, the first electrical processor 120 can be implemented as a microcontroller (with the first memory 125 on the same chip). In other embodiments, the first electrical processor 120 can be implemented using multiple processors. In addition, the first electrical processor 120 can be implemented in part or in whole as, for example, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc., and the first memory 125 may not be required or may be modified accordingly. In the example shown, the first memory 125 includes a non-temporary computer-readable memory storing instructions, which are received and executed by the first electrical processor 120 to implement the functions of the first electrical device 110 described herein. The first memory 125 may include, for example, a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area and the data storage area may include a combination of different types of memory, such as a read-only memory and a random access memory. The second electrical processor 150 and the second memory 155 are implemented similarly to the first electrical processor 120 and the first memory 125.

[0038] The first transceiver 130 and the second transceiver 160 allow communication between the first electrical device 110 and the second electrical device 115. In some embodiments, the first transceiver 130 and the second transceiver 160 include separate transmitter and receiver components. The first transceiver 130 and the second transceiver 160 enable wireless communication between the first electrical device 110 and the second electrical device 115. For example, the first transceiver 130 and the second transceiver 160 may include a short-range wireless communication module that allows short-range wireless communication between the first electrical device 110 and the second electrical device 115. Module, near field communication (NFC) module, out-of-band communication module, etc. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that other wireless communication protocols consistent with the present disclosure may also be used.

[0039] The example will now be explained with respect to the functions of the first power conversion circuit 135, the first control unit 140, the first coil 145, the second power conversion circuit 165, the second control unit 170, and the second coil 175, wherein the first electrical device 110 is configured as a power transmitter and the second electrical device 115 is configured as a power receiver. In this example, the first power conversion circuit 135 converts the power received from the power input 180 into alternating current (AC) power. For example, the first power conversion circuit 135 may include an oscillator-controlled switching component to convert a direct current (DC) power input into an AC power output. In some embodiments, when the input power is an AC power input, the first power conversion circuit 135 may not be required or the first power conversion circuit 135 may be modified accordingly to convert the AC power input into another form, such as AC power having a frequency, phase, and / or amplitude different from the AC input power.

[0040] The first control unit 140 is controlled by the first electrical processor 120 to provide alternating current to the first coil 145. The alternating current passing through the first coil 145 generates an oscillating magnetic field around the first coil 145. The oscillating magnetic field induces an alternating electromotive force that generates alternating current in the second coil 175. The second electrical processor 150 controls the second control unit 170 to provide the alternating current from the second coil 175 to the second power conversion circuit 165. In one example, the second power conversion circuit 165 converts the AC power received from the second coil 175 into DC power at the power output 185. For example, the second power conversion circuit 165 may include a rectifier to convert the AC power from the second coil 175 into DC power output to the load. In some embodiments, when the load requires AC power, the second power conversion circuit 165 may not be required or may be modified accordingly.

[0041] Figure 2 1 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method 200 for operating a bidirectional contactless detachable wiring device power transfer system 100. It should be understood that the order of the steps shown in the method 200 may vary. Additional steps may also be added to the control sequence, and not all steps may be required. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 2 , the method 200 includes establishing communication between the first electrical device 110 and the second electrical device 115 (at block 210 ). For example, communication may be established between the first electrical device 110 and the second electrical device 115

[0042] connect, connection or some other suitable wireless communication method to facilitate communication between the first electronic processor 120 and the second electronic processor 150. Wireless communication between the first electrical device 110 and the second electrical device 115, or other such wireless communication, is referred to herein as "out-of-band communication". In some embodiments, "in-band communication" based on the modulated signals provided to the first coil 145 and the second coil 175 may be established instead of out-of-band communication. In these embodiments, the first transceiver 130 and the second transceiver 160 may not be required or may be modified accordingly.

[0043] The method 200 also includes establishing one of the first electrical device 110 and the second electrical device 115 as a power transmitter and establishing the other of the first electrical device 110 and the second electrical device 115 as a power receiver (at block 220). The first electrical processor 120 and the second electrical processor 150 negotiate over a wireless connection established between the first electrical device 110 and the second electrical device 115. The first electrical processor 120 and / or the second electrical processor 150 determines which of the first electrical device 110 and the second electrical device 115 will be the power transmitter and the power receiver. In some embodiments, the first electrical processor 120 and / or the second electrical processor 150 determines the power transmitter and the power receiver based on a user instruction received via a user interface of the first electrical device 110 and / or the second electrical device 115.

[0044] The method 200 also includes converting the input power to AC power using the transmitter power conversion circuit (at block 230). Following the above example, the first power conversion circuit 135 (e.g., the transmitter power conversion circuit) converts the power received from the power input 180 to AC power. The method 200 also includes providing alternating current to the transmitter coil using the transmitter control unit (at block 240). For example, as described above, the first control unit 140 (e.g., the transmitter control unit) provides alternating current from the first power conversion circuit 135 to the first coil 145.

[0045] The method 200 also includes generating an oscillating magnetic field using the transmitter coil (at block 250). The alternating current flowing through the first coil 145 (e.g., the transmitter coil) generates the oscillating magnetic field. The method 200 also includes generating an alternating current in the receiver coil (at block 260). The oscillating magnetic field induces an electromotive force that generates the alternating current in the second coil 175 (e.g., the receiver coil).

[0046] The method 200 also includes converting the AC power to DC power using the receiver power conversion circuit (at block 270). The second control unit 170 (e.g., a receiver control unit) provides the AC power generated in the second coil 175 to the second power conversion circuit 165 (e.g., a receiver power conversion circuit). The second power conversion circuit 165, for example, uses a rectifier to convert the AC power to DC power. The method 200 also includes providing the DC power to the load using the receiver power conversion circuit (at block 280). The second power conversion circuit 165 provides the DC power at the power output 185 to the connected load.

[0047] Figure 3 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a contactless detachable wiring device power transfer system 300. In the example shown, the contactless detachable wiring device power transfer system 300 includes a power transmitter device 310 and a power receiver device 315 that are in a power transfer relationship with each other. In the contactless detachable wiring device power transfer system 300, electrical power is transferred from the power transmitter device 310 to the power receiver device 315. The power transmitter device 310 includes a transmitter electrical processor 320, a transmitter memory 325, a transmitter transceiver 330, a transmitter control unit 335, and a transmitter coil 340. The power receiver device 315 includes a receiver electrical processor 345, a receiver memory 350, a receiver transceiver 355, a receiver power conversion circuit 360, a receiver control unit 365, and a receiver coil 370. The power transmitter device 310 and the power receiver device 315 may include more than in Figure 3 More or fewer components than those shown in , and may perform additional functions beyond those described herein.

[0048] Transmitter electronic processor 320, transmitter memory 325, transmitter transceiver 330, receiver electronic processor 345, receiver memory 350, and receiver transceiver 355 are respectively implemented similarly to first electronic processor 120, first memory 125, and first transceiver 130 as described above.

[0049] The transmitter control unit 335 receives power from a power input 375. The transmitter control unit 335 may include power conversion circuitry, for example, to convert the power input 375 to another form, such as a different frequency, phase, etc., if necessary or otherwise desired. In one example, the power input 375 is a multi-phase AC power input, which is converted to a single-phase AC power to be provided to the transmitter control unit 335. In one example, the power input 375 is a direct current (DC) grid, a digital power supply, etc. The transmitter control unit 335 is controlled by the transmitter electrical processor 320 to provide alternating current to the transmitter coil 340. The alternating current passing through the transmitter coil 340 generates an oscillating magnetic field around the transmitter coil 340. The oscillating magnetic field induces an alternating electromotive force, which generates an alternating current in the receiver coil 370. The receiver electrical processor 345 controls the receiver control unit 365 to provide the alternating current from the receiver coil 370 to the receiver power conversion circuit 360. The receiver power conversion circuit 360 converts the alternating current in the receiver coil 370 into one of DC power and other forms of AC power based on the implementation of the contactless detachable wiring device power transmission system 300 .

[0050] In one example implementation, receiver power conversion circuit 360 converts AC power received from receiver coil 370 to DC power at power output 380. For example, although Figure 3 , but the receiver power conversion circuit 360 may include a rectifier to convert the AC power from the receiver coil 370 into DC power output to the load. In another exemplary embodiment, for example, Figure 3 , the receiver power conversion circuit 360 converts the AC power received from the receiver coil 370 into three-phase AC power at the power output 380. For example, the receiver power conversion circuit 360 may include one or more transformers to convert the single-phase AC power from the receiver coil 370 into three-phase AC power output to the load. In another example, the receiver power conversion circuit 360 may include an electronic switch-based circuit that changes the input-to-output characteristics of the AC power.

[0051] According to the exemplary embodiment shown, the contactless detachable wiring device power transfer system 300 is configured for power transfer between 0.1 and 3.2 kilowatts. In some embodiments, the power transmitter device 310 is configured to transfer power between 1 and 100 kilowatts to the power receiver device 315.

[0052] Figure 44 is a flow chart illustrating an example method 400 for operating a contactless detachable wiring device power transfer system 300. It should be understood that the order of the steps disclosed in the method 400 may vary. Additional steps may also be added to the control sequence, and not all steps may be required. Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 4 , the method 400 includes establishing communication between the power transmitter device 310 and the power receiver device 315 (at block 410). For example, communication may be established between the power transmitter device 310 and the power receiver device 315. connect, connections, etc., to facilitate communication between the transmitter electronic processor 320 and the receiver electronic processor 345. The power transmitter device 310 and the power receiver device 315 are used Wireless communication such as the above is referred to as out-of-band communication. In some embodiments, in-band communication based on modulated signals provided to the transmitter coil 340 and the receiver coil 370 may be established instead of out-of-band communication. In these embodiments, the transmitter transceiver 330 and the receiver transceiver 355 may not be required or may be modified accordingly.

[0053] The method 400 also includes negotiating power transfer requirements between the power transmitter device 310 and the power receiver device 315 (at block 420). The transmitter electronic processor 320 and the receiver electronic processor 345 negotiate over a wireless connection established between the power transmitter device 310 and the power receiver device 315. The transmitter electronic processor 320 and the receiver electronic processor 345 negotiate to determine power requirements, such as voltage, frequency, etc., for contactless power transfer. In one example, the receiver electronic processor 345 communicates the power requirements of the power receiver device 315 to the transmitter electronic processor 320, and the transmitter electronic processor 320 controls the transmitter control unit 335 accordingly.

[0054] The method 400 also includes providing alternating current to the transmitter coil 340 using the transmitter control unit 335 (at block 430). For example, as described above, the transmitter control unit 335 provides alternating current from the power input 375 to the transmitter coil 340. The method 400 also includes generating an oscillating magnetic field using the transmitter coil 340 (at block 440). The alternating current flowing through the transmitter coil 340 generates an oscillating magnetic field. The method 400 also includes generating alternating current in the receiver coil 370 (at block 450). The oscillating magnetic field induces an electromotive force that generates the alternating current in the receiver coil 370.

[0055] The method 400 also includes converting the AC power to a desired output power using the receiver power conversion circuit 360 (at block 460). The receiver control unit 365 provides the AC power generated in the receiver coil 370 to the receiver power conversion circuit 360. The receiver power conversion circuit 360 converts the AC power to DC power, three-phase AC power, etc. based on the requirements of the power receiver device 315 as described above. The method 400 also includes providing the output power to a load using the receiver power conversion circuit 360 (at block 470). The receiver power conversion circuit 360 provides the desired output at the power output 380 to the connected load.

[0056] In some embodiments, the contactless detachable wiring device power transmission system 300 is used to meter and monitor power consumption. For example, the power transmitter device 310 includes one or more sensors to detect current consumption, temperature, etc. The power transmitter device 310 uses the current consumption sensor to detect and meter power consumption. A power cut-off device can be provided in the power transmitter device 310 to prevent excessive power consumption from the power receiver device 315. In one example, the power consumption is metered so that the power transmitter device 310 cuts off the power output after the power consumption allocated by the power receiver device 315 has been exceeded.

[0057] The power transmitter device 310 may also monitor the temperature and other parameters of the contactless detachable wiring device power transmission system 300. The power transmitter device 310 provides statistics including, for example, temperature, power consumption, information about the connected load (e.g., when the device exceeds the allocated power), the health of the power transmitter device 310, the health of the power receiver device 315, etc. to the gateway device or the user device. The gateway device is, for example, a server or other computing device of an entity in which the contactless detachable wiring device power transmission system 300 is installed. The user device is, for example, a smartphone application associated with the contactless detachable wiring device power transmission system 300. The transmitter transceiver 330 may wirelessly communicate with the gateway device or the user device over a communication network to provide the statistics. In an embodiment in which the power transmitter device 310 is powered by digital power, the power transmitter device 310 may further communicate with the digital power source to control the power flow.

[0058] Figure 5is a block diagram of one embodiment of a multi-node contactless detachable wiring device power transmission system 500. In the example shown, the multi-node contactless detachable wiring device power transmission system 500 includes a power transmitter device 510 and a plurality of power receiver devices 515. The power transmitter device 510 is in a power transmission relationship with each of the plurality of power receiver devices 515. In the multi-node contactless detachable wiring device power transmission system 500, electrical power is transmitted from the power transmitter device 510 to one or more of the plurality of power receiver devices 515. The power transmitter device 510 includes a transmitter electrical processor 520, a transmitter memory 525, a transmitter transceiver 530, a transmitter control unit 535, and a plurality of transmitter coils 540. The plurality of power receiver devices 515 may be individually referred to as power receiver devices 515. The plurality of power receiver devices 515 include a first power receiver device 515A, a second power receiver device 515B, and the like. The power receiver device 515 includes a receiver electronic processor 545, a receiver memory 550, a receiver transceiver 555, a power conversion circuit 560, a receiver control unit 565, and a receiver coil 570. The power transmitter device 510 and the plurality of power receiver devices 515 may include a plurality of power transmitter devices 510 and a plurality of power receiver devices 515. Figure 5 More or fewer components than those shown in , and may perform additional functions beyond those described herein.

[0059] The components of the power transmitter device 510 are Figure 3 The components of the power transmitter device 310 of FIG. 510 are similar in function. However, the power transmitter device 510 divides and distributes the input power to the multiple transmitter coils 540. The multiple power receiver devices 515 are connected to the power transmitter coils 540. Figure 3 The power receiver device 315 functions similarly.

[0060] Figure 6 6 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method 600 for operating a power transmitter device 510. It should be understood that the order of the steps disclosed in the method 600 may vary. Additional steps may also be added to the control sequence, and not all steps may be required. Figure 6As shown in FIG. 6 , the method 600 includes establishing communication with a plurality of power receiver devices 515 using a transmitter electronic processor 520 (at block 610). As discussed above, the power transmitter device 510 may establish in-band or out-of-band communication with each of the plurality of power receiver devices 515. The method 600 also includes determining, using the transmitter electronic processor 520, a priority and power requirement of the plurality of power receiver devices 515 (at block 620). The transmitter electronic processor 520 communicates with each of the plurality of power receiver devices 515 to negotiate the power requirements of the plurality of power receiver devices 515. The transmitter electronic processor 520 may also determine a priority for each of the plurality of power receiver devices 515.

[0061] The method 600 also includes allocating input power among the plurality of transmitter coils 540 based on the priorities and power requirements of the plurality of power receiver devices 515 using the transmitter control unit 535 (at block 630). In some embodiments, the transmitter control unit 535 may evenly allocate the input power among the plurality of transmitter coils 540 regardless of the power requirements of the plurality of power receiver devices 515. In some embodiments, the transmitter control unit 535 may allocate the input power among the plurality of transmitter coils 540 in proportion to the power requirements of the plurality of power receiver devices 515.

[0062] In some embodiments, the power requirements of one or more of the plurality of power receiver devices 515 may change during operation. The transmitter electronic processor 520 may continuously communicate with the plurality of power receiver devices 515 to update the power requirements of the plurality of power receiver devices 515. The transmitter control unit 535 reallocates input power among the plurality of transmitter coils 540 based on the updated power requirements of the plurality of power receiver devices 515. In some embodiments, the transmitter control unit 535 may disable a subset of the plurality of transmitter coils 540 in order to address a larger power requirement of a higher priority power receiver device 515.

[0063] Many electrical devices are now used in harsh environments, such as restaurant kitchens, stadiums, conference centers, outdoor arenas, golf courses, etc. These harsh environments initially used gas-powered devices that were typically noisy and inefficient and produced exhaust gases. These gas-powered devices are being replaced by wired electrical devices powered by electrical power input (e.g., grid, DC grid, digital power, etc.). However, wired electrical devices create their own problems when used in harsh environments where daily cleaning or sanitation is performed. For example, having exposed electrical outlets and power cords may create a risk of electric shock to personnel in the presence of cleaning fluids. In addition, power cords may be a tripping hazard for employees and customers.

[0064] The contactless detachable wiring device power transmission system 300 is portable and improves user accessibility. In addition, the contactless detachable wiring device power transmission system 300 is provided in a sealed and waterproof housing, so that the contactless detachable wiring device power transmission system 300 can be used in harsh environments. Specifically, the power transmitter device 310 includes an airtight housing and can be set behind a wall, in a floor, on the ground, etc. In some embodiments, the power transmitter device 310 can be set on a wall, on a floor, on the ground, etc. For example, the sealed housing of the power transmitter device is partially or completely set within the surface. Similarly, the power receiver device 315 also includes an airtight housing and can form a part of an electrical device or appliance (such as a frying pan, an electric stove, a lamp, etc.).

[0065] Fig. 7A -C shows an example implementation of the contactless detachable wiring device power transmission system 300. In the example shown, the power transmitter device 310 is integrated into a vertical surface 710, such as a wall. Figure 7B , the power receiver device 315 is disposed within and forms a part of an electrical device or appliance 740 (eg, a kitchen fryer). Figure 7C , the power receiver device 315 is coupled to an electrical device or appliance 740 using electrical wires, such as a kitchen fryer. Figure 7B As shown in Figure 3-C, a contactless detachable wiring device power transmission system 300 is provided in, for example, a fast food restaurant. The contactless detachable wiring device power transmission system 300 allows kitchen appliances to be moved when, for example, the fast food restaurant is switching from a breakfast menu to a lunch / dinner menu. In addition, since there are no exposed electrical outlets or wires, the contactless detachable wiring device power transmission system 300 allows for easier and safer cleaning of the kitchen area.

[0066] Fig. 8A -C shows an example implementation of the contactless detachable wiring device power transmission system 300. In the example shown, the power transmitter device 310 is integrated into a horizontal surface 720, such as a floor surface, a table surface, the ground (e.g., underground), etc. Figure 8B , the power receiver device 315 is disposed within and forms a part of an electrical device or appliance 740 (eg, a floor socket box). Figure 8C , the power receiver device 315 is coupled to an electrical device or appliance 740, such as a floor outlet box, using electrical wires. Figure 8BAs shown in FIG. 1-C, a contactless detachable wiring device power transmission system 300 is provided in, for example, a shopping mall, an outdoor arena, etc. The contactless detachable wiring device power transmission system 300 allows the floor outlet box to be removed when, for example, a floor outlet box is needed at a different location, or when an event is completed. In addition, since there are no exposed power outlets or wires, the contactless detachable wiring device power transmission system 300 allows for easier and safer cleaning of the shopping mall or outdoor arena. Because no exposed outlets are provided during cleaning or switching, any cleaning fluids or liquids used during cleaning will not enter the power transmitter device 310 or the power receiver device 315. This allows the contactless detachable wiring device power transmission system 300 to be used in harsh environments.

[0067] Fig. 9 Shows Figure 7C and Figure 8C An example configuration of a contactless detachable wiring device power transmission system 300. Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 3 , the receiver coil 370 is disposed next to the transmitter coil 340 . The receiver control unit 365 provides power from the receiver coil 370 to the wiring device 750 to provide power to the load of the power receiver device 315 .

[0068] Fig. 10A -B shows an example coupling 1000 between a power transmitter device 310 and a power receiver device 315. Fig. 10A As shown in FIG. 1 , the power transmitter device 310 includes a flat bottom portion 1010 (e.g., a transmitter portion) and a raised ledge portion 1020 surrounding the flat bottom portion 1010, with an opening 1030 on the inner side of the raised ledge portion 1020. The raised ledge portion 1020 may be any shape, such as square, rectangular, circular, etc., and forms a socket with the opening 1030. The transmitter coil 340 is disposed in the flat bottom portion 1010. The power receiver device 315 includes a flat portion 1040 and a raised portion 1050 (e.g., a receiver portion). The raised portion 1050 has a shape similar to the raised ledge portion 1020, and forms a plug that is received in a socket formed by the raised ledge portion 1020 and the opening 1030. The receiver coil 370 is disposed in the raised portion 1050.

[0069] In some embodiments, such as in Fig. 10BAs shown in , a first magnet 1060 and a second magnet 1070 may be used to couple the power transmitter device 310 and the power receiver device 315. The first magnet 1060 is disposed in the flat bottom portion 1010 of the power transmitter device 310 below the opening 1030. For example, the first magnet 1060 is disposed in the center of the transmitter coil 340 to avoid interfering with the magnetic field generated by the transmitter coil 340. The second magnet 1070 is disposed in the raised portion 1050 of the power receiver device 315. For example, the second magnet 1070 is similarly disposed in the center of the receiver coil 370 to avoid interfering with the magnetic field generated by the transmitter coil 340. One advantage of providing the first magnet 1060 and the second magnet 1070 is to prevent accidental decoupling of the power transmitter device 310 and the power receiver device 315, but still prevent any damage to the components when the power transmitter device 310 and the power receiver device 315 are decoupled due to inadvertent pulling of the devices.

[0070] Can be used in Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B 310 and the power receiver device 315. In some embodiments, other coupling configurations may be used to couple the power transmitter device 310 and the power receiver device 315. In the above example, the flat bottom portion 1010 (i.e., the transmitter portion) and the raised portion 1050 (i.e., the receiver portion) are aligned so that the transmitter coil 340 and the receiver coil 370 (see FIG. 310 ) are connected without an air gap between the flat bottom portion 1010 and the raised portion 1050. Figure 3 ) axial alignment.

[0071] In some embodiments, the Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B The coupling 1000 between the power transmitter device 310 and the power receiver device 315 is implemented in the case of the plug and socket configuration shown in FIG. Fig.11 As shown in FIG. 1 , the power transmitter device 310 includes a flat bottom portion 1110 (e.g., a transmitter portion). The transmitter coil 340 is disposed in the flat bottom portion 1110. The power receiver device 315 includes a flat portion 1120 (e.g., a receiver portion). The receiver coil 370 is disposed in the flat portion 1120. When the power transmitter device 310 is coupled with the power receiver device 315, the flat bottom portion 1110 and the flat portion 1120 are aligned so that the transmitter coil 340 and the receiver coil 370 are axially aligned without an air gap between the flat bottom portion 1110 and the flat portion 1120.

[0072] In some embodiments, the first magnet 1060 and the second magnet 1070 can be similarly used (as in Fig. 10B) to couple the power transmitter device 310 and the power receiver device 315. The first magnet 1060 is disposed on the flat bottom portion 1110 of the power transmitter device 310, for example, at the center of the transmitter coil 340, to avoid interfering with the magnetic field generated by the transmitter coil 340. The second magnet 1070 is disposed on the flat portion 1120 of the power receiver device 315, for example, at the center of the receiver coil 370, to avoid interfering with the magnetic field generated by the transmitter coil 340.

[0073] Thus, the present application provides, among other things, an inductive power transfer system.

Claims

1. A contactless power transmitter device, comprising: a structure configured to form a floor; a sealed housing integrated into the structure and comprising a flat bottom portion; a transmitter coil disposed in the flat bottom portion and configured to inductively transfer power to a power receiver device, wherein the flat bottom portion is configured to be aligned with a flat portion of the power receiver device, wherein the receiver coil of the power receiver device is disposed in the flat portion, wherein the flat bottom portion and the flat portion are aligned to axially align the transmitter coil and the receiver coil without an air gap between the flat bottom portion and the flat portion; a transmitter control unit coupled to the transmitter coil; a transceiver configured to communicate with the power receiver device; and an electronic processor coupled to the transmitter control unit and the transceiver and configured to: establishing communication with the power receiver device using the transceiver, negotiating power transfer requirements between the contactless power transmitter device and the power receiver device, and controlling the transmitter control unit to transfer power to the power receiver device; a raised ledge portion surrounding the flat bottom portion, having an opening on an inner side of the raised ledge portion; Wherein the raised ledge portion and the flat bottom portion are configured to receive a raised portion of the power receiver device, and wherein the receiver coil of the power receiver device is disposed in the raised portion.

2. The contactless power transmitter device according to claim 1, wherein: The transmitter control unit is configured to: providing a first alternating current to the transmitter coil; and An oscillating magnetic field is generated using the transmitter coil, wherein the oscillating magnetic field generates a second alternating current in the receiver coil of the power receiver device.

3. The contactless power transmitter device according to claim 1, further comprising: a first magnet disposed in the flat bottom portion, the first magnet being disposed at a center of the transmitter coil; as well as a second magnet disposed in the raised portion, the second magnet being disposed in the center of the receiver coil, wherein, when the raised portion is received in the opening formed by the raised ledge portion, the first magnet is coupled to the second magnet due to a magnetic force between the first magnet and the second magnet.

4. The contactless power transmitter device according to claim 1, further comprising: a second transmitter coil within the sealed enclosure configured to inductively transfer power to a second power receiver device; Wherein, the electronic processor is further configured as: establishing, using the transceiver, communications with the power receiver device and the second power receiver device, determining a priority and a power requirement of the power receiver device and the second power receiver device based on the communication with the power receiver device and the second power receiver device, and The transmitter control unit is controlled to allocate power between the transmitter coil and the second transmitter coil based on the priority and the power requirement.

5. The contactless power transmitter device according to claim 1, wherein: Establishing communication with the power receiver device includes establishing out-of-band communication, wherein the power transfer requirement is negotiated using the out-of-band communication.

6. The contactless power transmitter device according to claim 1, wherein: The electronic processor is further configured to: One or more selected from the group consisting of temperature, power consumption, information about a connected load, and a health status of the contactless power transmitter device are transmitted to a gateway device using the transceiver.

7. The contactless power transmitter device according to claim 1, wherein: The electronic processor is further configured to: One or more selected from the group consisting of temperature, power consumption, information about a connected load, and a health status of the contactless power transmitter device are transmitted to a user device using the transceiver.

8. The contactless power transmitter device according to claim 1, wherein: The electronic processor is further configured to: determining a current draw of the power receiver device using a current draw sensor; and When the current consumption exceeds the power consumption allocated for the power receiver device, power output to the power receiver device is cut off using a power cut-off device.

9. A contactless power transmission system, comprising: A power transmitter device, comprising: a structure configured to form a floor, a sealed housing which is integrated into the structure and comprises a flat bottom portion, a raised ledge portion surrounding the flat bottom portion, having an opening on an inner side of the raised ledge portion, a transmitter coil, the transmitter coil being disposed in the flat bottom portion, a transmitter control unit coupled to the transmitter coil, transmitter transceiver, and a transmitter electronic processor coupled to the transmitter control unit and the transmitter transceiver; and An electrical appliance, the electrical appliance comprising a power receiver device, the power receiver device being configured to be coupled in a power transmitting relationship with the power transmitter device, the power receiver device comprising: a second sealed enclosure at least partially disposed within the appliance and comprising a planar portion, a receiver coil within the flat portion, wherein the transmitter coil is configured to inductively transfer power to the receiver coil, wherein the flat bottom portion and the flat portion are aligned to axially align the transmitter coil and the receiver coil without an air gap between the flat bottom portion and the flat portion, wherein the flat portion is disposed on a protruding portion of the appliance, wherein the raised ledge portion and the flat bottom portion are configured to receive the protruding portion of the appliance, a power conversion unit coupled to the receiver coil, Receiver transceiver, and a receiver electronic processor coupled to the power conversion unit and the receiver transceiver, wherein the transmitter electronic processor is configured to: establishing communication with the power receiver device using the transmitter transceiver, negotiating power transfer requirements between the power transmitter device and the power receiver device, and The transmitter control unit is controlled to transfer power to the power receiver device.

10. The contactless power transmission system according to claim 9, wherein: The transmitter control unit is configured to: providing a first alternating current to the transmitter coil, and An oscillating magnetic field is generated using the transmitter coil, wherein the oscillating magnetic field generates a second alternating current in the receiver coil.

11. The contactless power transmission system according to claim 10, wherein: The power conversion unit is configured as: converting the second alternating current into direct current; and The direct current is provided to a load of the power receiver device.

12. The contactless power transmission system according to claim 10, wherein: The power conversion unit is configured as: converting the second alternating current into output power; and The output power is provided to a load of the power receiver device.

13. The contactless power transmission system according to claim 12, wherein: The second alternating current is a single-phase alternating current, and wherein converting the second alternating current into the output power includes converting the single-phase alternating current into a three-phase alternating current.

14. The contactless power transmission system according to claim 9, further comprising: a first magnet disposed in the flat bottom portion, the first magnet being disposed at a center of the transmitter coil; as well as a second magnet disposed in the protruding portion, the second magnet being disposed in the center of the receiver coil, wherein, when the protruding portion is received in the opening formed by the raised ledge portion, the first magnet is coupled to the second magnet due to a magnetic force between the first magnet and the second magnet.

15. The contactless power transmission system according to claim 9, wherein: The transmitter electronic processor is further configured to: One or more selected from the group consisting of temperature, power consumption, information about connected loads, and health of the power transmitter device are communicated to a user device using the transmitter transceiver.

16. The contactless power transmission system according to claim 9, wherein: The transmitter electronic processor is further configured to: determining the current consumption of the appliance using a current consumption sensor; and When the current consumption exceeds the power consumption allocated to the electrical appliance, a power cut-off device is used to cut off the power output to the electrical appliance.

17. A contactless power transmission device, comprising: Sealed housing; a coil disposed within the sealed housing, the coil being configured to inductively transfer power between the contactless power transfer device and another contactless power transfer device; a flat bottom portion, wherein the coil is disposed in the flat bottom portion; a raised ledge portion surrounding the flat bottom portion, having an opening on an inner side of the raised ledge portion, wherein the raised ledge portion and the flat bottom portion are configured to receive a raised portion of the other contactless power transfer device; a control unit coupled to the coil; a transceiver configured to communicate with the other contactless power transfer device; as well as an electronic processor coupled to the control unit and the transceiver and configured to: establishing communication with the other contactless power transfer device using the transceiver, establishing the contactless power transfer device as one of a power transmitter device or a power receiver device based on the communication with the other contactless power transfer device, establishing the other contactless power transmission device as the other of the power transmitter device or the power receiver device based on the communication with the other contactless power transmission device, negotiating power transfer requirements between the contactless power transfer device and the other contactless power transfer device, and The control unit is controlled to transfer power between the non-contact power transmission device and the other non-contact power transmission device.

18. The contactless power transmission device according to claim 17, wherein: The coil is a first coil, wherein when the contactless power transmission device is established as the power transmitter device, the control unit is configured to: providing a first alternating current to the first coil; and An oscillating magnetic field is generated using the first coil, wherein the oscillating magnetic field generates a second alternating current in a second coil of the other contactless power transmission device.

19. The contactless power transmission device according to claim 17, wherein: The coil is a first coil, and the contactless power transmission device further include: wherein the flat bottom portion is configured to be aligned with a flat portion of the other contactless power transmission device, wherein a second coil of the other contactless power transmission device is disposed in the flat portion, and Wherein, the flat bottom portion and the flat portion are aligned to axially align the first coil and the second coil without an air gap between the flat bottom portion and the flat portion.

20. The contactless power transmission device according to claim 19, further comprising: a first magnet disposed in the flat bottom portion, the first magnet being disposed at the center of the first coil; as well as a second magnet disposed in the flat portion, the second magnet being disposed at the center of the second coil, Wherein, when the flat portion is aligned with the flat bottom portion, the first magnet is coupled to the second magnet due to the magnetic force between the first magnet and the second magnet.

21. The contactless power transmission device according to claim 19, wherein: The second coil of the other contactless power transmission device is disposed in the convex portion.

22. The contactless power transmission device according to claim 21, further comprising: a first magnet disposed in the flat bottom portion, the first magnet being disposed at the center of the first coil; as well as a second magnet disposed in the raised portion, the second magnet being disposed at the center of the second coil, wherein, when the raised portion is received in the opening formed by the raised ledge portion, the first magnet is coupled to the second magnet due to a magnetic force between the first magnet and the second magnet.

23. The contactless power transmission device according to claim 17, wherein: The coil is a first coil and the other non-contact power transmission device is a first other non-contact power transmission device, the non-contact power transmission device further comprising: a second coil within the sealed housing, the second coil being configured to inductively transfer power to a second another contactless power transfer device; Wherein, the electronic processor is further configured to: establishing communication with the first further contactless power transfer device and the second further contactless power transfer device using the transceiver, determining a priority and a power requirement of the first another contactless power transmission device and the second another contactless power transmission device based on the communication with the first another contactless power transmission device and the second another contactless power transmission device, and The control unit is controlled to distribute power between the first coil and the second coil based on the priority and the power requirement.

24. The contactless power transmission device according to claim 17, wherein: The electronic processor is further configured to: One or more selected from the group consisting of temperature, power consumption, information about a connected load, and a health status of the contactless power transfer device are transmitted to a gateway device using the transceiver.

25. The contactless power transmission device according to claim 17, further comprising: A power conversion unit is coupled to the coil and is configured to convert input power received from a power input into AC power provided to the coil when the contactless power transfer device is established as the power transmitter device.

26. The contactless power transmission device according to claim 17, further comprising: A power conversion unit is coupled to the coil and is configured to convert AC power generated at the coil into DC power at a power output when the contactless power transmission device is established as the power receiver device.

27. The contactless power transmission device according to claim 17, wherein: The electronic processor is further configured to: receiving user input to establish the contactless power transfer device as the power transmitter device; as well as In response to the user input, the contactless power transfer device is established as the power transmitter device and the other contactless power transfer device is established as the power receiver device.

28. A contactless power transmission device, comprising: a coil configured to inductively transfer power between the contactless power transfer device and another contactless power transfer device; a flat bottom portion, wherein the coil is disposed in the flat bottom portion; a raised ledge portion surrounding the flat bottom portion, having an opening on an inner side of the raised ledge portion, wherein the raised ledge portion and the flat bottom portion are configured to receive a raised portion of the other contactless power transfer device; a control unit coupled to the coil; a transceiver configured to communicate with the other contactless power transfer device; as well as an electronic processor coupled to the control unit and the transceiver and configured to: establishing communication with the other contactless power transfer device using the transceiver, establishing the contactless power transfer device as one of a power transmitter device or a power receiver device, establishing the other contactless power transfer device as the other of the power transmitter device or the power receiver device, negotiating power transfer requirements between the contactless power transfer device and the other contactless power transfer device, and The control unit is controlled to transfer power between the contactless power transmission device and the other contactless power transmission device.

29. The contactless power transmission device according to claim 28, wherein: The coil is a first coil, wherein when the contactless power transmission device is established as the power transmitter device, the control unit is configured to: providing a first alternating current to the first coil; and An oscillating magnetic field is generated using the first coil, wherein the oscillating magnetic field generates a second alternating current in a second coil of the other contactless power transmission device.

30. The contactless power transmission device according to claim 28, wherein: The coil is a first coil, and the contactless power transmission device further include: wherein the flat bottom portion is configured to be aligned with a flat portion of the other contactless power transmission device, wherein a second coil of the other contactless power transmission device is disposed in the flat portion, and Wherein, the flat bottom portion and the flat portion are aligned to axially align the first coil and the second coil without an air gap between the flat bottom portion and the flat portion.

31. The contactless power transmission device according to claim 30, further comprising: a first magnet disposed in the flat bottom portion, the first magnet being disposed at the center of the first coil; as well as a second magnet disposed in the flat portion, the second magnet being disposed at the center of the second coil, Wherein, when the flat portion is aligned with the flat bottom portion, the first magnet is coupled to the second magnet due to the magnetic force between the first magnet and the second magnet.

32. The contactless power transmission device according to claim 28, wherein: The coil is a first coil and the other non-contact power transmission device is a first other non-contact power transmission device, the non-contact power transmission device further comprising: a second coil configured to inductively transfer power to a second further contactless power transfer device; Wherein, the electronic processor is further configured as: establishing communication with the first further contactless power transfer device and the second further contactless power transfer device using the transceiver, determining a priority and a power requirement of the first another contactless power transmission device and the second another contactless power transmission device based on the communication with the first another contactless power transmission device and the second another contactless power transmission device, and The control unit is controlled to distribute power between the first coil and the second coil based on the priority and the power requirement.

33. The contactless power transmission device according to claim 28, wherein: The electronic processor is further configured to: One or more selected from the group consisting of temperature, power consumption, information about a connected load, and a health status of the contactless power transfer device are transmitted to a gateway device using the transceiver.

34. The contactless power transmission device according to claim 28, further comprising: A power conversion unit is coupled to the coil and is configured to convert input power received from a power input into AC power provided to the coil when the contactless power transfer device is established as the power transmitter device.

35. The contactless power transmission device according to claim 28, further comprising: A power conversion unit is coupled to the coil and is configured to convert AC power generated at the coil into DC power at a power output when the contactless power transmission device is established as the power receiver device.

36. The contactless power transmission device according to claim 28, wherein: The electronic processor is further configured to: receiving user input to establish the contactless power transfer device as the power transmitter device; as well as In response to the user input, the contactless power transfer device is established as the power transmitter device and the other contactless power transfer device is established as the power receiver device.

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