System and method for thermal management of inductive wireless power chargers

Abstract

Systems and methods are provided for managing temperature inside a wireless power transfer (WPT) system for an electric vehicle. A thermal management system of a WPT system uses one or more of a passive cooling method, a semi-active cooling method, and an active cooling method to manage an internal temperature of the WPT system during a charging session. Improvements in thermal management allow for longer duration of charging sessions and higher power charging sessions without the need to suspend charging for cooling. In addition, several different methods of camouflaging and implementing a thermal management system in a public space are also provided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to wireless power transfer, and more specifically, to apparatus, systems, and methods for providing thermal management of a ground-side charging subsystem for an inductive wireless power transfer system that wirelessly transfers power to a remote system such as a vehicle that includes a battery. Background Technology

[0002] Any operating transformer (e.g., step-up, step-down, low-frequency, high-frequency, common-core, open-core transformers) generates heat due to the impedance of its internal conductors and eddy currents generated by the interaction of magnetic fields with the conductive materials within the transformer casing. Techniques for cooling high-power transformers include convection cooling, forced air cooling, liquid coolant baths, and circulating liquid coolant cooling, depending on the amount of heat to be dissipated.

[0003] Wireless power transfer (“WPT”) systems typically use inductive coupling between the primary and secondary windings of an open-core transformer to transfer power. Open-core (also known as air-core) transformers consist of a core made of a high-permeability material, such as ferrite. Both wired and wireless power transfer (WPT) systems, commonly used for charging electric vehicles (EVs), require cooling when transferring power at high speeds because both contain heat-generating auxiliary electronics for voltage level conversion (transformers), rectifiers, and inverters.

[0004] EV chargers are sized for intended use within certain ambient temperature ranges. Therefore, as usage increases above the maximum intended temperature and / or is exposed to unexpected temperatures, the cooling or heating of the electronic system may become inadequate, and charging service may be suspended until the electronic devices are adequately cooled or heated to restart or resume service. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Various examples are now described to introduce a series of concepts in a simplified form, which are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0006] A system and method for managing the internal temperature of coil assemblies in a wireless power transfer (WPT) system are described. This WPT system utilizes a single low-pressure loop liquid coolant arrangement that internally employs a heat exchange material selected and shaped to function in a high-intensity magnetic field with low weight, high strength, ease of manufacture, and low component cost. This improved thermal management allows for longer charging sessions and higher-power charging sessions without requiring charging interruptions for cooling.

[0007] The use of passive heat exchange elements in heat-generating devices such as wireless power transfer (WPT) systems can be seasonal, daytime or nighttime, and / or based on ambient temperature. Some semi-active implementations of passive elements may include fans or pumps to selectively assist in cooling as needed. In example configurations, passive (e.g., absorption, conduction, radiation, convection) heat exchange elements may be installed on the "hot" side of the WPT system, where the coolant temperature is unrestricted and the heat exchange elements are inaccessible to humans. A first set of passive elements is used to pre-cool the coolant prior to active heat exchange. These first passive elements may be valve-controlled, and their use is controlled by a controller. A second set of passive heat exchange elements may be installed on the cold side (between the active heat exchanger and the ground charger). These second passive elements are valve-controlled, and their use is controlled by a controller to utilize the temperature difference between the ambient temperature, the passive heat exchange elements, and the lowest desired coolant flow temperature.

[0008] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a thermal management system is provided for a wireless power delivery (WPT) system used to charge an electric vehicle via a terrestrial wireless charger. The thermal management system may include a heat exchanger system of a wireless charger thermally coupled to the WPT system. The heat exchanger system may include a first passive heat exchange element and at least one of a second passive heat exchange element, a semi-active heat exchange element, or an active heat exchange element. During operation of the wireless charger, the heat exchanger system removes heat from the wireless charger by using the first passive heat exchange element to maintain a temperature. When the first passive heat exchange element is insufficient to maintain the temperature of the wireless charger below a predetermined temperature limit, the heat exchanger system selectively uses a second passive heat exchange element, a semi-active heat exchange element, or an active heat exchange element.

[0009] In some implementations, the heat exchanger system is fluidly connected to the wireless charger.

[0010] In some implementations, the heat exchanger system uses a liquid coolant fluidly connected to the wireless charger.

[0011] In some implementations, the heat exchanger system uses a gaseous coolant to thermally connect to the wireless charger.

[0012] In some implementations, a semi-active heat exchanger system is used when the first passive heat exchanger element is insufficient to keep the temperature of the wireless charger below a predetermined temperature limit.

[0013] In some implementations, the heat exchanger system uses active heat exchange elements when semi-active heat exchange elements are insufficient to keep the temperature of the wireless charger below a predetermined temperature limit.

[0014] In some implementations, the first passive heat exchange element does not require external power to generate a cooling effect for the wireless charger.

[0015] In some implementations, the first passive heat exchange element removes heat from the wireless charger and transfers the heat to the ambient air.

[0016] In some implementations, the semi-active heat exchange element includes a fan or pump that selectively helps cool the wireless charger by selectively initiating a coolant flow to remove heat from the wireless charger, so as to keep the temperature of the wireless charger below a predetermined temperature limit.

[0017] In some embodiments, the active heat exchange element includes at least one pump, fan, or cooler, which operates continuously to generate a continuous flow of coolant through or through the wireless charger to help cool the wireless charger and keep its temperature below a predetermined temperature limit.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first passive heat exchange element includes a cold plate disposed below or inside the wireless charger of the WPT system. The cold plate includes parallel Litz wire bundles that are insulated and twisted together into groups arranged in a geometric pattern and extending into the soil below and around the wireless charger to remove heat from the wireless charger, wherein the Litz wires do not generate eddy currents.

[0019] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a thermal management system for a wireless power delivery (WPT) system is provided for charging an electric vehicle via a terrestrial wireless charger. The thermal management system may include a heat exchanger system concealed within a structure relative to public view. The heat exchanger system may be thermally coupled to the wireless charger of the WPT system. The heat exchanger system includes one or more of passive heat exchange elements, semi-active heat exchange elements, and active heat exchange elements. During operation of the wireless charger, the concealed heat exchanger system removes heat from the wireless charger by using one or more of the passive heat exchange elements, semi-active heat exchange elements, and active heat exchange elements to maintain the temperature of the wireless charger below a predetermined temperature limit.

[0020] In some implementations, the heat exchanger system is concealed from public view within one or more of the lamppost heat exchanger and the guardrail heat exchanger located near the wireless charger of the WPT system.

[0021] In some implementations, the heat exchanger system is concealed within the road adjacent to the bus stop relative to public view, and outflowing coolant pipes supply heated coolant from the wireless charger to one or more of the bus stop shelter, the benches within the bus stop shelter, or the sidewalk adjacent to the bus stop to heat the bus stop shelter, the benches within the bus stop shelter, or the sidewalk adjacent to the bus stop.

[0022] In some embodiments, the passive heat exchange element may include a heat pipe having a first end and a second end, the first end of the heat pipe being thermally and mechanically coupled to a wireless charger, and the second end of the heat pipe being thermally and mechanically coupled to a curb radiator positioned within a curb adjacent to the road surface for transferring heat from the wireless charger to the ambient air via the curb radiator.

[0023] In some embodiments, the heat exchanger system is concealed within a loading dock, which includes a loading platform and at least one of inflow or outflow coolant conduits extending along a wall of the loading platform. The heat exchanger system concealed within the loading dock is configured to remove heat from a wireless charger positioned within a drivable surface of the loading dock. The heat exchanger system also includes a passive cooling pad disposed between the wheels of the electric vehicle when the vehicle is parked on the loading dock. The passive cooling pad may be configured to transfer heat generated by the wireless charger to one or more of the air and the ground.

[0024] According to another aspect of this disclosure, a thermal management system is provided for a wireless power delivery (WPT) system used to charge an electric vehicle via a terrestrial wireless charger. The thermal management system may include a heat exchanger system of a wireless charger thermally coupled to the WPT system. The heat exchanger system may include one or more of passive heat exchange elements, semi-active heat exchange elements, and active heat exchange elements. During operation of the wireless charger, the heat exchanger system removes heat from the wireless charger by using one or more of the passive heat exchange elements, semi-active heat exchange elements, and active heat exchange elements to maintain the temperature of the wireless charger below a predetermined temperature limit. The heat removed from the wireless charger in the WPT system is used to add heat to a fluid or substance separate from the thermal management system.

[0025] In some implementations, the building’s heat recycling system is positioned adjacent to the WPT system, and the heat management system supplies heated coolant from the heat exchanger system to the building’s heat recycling system to heat the fluid for use within the building.

[0026] In some implementations, the heat recycling system receives heated fluid coolant from a coolant inflow pipe that fluidly connects the building's heat recycling system to the thermal management system of the WPT system.

[0027] In some implementations, the heat exchanger system may include a contact heat exchanger laterally mounted to a parallel conduit for transferring heat from a wireless charger to one or more of drinking water, sewage, and high-pressure fire water within the parallel conduit.

[0028] The Summary section provides a simplified overview of various aspects of the subject matter of this invention, which are further described in the detailed description below. The specific combinations and order of elements listed in the Summary section are not intended to limit the elements of the claimed subject matter. Rather, it will be understood that this section provides generalized examples of some embodiments described in the detailed description below. Attached Figure Description

[0029] The foregoing and other beneficial features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0030] Figures 1A to 1D This is a temperature distribution curve of an example ground component (“GA”) of an inductive wireless power transfer (“WPT”) system during operation.

[0031] Figure 2 This is a diagram of a high-level design for an inductive high-power WPT system with active and passive thermal management elements, used in an example configuration for use with an electric vehicle having a battery storage device.

[0032] Figure 3A and Figure 3B These are diagrams illustrating the passive heat flow of an exemplary single ground coil assembly device and a 2x2 modular ground coil assembly device, respectively.

[0033] Figure 4A This is a diagram showing a typical roadside wireless charger device.

[0034] Figure 4B This is a diagram illustrating a roadside wireless charger device with a minimum footprint for managing active and passive heat dissipation sources of GA devices in an example configuration.

[0035] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a two-part passive cooling structure in an instance configuration, where the heat exchanger structure is disguised as a lamppost.

[0036] Figure 6A and Figure 6BThis is a diagram showing a semi-active heat exchanger structure in an example configuration for use with a WPT system, where the heat exchanger structure is disguised as a support column.

[0037] Figure 7A and Figure 7B This is a diagram showing the heat exchanger structure used in the example configuration for use with the WPT system, where the heat exchanger structure is disguised as a lamp post.

[0038] Figure 8 This is a diagram of an exemplary parking lot-based charging station with multiple WPT chargers and associated thermal management in an instance configuration.

[0039] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating a passive thermal management system that uses soil as a radiator in an example configuration.

[0040] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating a hybrid passive and active thermal management system for a loading dock application for wireless charging in an example configuration.

[0041] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating a system in an example configuration for improving the efficiency of the WPT system by using a building with a WPT heat recycling system to improve the overall WPT efficiency.

[0042] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the actively cooled WPT system in the example configuration.

[0043] Figure 13A This is a cross-sectional view of a passive / active hybrid thermal management system for an outdoor application using wireless charging in an example configuration.

[0044] Figure 13B This is a diagram of the configuration of the inline coolant pipeline through the reservoir in the example configuration.

[0045] Figure 13C This is a diagram of an alternative configuration for the inline coolant piping through the reservoir in the example configuration.

[0046] Figure 14A This is a diagram of a charger device that uses narrow trenches backfilled with large, low-density aggregate.

[0047] Figure 14B This is a diagram of a charger device that uses wide trenches backfilled with dense aggregate.

[0048] Figure 14C It is installed in Figure 14A A diagram showing a representative example of a compacted and filled large aggregate filler in a trench.

[0049] Figure 14D It is installed in Figure 14BA diagram showing a representative example of compacted and filled small aggregate filler in a trench.

[0050] Figure 15 This is a diagram illustrating a heat recycling device at a bus stop equipped with a WPT charger in an example configuration.

[0051] Figure 16A This is a diagram showing a view of the reuse scenario and structure in an instance configuration, where heat generated during a WPT charging session is transferred to a parallel conduit.

[0052] Figure 16B This is a diagram showing a second view of the reuse scenario and structure in the instance configuration, where the heat generated during the WPT charging session is transferred to the parallel conduit.

[0053] Figure 17 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for managing active and passive heat dissipation resources of a ground component (“GA”) device before, after, and during a wireless charging session in an example configuration. Detailed Implementation

[0054] Now refer to Figure 1 to... Figure 17 A detailed description of illustrative embodiments is provided. While this description provides a detailed description of possible implementations, it should be noted that these details are intended to be exemplary and in no way limit the scope of the subject matter of the invention.

[0055] Thermal management of wireless power transfer (WPT) systems has three main objectives. The first objective is to prevent thermal damage to the WPT system during charging sessions. The second objective is to improve system efficiency by reducing the power required to operate the cooling system. The third objective is to extend the charger's operational life, particularly in winter or typically cold environments and summer or typically hot environments, by preventing fatigue failures of electronic devices due to thermally induced stress and strain caused by thermal expansion / contraction cycles.

[0056] As WPT charger efficiency increases, the need for cooling will decrease. With the increased deployment of WPT chargers (especially WPT opportunity chargers), the demand for flexible cooling layouts will inevitably increase, as will the need for concealed, camouflaged, or dual-purpose cooling structures.

[0057] There are many different methods for cooling electrical components such as WPT chargers, some of which are passive cooling, semi-active cooling, and active cooling. Passive cooling technologies and structures do not require the direct application of external power to produce a cooling effect. Active cooling technologies consume external power to produce a cooling effect by using pumps, fans, and chillers. Hybrid semi-active cooling technologies involve passive cooling structures with enhanced cooling utilizing active elements that can be activated as needed to produce a cooling effect.

[0058] A heat exchanger is a device that facilitates the heat exchange process between two fluids at different temperatures. Cooling (i.e., removing heat from a system) is typically achieved through heat transfer or exchange with the outside air. The concept of heat transfer forms the basis of all air and fluid conditioning systems, and its working principle is to allow a medium, typically a liquid or gas, to absorb heat from one location and move that heat to another. Heat exchangers typically utilize water or other coolants to influence this transfer of heat. Most operate by guiding water or other coolant through a series of pipes or containers in which the water or coolant absorbs or dissipates heat through the surfaces of the flow path. Obviously, the larger those surfaces are, the greater the heat transfer area, and the better the heat exchanger works.

[0059] Heat exchangers affect overall system efficiency and system size. Heat exchanger design balances heat exchanger efficiency with pressure drop to achieve a desired trade-off between system efficiency and system size. This trade-off between system efficiency and system size will vary from application to application for each heat transfer system.

[0060] The three main types of heat transfer systems (fluid to air) include:

[0061] A tube-fin heat exchanger, also known as a finned coil heat exchanger, consists of tubes passing through a densely packed stack of fins mechanically supported by a frame. Heated fluid passes through the coils, conducting heat to the fins and dissipating heat into the air surrounding the fins.

[0062] A bare tube or flat tube heat exchanger comprising tubes passing through an array of tube bundles mechanically supported by a frame. Heated fluid passes through the tubes, conducts heat via the outer tube surface, and dissipates the heat into the air passing through the heat exchanger.

[0063] A plate coil heat exchanger consists of heat-conducting plates with predetermined patterns embossed on one or both sides. The heat-conducting plates mate with corresponding second plates to form coolant channels between them. The circulating coolant causes both the channels and the entire plate surface to dissipate heat as a radiating mechanism. This design allows for the use of components in various flat or curved forms to achieve a large radiating area.

[0064] It is possible to combine these three types of heat exchangers, including heat exchangers that use intermediate heat transfer fluid to fluid (other than air) arrangement structures.

[0065] Other types of heat exchangers, including those using evaporative or phase-change refrigerants, can be used to cool WPT ground chargers in atypical deployments.

[0066] Passive heat dissipation conduits and radiant structures can be used to cool WPT chargers, thereby reducing the need for active cooling. For WPT system ground chargers, active cooling involves moving coolant or air carrying heat generated in the charger to a heat exchanger and / or radiator via a pump or fan drive. Active cooling efficiency can be improved by replacing, supplementing, or enhancing passive radiant structures that operate without, for example, forced air, thus saving power.

[0067] Hybrid or semi-active cooling systems combine components from both active and passive cooling systems to provide adjustable control over the cooling rate and level. In some WPT (Wastewater and Power) installations, a dual-purpose arrangement where heat generated by the WPT ground charger is reused can be an alternative cooling method. Both passive and active cooling solutions can be used in dual-purpose structures. Dual-purpose structures can include common roadside structures such as curbs, sidewalks, lampposts, and bollards, which can also be used to conceal the charger equipment and reduce the footprint of the WPT installation, as will be discussed further below.

[0068] Heat reuse can be passive or active, but both can improve the efficiency of the WPT ground charger as a co-generator of heat for secondary use, such as heating air for forced air heating systems, water for radiant heating systems, or water for domestic / commercial hot water systems.

[0069] The use of WPT systems for hybrid active / passive (i.e., semi-active) cooling systems is limited by cost and deployment opportunities. For example, an indoor WPT system with hybrid active / passive cooling will differ significantly from an outdoor WPT system with hybrid active / passive cooling. Furthermore, the installation of indoor WPT systems may differ considerably between new installations and renovated buildings.

[0070] The expected duty cycle of the WPT system / charger will also influence the choice of a hybrid active / passive cooling system. For low duty cycle or low-power (whether designed or constrained) WPT chargers, the intervals between charging sessions may be long enough to allow deployed passive cooling elements to radiate and buffer the heat generated during the charging session and continue to dissipate heat to or below threshold levels during the intervals between charging sessions. The increased build-in cost of passive elements (heat exchangers, radiators, evaporators) leads to higher WPT efficiency by limiting the need for active cooling.

[0071] Climate and seasonality can affect the mixing of active and passive cooling elements in a hybrid cooling system, as the temperature difference achievable by passive elements will inevitably decrease in hot climates and seasons.

[0072] Outdoor locations may affect the deployable hybrid of active and passive cooling components depending on the deployment scenario. For example, multiple chargers deployed closely together may share either passive or active cooling resources.

[0073] As EV charging opportunities become more prevalent, the need to minimize the footprint of cooling equipment used in high-value areas (e.g., along streets, in parking lots, residential areas, warehouses, loading docks) will increase. The concealment or camouflage of cooling structures is also used to reduce visibility to vandals, damage dealers, or those with excessive curiosity for disruptive purposes.

[0074] The following will refer to Figure 1 to... Figure 17 Describe examples of active, semi-active, and passive cooling configurations that can be used to cool or reduce the temperature of a WPT system that wirelessly delivers power to a remote system, such as a vehicle including a battery.

[0075] Cooling systems can be categorized as passive, semi-active, and active based on the power source and equipment used. Using a modular inductive WPT charger, the range of delivered power can vary from a minimum delivered by a single inductive coil to a maximum delivered by all coils within the charger device.

[0076] Passive systems cool without the need for fans or pumps, making them the most efficient option. Passive cooling is ideal for chargers that are not frequently used or are only used at lower power settings. While passive heat exchanger systems can be scaled up for more frequent use and high-power charging sessions, passive cooling infrastructure can become quite large in both size and cost, making it unsuitable for many WPT installation sites.

[0077] Semi-active systems can utilize both passive components (e.g., heat pipes, thermosiphons, chimney cooling devices) and active components (e.g., pumps, fans). Maximum efficiency is achieved by using active components only when heat needs to be dissipated faster than the system could passively dissipate. Semi-active cooling systems are typically smaller than passive systems and offer improved heat exchange capabilities. By advantageously activating fans and / or pumps and selectively controlling fan speeds and / or pump flow rates, the heat exchanger can be scaled to not only dissipate varying heat loads from the WPT charger but also to accommodate daily or seasonal variations in ambient air and ground temperatures.

[0078] Active systems use active components (pumps, fans) to transfer and dissipate heat generated during an inductive charging session. These active components are controlled to transfer and dissipate heat generated by the charger during the session, but can be disabled between sessions to maximize efficiency once a target temperature is reached. Active systems can be expanded by adding external heat exchangers or supplemental cooling (e.g., refrigerant cooling).

[0079] Inductive WPT systems can include passive cooling subsystems, semi-active cooling subsystems, and active cooling subsystems. The cooling subsystem design is based on expected power delivery, charger duty cycle, and external environmental factors, which may include the need to hide or disguise external heat exchangers, or to place external heat exchangers at inconvenient distances from the charger.

[0080] Figure 1A

[0081] Figure 1A This is an illustrative example graph showing the temperature distribution over time of an example ground component (“GA”) of an inductive WPT system. Figure 1AThe WPT system in the example is powered by both passive and active cooling. The x-axis 101 of the graph represents time, and the y-axis 102 represents temperature. At time zero (T0), the GA has been inactive long enough for its temperature to drop to the quiescent temperature (i.e., the residual temperature level) 103. At time zero (T0), the GA begins a charging session. The temperature profile 104 climbs until it reaches the passive threshold 106 shortly after time T1. The passive threshold 106 is the safety limit for passive cooling before the GA reaches thermal saturation. At the passive threshold 106, active cooling is activated before the temperature profile 104 reaches the passive cooling limit 107. With both passive and active cooling systems combined, the GA coil temperature can continue to climb until it reaches the nominal safe operating temperature 108 at time T2. While the temperature profile 104 may fluctuate around the nominal safe expected temperature 108, the temperature always remains below the shutdown temperature 109. Assuming a normal wireless charging session, the session ends at time T3. After session end time T3, active cooling continues until at least the residual threshold 103 is reached at time T4. Furthermore, active cooling helps to cool passively cooled components below the residual temperature level 103 (and in some cases, further below ambient temperature). If another charging session is not immediately required after time T4, cooling to below the residual temperature level 103 can be performed to establish a passive cooling capacity storage for the next charging session.

[0082] Figure 1B

[0083] Figure 1B This is an illustrative example graph showing the temperature distribution over time of an example ground component (“GA”) of an inductive WPT system. Figure 1B The WPT system in the example is powered by passive cooling, which is sized to cool the GA for the maximum current and duration of the charging session. The x-axis 101 of the graph represents time, and the y-axis 102 represents temperature. At time zero (T0), the GA has been inactive for a sufficiently long time for its temperature to drop to the quiescent temperature (i.e., the residual temperature level) 103. At time zero (T0), the GA begins the charging session. During the charging session, the temperature profile 104 climbs but never exceeds the passive threshold 106. The charging session ends at time T3, and the GA begins cooling until it reaches the residual temperature level 103 at time T4. The GA can then be marked or otherwise indicated as usable for the next charging session. Therefore, as shown, compared to an inductive WPT system that only includes passive cooling ( Figure 1B ), including both passive and active cooling inductive WPT systems ( Figure 1AIt can operate at much higher temperatures.

[0084] Figure 1C

[0085] Figure 1C This is an illustrative example graph showing the temperature distribution over time of an instance ground component (“GA”) of an inductive WPT system. Similar to... Figure 1A , Figure 1C In the example, the WPT is powered by both passive and active cooling. The x-axis 101 of the graph represents time, and the y-axis 102 represents temperature. At time zero (T0), the GA has been inactive long enough for its temperature to drop to the quiescent temperature (i.e., the residual temperature level) 103. At time zero (T0), the GA begins its charging session. The temperature profile 104 climbs until it reaches the passive threshold 106 shortly after time T1. The passive threshold 106 is a safety limit for the GA's passive cooling system before it reaches thermal saturation. At the passive threshold 106, active cooling is activated before the temperature profile 104 reaches the passive limit 107. With both passive and active cooling systems engaged, the GA coil temperature can continue to climb until it reaches the nominal safe operating temperature 108 between time T1 and time T2. Due to various factors (unplanned weather conditions, cooling equipment failure, higher-than-planned charging cycle times and / or charging current requirements), active cooling may be insufficient to keep the GA temperature below the shutdown temperature 109. Figure 1C As shown, the GA can be briefly shut down for cooling. Figure 1C In the example, once the temperature profile 104 drops below the shutdown temperature 109, the GA restarts the charging session, but because the GA controller and the vehicle's battery management system (BMS) have not yet reached a negotiated lower current requirement, the GA will shut down until the maximum shutdown value is reached / exceeded. Figure 1C (In the example, it is three times).

[0086] After the maximum shutdown value is exceeded, the charging session ends at time T3. Active cooling continues after session end time T3 until at least the residual temperature level 103 is reached at time T4. Furthermore, active cooling helps to cool passively cooled components below the residual temperature level 103. If another charging session is not immediately needed after time T4, cooling to below the residual temperature level 103 can be performed to establish a passive cooling capacity storage for the next charging session.

[0087] Figure 1D

[0088] Figure 1D This is an illustrative example graph showing the temperature distribution over time of an example ground component (“GA”) of an inductive WPT system. Figure 1D The WPT system in the example is powered by semi-active cooling, which is sized to cool the GA at the expected highest (hottest) daily temperature for a charging session of maximum current and duration. The x-axis 101 of the graph represents time, and the y-axis 102 represents temperature. At time zero (T0), the GA has been inactive long enough for its temperature to drop to the quiescent temperature (i.e., the residual temperature level) 103. At time zero (T0), the GA begins its charging session. The temperature profile 104 climbs until it reaches the passive threshold 106 shortly after time T1. The passive threshold 106 is a safety limit for the passive cooling components of the GA before they reach thermal saturation. At the passive threshold 106, the semi-active cooling components are activated before the temperature profile 104 reaches the passive limit 107. At any point where the GA coil temperature 104 exceeds the passive limit, the semi-active components can be enhanced (e.g., by increasing fan or pump speed), or additional semi-active components can be activated to better manage the increased heat. In this example, the GA coil temperature 104 can continue to rise until it exceeds the first semi-active threshold 110, at which point additional cooling is applied. With this additional cooling, temperature 104 is maintained within the nominal safe operating temperature range below the cutoff temperature threshold 111. At time T3, the charging session ends, allowing the WPT system to cool to a quiescent temperature 105 at time T4. Depending on environmental and usage factors (e.g., time of day, ambient temperature, expected usage frequency, average power level), the semi-active components can be disabled once temperature 104 drops below the passive limit 107 to reduce power consumption.

[0089] Figure 2

[0090] Figure 2 This is a diagram of a high-level design for an inductive high-power WPT system with active and passive thermal management elements for use with electric vehicles having battery storage devices. In this system, ground-side electronics 201 provides a regulated power signal to primary coil assembly 202. In this example, ground-side electronics 201 includes an interface 203 with the public power grid, a power factor correction (PFC) circuit system 204, an AC / DC converter 205, and a DC / AC inverter 206.

[0091] In a preferred high-power WPT system, the primary coil assembly 202 may have a balanced series resonant configuration, comprising a primary coil winding 207 and matched capacitors 208 and 209. Through the air gap 210, the secondary coil assembly 212 includes a secondary coil winding 211 that receives the magnetic signal generated by the primary coil winding 207. The secondary coil assembly 212 may also have a balanced series resonant configuration, comprising the secondary coil winding 211 and matched capacitors 213 and 214.

[0092] The AC power level, frequency, and phase (i.e., AC power signal data) generated by the secondary coil assembly 212 are measured by sensor 215 in the secondary-to-rectifier bus 217. Sensor 215 reports these measurements to the active rectifier controller (ARC) 219 via digital data link 218. ARC 219 can use the AC signal data to predictively model the signal to determine zero crossings, thereby optimizing active rectification. Rectification control signaling is transmitted via control link 220 to the active rectifier 221, which acquires the AC signal from the secondary-to-rectifier bus 217 and converts the AC input to DC power output 222.

[0093] A temperature sensor (not shown) in rectifier module 221 reports the measured temperature to ARC 219 via digital data link 223. Power regulator 224 acquires the rectifier's DC output 222 and removes ripple and noise to charge battery pack 225. The regulated DC signal characteristics are monitored by sensor 226 and reported back to ARC 219 via digital data link 227. ARC 219 reports both AC and DC power characteristics to network controller 228 for storage and reporting.

[0094] The high-power components of the WPT system will require cooling during operation to prevent damage to the WPT system and / or overheating. The EV power electronics 229 (EV battery pack 225 and other vehicle systems) will require its own cooling solution, in this example, forced air cooling via heat exchanger 230.

[0095] The cooling of the WPT rectifier 221 can be shared with the EV heat exchanger 230, or a separate heat exchanger 231 can be used. The cooling of the secondary coil assembly 212 is shown as using a different heat exchanger 232, but the vehicle heat exchanger 230 and / or a separate heat exchanger 231 can be shared to cool the secondary coil assembly 212. No cooling connection between the ground side and the vehicle side is shown in this exemplary system.

[0096] The ground-side primary coil assembly 202 may have its own dedicated heat exchange mechanism 233 for cooling the ground-side primary coil assembly 202. The inverter 206 also requires cooling, which is shown here as being provided by the heat exchanger 234. The AC / DC converter 205 will also generate heat during normal operation of the WPT system and therefore needs to be cooled via the heat exchanger 235.

[0097] Inverter 206 and AC / DC converter 205 may also share a cooling system with each other and with other ground-side electronic systems. Since the primary coil assembly 202 may be deployed at a distance from the rest of the ground-side electronics 201, different and independently scalable cooling elements may be required.

[0098] Figure 3A and Figure 3B

[0099] Figure 3A and Figure 3B These are diagrams illustrating the passive heat flow of an exemplary single ground coil assembly device and a 2x2 modular ground coil assembly device, respectively. Figure 3A The image shows a modular GA 301 comprising a single ground coil assembly 302 embedded in the road surface 306, and... Figure 3B The diagram shows a modular GA 301 comprising four (2x2 grid) ground coil assemblies 302 embedded in the road surface 306. In any configuration, a library 303 surrounds the GA 301 on all sides and below, and is continuous except for passageways for underground electrical, communication, and active cooling connections (not shown). Solar heating 304 is unavoidable and is partially offset only by heat reflection and convection 305 from the GA surface. Passive temperature flows are shown on each side and underside of the library 303. In the absence of a passive cooling heat transfer structure or an active cooling system, heat outflow from the GA to the ground 307, 309, 311, 313, and 315 during a charging session can rapidly exceed heat inflow from the ground to the GA 308, 310, 312, 314, and 316. In certain low-power or limited-duration (long intervals) WPT charging scenarios (and when the ambient temperature is low enough), the passive ground-to-GA heat inflow 308, 310, 312, 314, and 316 may be sufficient for WPT charger cooling. In other examples, the passive ground-to-GA heat inflow 308, 310, 312, 314, and 316 may be insufficient, and active or semi-active cooling may be required.

[0100] Figure 4A

[0101] exist Figure 4AThe image shows an example of a conventional roadside wireless charging device at a high level. In this example, the wireless charger 401 is shown positioned within the road surface and configured to charge a suitably equipped EV 402 (an electric bus in this example). Power and cooling for the wireless charger 401 are provided by a remotely positioned equipment cabinet 403. When the equipment cabinet 403 is located at or near the curb at a distance from the wireless charger 401, the equipment cabinet 403 is preferably positioned as close as possible to the wireless charger 401 to reduce the cost of interconnects 404 (e.g., high-current cables, cooling pipes, communication cabling, or fiber optics), as well as the cost and extent of installation trenching, and other costs associated with the installation of the wireless charger.

[0102] exist Figure 4A In the example shown, the area of ​​the sidewalk and pedestrian walkway 405 will inevitably be reduced due to the need for equipment cabinet 403, which may not be ideal depending on the location of the WPT system. Existing traffic control structures and pedestrian protection structures shown here by bollards 406 may already exist on the pedestrian walkway 405 before the installation of the wireless charger 401 and remote equipment cabinet 403. In this example, the sidewalk 405 and road surface 407 can continue in parallel, or the road surface 407 can be enclosed, thereby reducing the connection between the road surface 407 and the pedestrian walkway 405 and further concentrating passenger flow to a limited area.

[0103] Figure 4B

[0104] exist Figure 4B The image shows an example of a roadside wireless charger device with a minimized footprint for managing active and passive heat dissipation sources of GA devices, presented at a high level.

[0105] exist Figure 4B In the space-saving example, the improved wireless charger 408 is positioned within the road surface and configured to charge the appropriately equipped EV 402 (an electric bus in this example). Figure 4B In the example, power is supplied from a remotely located interconnect 411 with a public DC power source via a buried cabling 414, and the DC-to-AC conversion is completed within a wireless charger 408 embedded in the road surface 407.

[0106] In this example, the cooling capacity of the wireless charger 408 is represented by a ventilation pillar 409 and a ventilation light column 410, each positioned on the pedestrian walkway 405 and separate from the interconnect 411. The ventilation pillar 409 is connected to the wireless charger 408 via a conduit 412 and can be a passive, active, or semi-active radiator (heat exchanger) for waste heat. In active mode, coolant can be pumped from the modified wireless charger 408 to the ventilation pillar 409, where an exhaust fan cools the coolant as it passes through an internal heat exchanger (not shown). In passive mode, a heat pipe or thermosiphon can connect the modified wireless charger 408 to the ventilation pillar 409, where the ventilation pillar 409 uses a chimney effect to draw air into the internal heat exchanger (not shown) to lower the coolant temperature. In semi-active mode, coolant is pumped from the improved wireless charger 408 to the ventilation pillar 409, where the chimney effect draws air into the internal heat exchanger (not shown), thereby cooling the coolant and the improved wireless charger 408.

[0107] Similarly, the lamp post 410 can also serve as a cooling structure for the improved wireless charger 408. The light-to-charger interconnect 413 can be a pressurized coolant line, a heat pipe, or a thermosiphon (also known as a temperature differential circulation system). A passive heat pipe can be used for a 3-meter charger-to-heat exchanger separation, while a thermosiphon can be used for a 10- to 15-meter charger-to-heat exchanger separation. Like the ventilated lamp post 409, the ventilated lamp post 410 can serve as a heat radiator for passive, semi-active, or active cooling systems. In active mode, coolant can be pumped from the improved wireless charger 408 to the ventilated lamp post 410, where an exhaust fan at the ventilated lamp post 410 provides air cooling to the coolant passing through an internal heat exchanger (not shown). In passive mode, a heat pipe or thermosiphon can connect the improved wireless charger 408 to the ventilated lamp post 410, where the ventilated lamp post 410 uses a chimney effect to draw air into the internal heat exchanger (not shown) to lower the coolant temperature. In semi-active mode, coolant is pumped from the improved wireless charger 408 to the ventilation light column 410, where the chimney effect draws air into the internal heat exchanger (not shown), thereby cooling the coolant and the improved wireless charger 408.

[0108] and Figure 4A Compared to the example, in Figure 4B In the example, the impact of adding a wireless charging system to the ground-level pedestrian space is reduced because the heat exchanger is located within ventilated bollards 409 and / or ventilated light pillars 410, rather than within a remote equipment cabinet 403. Furthermore, the conversion to DC power supply eliminates the need for the equipment cabinet 403 located on the pedestrian walkway 405. Additionally, the conversion of existing structures or the addition of dual-use structures or arrangements (in...) Figure 4B In the example, the lamppost 410 provides both lighting and cooling; and the guardrail provides pedestrian protection and cooling in the event of a vehicle collision, further minimizing the impact on passable ground areas such as pedestrian walkways 405.

[0109] The addition of lamp post 410 also allows for the placement of overhead camera devices for use in foreign object detection (FOD) systems, such as U.S. patent application Serial No. 17 / 659,452 filed April 15, 2022, entitled “FOREIGN OBJECT DETECTION FORWIRELESS POWER TRANSFER SYSTEMS”.

[0110] Figure 5

[0111] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a two-part passive cooling structure in an instance configuration, where the heat exchanger structure is disguised as a lamppost. Figure 5 In the diagram, a pair of GAs 502 and 503 are shown at charging stations marked by surface marking 504 as charging locations 505 and 506. GAs 502 and 503 are modular and may include single or multiple coil assemblies. Guide lines for parking and alignment navigation assistance are not shown.

[0112] Lamp posts 507 and 508 are designed for passive cooling and are shown positioned on sidewalk 516 adjacent to charging locations 505 and 506. A passive radiating structure 511 is disposed above an optional insulating heat pipe 512 on each lamp post 507 and 508. The radiating structure 511 is inaccessible to any pedestrian on sidewalk 516. The radiating structure 511 serves as the condenser end of the thermosiphon 515 of lamp posts 507 and 508, respectively, with the evaporating ends located within GAs 502 and 503.

[0113] An additional passive heat exchanger structure 514 is shown connected to the metal-surface radiating curb 517. A heat pipe 513 connects GAs 502 and 503 to each of the passive heat exchanger structures 514, wherein the evaporator end of the heat pipe 513 is within GAs 502 and 503, and the condenser end of the heat pipe 513 is attached to the passive heat exchanger structure 514, shown in this example as a curb radiator 514. In addition to lampposts 507 and 508, the curb radiator 514 also provides additional passive cooling to GAs 502 and 503.

[0114] The thermosiphon 515 and the heat pipe 513 can be designed (by selecting the working fluid and internal pressure) to engage at the same or different temperature thresholds. If the heat from the lamp posts 507 and 508 or the radiating curb 514 exceeds a touch safety threshold based on legal or safety restrictions (e.g., ASTM C1055, "Standard Guide to Surface Conditions of Heating Systems that Cause Contact Burns"), temperature sensors (not shown) in the radiating structure 511 of the lamp posts 507 and 508 and on the radiating curb 514 can be used to engage the active cooling device.

[0115] Because the radiating curb 514 and lampposts 507 and 508 may raise the temperature of the ambient air and / or sidewalk, therefore Figure 5 The arrangement shown can be considered as a dual-purpose system for melting snow and ice in winter or other cold environments.

[0116] Figure 6A

[0117] Figure 6A This is a semi-transparent diagram showing a semi-active heat exchanger structure for use with a WPT system in an example configuration, where the heat exchanger structure is disguised as a retaining column 601. Based on the retaining column design (i.e., a column used to create a protective or architectural perimeter for buildings and pedestrian areas), the heat exchange retaining column 601 passively cools the WPT system (not shown) using thermal mass and the chimney effect. The retaining column 601 has multiple air inlets 602, a heat exchanger 603 (shown as a spiral coil in this example), and multiple air outlets 604. The multiple air inlets 602 are positioned below the vertical midpoint of the retaining column 601 close to the retaining column base 608, and the multiple air outlets 604 are positioned above the vertical midpoint of the retaining column 601 furthest from the retaining column base 608. The retaining column 601 utilizes its shape and the space within it to utilize the stacking (or chimney) effect to cool the coolant flowing into the retaining column 601 through the inflow pipe 606. Figure 6A As shown, the base 608 of the bollard, the inflow pipe 606 and the outflow pipe 607 are each shown below the ground level 605.

[0118] Figure 6AThe retainer column 601 operates in a semi-active cooling manner, i.e., by means of coolant pumped from the GA passing through a passive heat exchanger 603 positioned within the retainer column 601. More specifically, coolant is transferred from the GA of the WPT system through inlet pipe 606 and into the retainer column 601. Ambient air flows through multiple air inlets 602, through the interior of the retainer column 601, through the heat exchanger 603, and then out through multiple air outlets 604. The air flowing through the retainer column 601 removes heat from the coolant flowing through the heat exchanger 603, and then the air is exhausted from the retainer column 601, and the cooled coolant flows back to the GA of the WPT system through outlet pipe 607. For example, the structure of the retainer column 601 can also be adapted to a passive radiant structure such as a thermosiphon or heat pipe. Figure 5 As shown. Alternatively, the guard column 601 may be equipped with a fan for air handling, thereby increasing airflow and thus increasing heat exchange capacity.

[0119] Figure 6B

[0120] Figure 6B This is a diagram illustrating a passive heat exchanger structure used in conjunction with a WPT system in an example configuration, where the heat exchanger structure is disguised as a retaining column 601. Based on the retaining column design (i.e., a column used to create a protective or architectural perimeter for buildings and pedestrian areas), the heat exchange retaining column 601 passively cools the WPT system (not shown) using thermal mass and the chimney effect. Figure 6B The support column 601 has multiple air inlets 602, a finned heat exchanger 611, and multiple air outlets 604. The multiple air inlets 602 are positioned below the vertical midpoint of the support column 601 and close to the support column base 608, and the multiple air outlets 604 are positioned above the vertical midpoint of the support column 601 and furthest from the support column base 608.

[0121] Figure 6B The support column 601 utilizes the shape of the support column 601 and the space within the support column 601 to dissipate heat received from the thermosiphon or heat pipe 612 that is fluidly connected to the WPT system by utilizing the stacking (or chimney) effect. Figure 6B The retaining column 601 serves as the radiating structure of the thermosiphon or heat pipe 612 (also as... Figure 5 (As shown). Alternatively, the guard column 601 may be equipped with a fan for air handling, thereby increasing airflow and thus increasing heat exchange capacity.

[0122] Figure 7A

[0123] Figure 7A This is a semi-transparent diagram showing a semi-active heat exchanger structure in an example configuration for use with a WPT system, where the heat exchanger structure is disguised as a lamp post. Figure 7AIn the semi-active cooling example shown, the central duct 702 of the lamp post extends from the insulated sheath duct 704 of the lamp post. Furthermore, the lamp post includes an air inlet (not shown), a central duct outlet 705, and a heat exchanger 701 (shown as a coil in this example) radially positioned between the central duct 702 and the insulated sheath duct 704. The heat exchanger 701 (shown as a coil in this example) is configured to transfer heat from the coolant flowing into the heat exchanger 701 through the coolant inlet duct 707 to the air flowing within the central duct 702. More specifically, the air inlet is located immediately above the base 709 of the lamp post, and the air inlet allows ambient cooling air 710 to enter the central duct 702. The air flows through the central duct 702 and is heated by the coolant flowing through the heat exchanger 701, and then the heated air is discharged through the central duct outlet 705 as heated exhaust air 711 using a chimney or stacking effect. Additionally, the cooled coolant flows from the heat exchanger 701 back to the GA (not shown) of the WPT system through the outflow pipe 708.

[0124] exist Figure 7A In the example, the central conduit 702 is used to hold the floodlight 703 on top or at the top of the central conduit 702, but other uses are also conceivable (e.g., base of an advertising or traffic control sign, antenna mount, flagpole, etc.). Figure 7A The base 709 of the lamp post is shown below the ground level 706, through which a coolant inflow pipe 707 and a coolant outflow pipe 708 are laid. Figure 7A In one example, the base 709, the inflow coolant conduit 707, and the outflow coolant conduit 708 are each positioned below the floor 706 to remain invisible when the system is installed, thus preventing tampering by pedestrians or damage from any other source. In other examples, the base 709 may extend above the floor 706, but preferably, if possible, the inflow coolant conduit 707 and the outflow coolant conduit 708 remain below the floor 706.

[0125] Figure 7B

[0126] Figure 7B This is a semi-transparent diagram showing a passive heat exchanger structure for use with a WPT system in an example configuration, where the heat exchanger structure is disguised as a lamp post. Figure 7BIn the passive cooling example shown, the central duct 702 of the lamp post extends from the insulated sheath duct 712 of the lamp post. Furthermore, the lamp post includes an air inlet (not shown), a central duct outlet 705, and a heat exchanger 701 (shown as a finned heat exchanger in this example) radially positioned between the central duct 702 and the insulated sheath duct 712. The heat exchanger 701 is configured to transfer heat from heated air flowing in from a self-heating siphon or hot pipe 714 to air within the central duct 702. More specifically, the air inlet is located immediately above the base 713 of the lamp post, and the air inlet allows ambient air 710 to enter the central duct 702. The air flows through the central duct 702 and is heated by the hot air flowing within the finned heat exchanger 701, and then, using a chimney or stacking effect, the heated air is discharged through the central duct outlet 705 as heated exhaust air 711.

[0127] exist Figure 7B In the example, the central conduit 702 is used to hold the floodlight 703 on top or at the upper end of the central conduit 702, but other uses are also conceivable (e.g., base of an advertising or traffic control sign, antenna mount, flagpole, etc.). Figure 7B In scenarios where the lamppost structure is used as part of a passive cooling scheme with a heat pipe or thermosiphon 714, only a single combined inlet / outlet for the heat pipe or thermosiphon 714 is required, which, as shown, enters below the floor 706. In other installation scenarios, the base 713 may extend above the floor 706, but preferably, if possible, the inflow heat pipe or thermosiphon 714 remains below the floor 706.

[0128] The semi-active cooling implementation of the camouflaged lamppost heat exchanger can be enhanced by adding a fan unit (i.e., a fan, a temperature sensor, and a controller with programmable memory) to achieve a larger airflow across or through the heat exchanger. Figure 7A ) and passive cooling implementation method ( Figure 7B Both. The fan can be selectively enabled (and speed controlled) to increase cooling capacity at the expense of the fan unit's power requirements when needed.

[0129] Figure 8

[0130] Figure 8This is a diagram of an exemplary parking lot-based charging station with multiple WPT chargers and associated thermal management in an example configuration. The charging station includes multiple WPT chargers (e.g., ground assembly (GA)) 801, 802, 803, and 804, each WPT charger positioned in a charger-equipped parking space defined between multiple parking lines or markers 812. A thermal management system (TMS) 805 controls a heat director (THD) 806 that provides coolant exchange between any GA (801, 802, 803, or 804) and a coolant reservoir 807. Thus, each of the chargers (GA) 801, 802, 803, and 804 is fluidly coupled to the coolant reservoir 807 for transferring coolant between the coolant reservoir 807 and the chargers 801, 802, 803, and 804. In addition, TMS 805 and THD 806 are connected between chargers 801, 802, 803, and 804 and coolant reservoir 807 for controlling coolant exchange. This control also includes modeling using current atmospheric conditions, temperature readings reported by GA, and predictions, allowing for the independent delivery of appropriately cooled or heated coolant to GAs 801, 802, 803, and 804.

[0131] TMS 805 can also (e.g., via radio signals or indicator lights [not shown]) send signals of the status of GA801, 802, 803 and / or 804 to the rechargeable vehicle, for example, for a parking space equipped with GA: ready to approach, ready to charge, temporary charging interruption (e.g., temperature failure requiring cooling), fault, not ready to charge, or any other indication signal not specifically listed.

[0132] exist Figure 8 In this embodiment, the coolant reservoir 807 is concealed within the base of the lamp post 808. This dedicated lamp post 808 serves not only to provide nighttime illumination but also to support heat exchangers and / or radiators to cool the reservoir 807. Additional heat exchangers can be incorporated into the pavement, sidewalks, and bollards as needed or desired. Using coolant at different temperature levels from multiple reservoirs can provide multiple coolant sources to the THD 806, allowing for coolant mixing to provide heating or cooling as needed, thereby improving energy efficiency.

[0133] The interconnection (to and from both) between THD 806 and coolant reservoir 807 is nominally achieved via underground conduit and wiring 809. In this example, the coolant and data interconnection 810 between THD 806 and GA 801, 802, 803, and 804 is located within curb 811 and laid beneath the parking space pavement. Each parking space equipped with GA 801, 802, 803, and 804 is defined by a visible marker 812, which may include painted lines, bollards, raised pavement, or other indicators indicating that the parking space is equipped with a WPT charger / system.

[0134] Figure 9

[0135] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating a passive thermal management system that uses soil as a radiator in an example configuration. Figure 9 In this embodiment, a wireless charging component 901 is installed beneath a floor 902, such as in a parking lot, bus stop, or driveway. The wireless charging component 901 may include one or more induction coil assemblies. Heat generated by the operation of the wireless charging component 901 is transferred to a cooling plate 903 connected to the wireless charging component 901. In some examples, the cooling plate 903 may be positioned below or inside the wireless charging component 901.

[0136] In one example, the cold plate 903 includes a bundle of parallel Litz wires 904. The Litz wires 904 may comprise miniature, flexible aluminum or copper strands, insulated with a thin film and twisted together in a geometrically patterned arrangement, allowing each strand of the Litz wires 904 to occupy every possible position along the entire cable length at a given point. The strand size is chosen to reduce skin effect and proximity effect losses, meaning that magnetic eddy currents are minimized. A heat sink is formed by extending the Litz wires 904 into the soil 905 beneath and around the wireless charging assembly 901, where heat can be conducted and dissipated without adversely affecting the magnetic charging signal.

[0137] Figure 10

[0138] Figure 10 This is a diagram illustrating a hybrid passive and active thermal management system for a loading dock application using wireless charging in a WPT system instance configuration. (See diagram for example.) Figure 10 As shown, truck 1001 has been reversed into loading platform 1002 for loading or unloading goods and for wirelessly charging the battery inside truck 1001. In this exemplary scenario, loading platform 1002 is located indoors, and truck 1001 is parked on load-bearing concrete floor 1003.

[0139] Vehicle components (VA), such as a wireless receiver 1004 for truck 1001, and ground components (GA), such as a wireless transmitter 1005, are used to charge the battery of truck 1001. The wireless receiver 1004 is positioned under the chassis of truck 1001 to minimize the wireless transmission gap between the wireless receiver 1004 and the wireless transmitter 1005, and to protect personnel and cargo from stray magnetic flux. As shown, auxiliary electronics 1006 are mounted on the floor 1003 beneath the vehicle and are located between the rear tires of truck 1001 and the loading dock 1002. Active cooling channels 1007, for air or fluid cooling ducts, extend along the wall of the loading platform 1002 for ventilation or radiation to the outside. Cooling channels 1007 can be pre-frozen to achieve greater heat absorption capacity. Cooling channels 1007 can be shared or dedicated to a specific loading dock 1002 or a set of loading docks 1002.

[0140] exist Figure 10 In one example, a passive cooling pad 1008 may be included to transfer heat generated by the WPT ground charger 1005 to outdoor or ambient air. The pad 1008 is nominally sized for transverse mounting between the wheels of the truck 1001, and may include a ribbed metal panel, a plastic and metal matrix (filled with an ultra-high thermal conductivity polymer composite), or a malleable array of liquid-filled tubes. In one example, the liquid may be a phase change material (PCM) for acute immediate heat absorption and long-term heat dissipation.

[0141] Figure 11

[0142] Figure 11 This is a diagram illustrating a system in an example configuration used to improve the efficiency of the WPT system and thus enhance the overall WPT efficiency by employing a building with a WPT heat recycling system. Figure 11 In this example, a wireless charger 1101 (shown here in a modular 2x2 configuration) is installed on the exterior of building 1102. A sidewalk 1103 separates building 1102 from charging lane 1104. In this example, lane markings distinguish charging lane 1104 from general traffic lane 1105.

[0143] The wireless charger 1101 is actively cooled using a coolant line 1106 that interconnects the wireless charger 1101 with the reuse facility 1107. In the reuse facility 1107 (shown here as being located outside building 1102), coolant is distributed to the wireless charger 1101 as needed by a thermal controller 1108 from an insulated storage tank 1109 or a radiating structure (not shown) to cool or lower the temperature of the wireless charger 1101. The heated coolant within tank 1109 can be used by the building to heat air or water for various purposes. In some examples, particularly in cold climates, the heated coolant can be distributed to the wireless charger 1101 as needed by the thermal controller 1108 from the insulated storage tank 1109 to raise the temperature of the wireless charger 1101, thereby preventing the electrical components of the wireless charger from freezing or causing other damage to the electrical components under cold / freezing conditions. Therefore, the heated coolant from tank 1109 can be directed to wireless charger 1101 via thermal controller 1108 and roadbed pipe 1106 to maintain static operating temperature in cold conditions.

[0144] Figure 12

[0145] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the actively cooled WPT system in the example configuration. (In...) Figure 12 In the advanced thermal management design of the WPT system shown, the ground coil assembly is located in library 1201. Temperature sensor 1202 monitors the temperature of library 1201, and each modular ground coil assembly (not shown) inserted into library 1201 has an individual temperature sensor 1202. Library 1201 is mounted below ground level 1203, wherein the ground coil assembly cover is mounted flush with or slightly below ground level 1203. Note that non-flush ground mounting of the ground coil assembly is an option. Ground-mounted ground coil assemblies will also have internal temperature sensors, as will the protective housing.

[0146] For redundancy, in the event of a soft failure, each installed ground coil assembly has a dedicated cooling system with separate inflow coolant conduits 1204 and outflow coolant conduits 1205 between the storage unit 1201 and the auxiliary equipment cabinet 1206. Alternatively, a shared cooling system can be provided for multiple charging pads in the ground coil assembly (e.g., one cooling system for every four to eight charging pads). Figure 12 The power and communication links between the storage unit 1201 and the auxiliary equipment cabinet 1206 are not shown in the diagram.

[0147] Figure 12The illustrated macroscopic cooling circuit begins with an inflow coolant conduit 1204, through which a stream of chilled coolant 1207 moves into a ground coil assembly within a storage tank 1201. A stream of heated coolant 1208, heated by components of the ground coil assembly, flows through an outflow coolant conduit 1205. The temperature of the heated coolant stream 1208 is monitored by a temperature sensor 1209. An optional passive or semi-active cooling element 1210 may be mounted on the outflow cooling conduit 1205, featuring optional valves 1211, 1212 for controlling fluid flow to pre-freeze the heated coolant stream 1208 before it reaches the auxiliary equipment cabinet 1206.

[0148] In this example, once the heated coolant 1208 reaches the auxiliary equipment cabinet 1206, it passes through a forced-air-cooled heat exchanger 1213. The speed of one or more fan units 1214 is controlled by the ambient air temperature (determined by an ambient temperature sensor 1215, a heated coolant temperature sensor 1216, and an air exhaust temperature sensor 1217) to exhaust air 1218. A thermal expansion tank 1219 is used to maintain both coolant pressure and circulation volume. Note that both coolant flow rate and coolant pressure are measured using one or more sensors (not shown) to assess flow characteristics such as flow distribution, pipe blockage, and leakage.

[0149] The cooled refrigerant 1207, cooled by the post-heat exchanger, can be directed through a secondary cooling element 1220 (e.g., a passive, semi-active, or additional active chiller, or a combination thereof) to achieve a desired refrigerant temperature (as determined by temperature sensor 1221). The cooled refrigerant 1207 is pressurized by pump 1222 and then delivered to reservoir 1201 via inflow refrigerant conduit 1204. An optional passive or semi-active cooling element 1223 may be mounted on the inflow refrigerant conduit 1204, having optional valves 1224 and 1225 for controlling fluid flow to further cool the refrigerant 1207 before it reaches reservoir 1201. If an additional optional passive or semi-active cooling element 1223 is deployed, an optional temperature sensor 1226 may be included at the inlet of reservoir 1201 to the inflow refrigerant conduit 1204.

[0150] Pump 1222 may be a continuous pressure pump. Pump 1222 may have defined ramp and ramp pressure variations to prevent pressure spikes in coolant 1207. Pump 1222 may also be a variable pressure type with feedback from one or more cavitation sensors to control pressure drop, thereby preventing excessive wear of polymer components used in the GA (for additional details regarding polymer components, see U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 18 / 098,037; "System and Method for Thermal Management of an Inductive Wireless Power Transmitter"). Cavitation can also be prevented by imposing calculated limits on pump speed and system pressure.

[0151] Figure 13A

[0152] Figure 13A This is a cross-sectional view of a passive / active hybrid thermal management system for an outdoor application of wireless charging in an example configuration of a WPT system. The wireless charger 1301 is embedded in a structural support bracket 1302, which is embedded within and beneath the road surface 1303. An underground coolant conduit 1304 (e.g., an outflow conduit) delivers coolant through a filler 1305. In this example, an auxiliary electronics library 1306 is mounted as an embedment in the sidewalk 1307. Figure 13A As shown, the cooling of the auxiliary electronics library 1306 can be shared with or separate from the cooling of the wireless charger 1301. The thermal controller 1308 includes a coolant valve controller, a pump, and coolant reserves and expansion reservoirs. The thermal controller 1308 also includes a processor module for monitoring temperature and pressure sensors (not shown), computing resources and memory for recording and predictive modeling, optional pumps and flow control valves, and radio messaging transceivers and indicator lighting for the wireless charger 1301.

[0153] Figure 13AThe cooling structure 1312 shown is general and can be a forced air heat exchanger, a passive radiator, or a hybrid passive / active cooling system. The cooling structure 1312 may also be filled with a heat-absorbing material, such as water, brine, or a non-toxic phase change material (PCM) (e.g., paraffin), to remove heat from the wireless charger 1301 via the coolant conduit 1304. Furthermore, the coolant conduit 1304 can be laid to form the shortest possible distance between the wireless charger 1301 and the thermal controller 1308. Alternatively, the coolant conduit 1304 may meander (e.g., in a serpentine manner) through the filler 1305 to increase the conductive surface area exposed to the filler 1305. The thermal controller 1308 can control the coolant exchange between the cooling structure 1312 and the wireless charger 1301 via the coolant conduit 1304 to achieve the desired cooling of the wireless charger 1301.

[0154] In some embodiments, an optional coolant pipe 1309 (shown in dashed lines) may be mounted around the outer surface of the coolant conduit 1304, such that the coolant pipe 1309 surrounds at least a portion of the coolant conduit 1304. Compared to the separate coolant conduit 1304 and filler 1305, the coolant pipe 1309 can improve the cooling capacity and heat transfer capacity of the WPT system, which will be referred to below. Figure 13B and Figure 13C Further discussion.

[0155] Figure 13B

[0156] Figure 13B This is a diagram of a configuration of an inline coolant conduit 1304 extending through coolant pipe 1309. In this example, coolant pipe 1309 fills PCM 1311 (minus the space for thermal expansion), and coolant conduit 1304 is located in the center of PCM 1311. In other examples, coolant conduit 1304 may be offset or may meander (e.g., in a serpentine manner) through coolant pipe 1309 within PCM 1311.

[0157] As shown in the cross-section, coolant pipe 1309 can be constructed from galvanized iron corrugated pipe. Corrugated pipe is readily available and widely used, and the corrugations increase the surface area from which heat can be dissipated from PCM 1311. This example envisions a single metal coolant pipe 1304 laid through PCM 1311, but it should be understood that in the example configuration, both inflow and outflow coolant pipes can be laid through PCM 1311. Figure 13BIn this configuration, coolant conduit 1304 is installed as an intermediate conduit (e.g., coaxially). Coolant conduit 1309 with PCM 1311 is embedded in gravel and sand filler 1305 (Figure 13), which is designed to both support the road surface 1303 and is formulated to enhance heat transfer to the surrounding soil 1313. Using denser filler materials (e.g., granite, basalt gravel) absorbs more heat than less dense but more common shale or limestone gravel. Using smaller gravel grades increases both the overall density of the filler and its surface area with the surrounding soil 1313. Sand, particularly sand made from dense materials, can be used to increase the density of the filler and thus its heat capacity.

[0158] Fins, ridges, or metallic sponge material can be added to the inner surface of coolant conduit 1304 to improve heat transfer from PCM 1311. Multiple coolant conduits can be used within coolant pipe 1309 instead of the single pipe 1304 depicted to improve heat transfer with PCM material 1311.

[0159] Figure 13C

[0160] Figure 13C This is a diagram of an alternative configuration of the inline coolant 1304 extending through the coolant pipe 1309 in the example configuration. As shown in the cross-section, the coolant pipe 1309 is constructed of galvanized iron corrugated tubing. Corrugated tubing is readily available and widely used, and the corrugation increases the surface area from which heat can be dissipated from the PCM 1311. This example envisions a single metal coolant pipe 1304 laid through the PCM 1311, but it should be understood that in the example configuration, both inflow and outflow coolant pipes can be laid through the PCM 1311. The coolant pipe 1304 is shown here mounted at the bottom of the corrugated tubing of the coolant pipe 1309 to utilize convection in the PCM 1311 and to provide a direct connection to the corrugated tubing. Coolant pipe 1309 with PCM 1311 is embedded in gravel and sand filler designed to support road surface 1303 and formulated to enhance heat transfer to surrounding soil 1313.

[0161] Figure 14A

[0162] Figure 14AThis diagram illustrates a charger installation using a narrow trench 1414 (approximately the width of the WPT charger 1401) backfilled with large, low-density aggregate 1405. When used for passive cooling of the WPT charger 1401, the volume, conductive surface area, and shape of the installation trench 1414 contribute to both heat capacity and heat transfer rate. In some examples, the aggregate 1405 can be limestone, shale, expanded shale, expanded clay, expanded slate, or pumice, among other options. This installation option can be used when the deployment does not require or excludes passive cooling from the coolant conduit 1404 to the surrounding ground 1411 (e.g., where soil and / or surface heating is not desired). Many deployment options (e.g., avoiding utility lines, avoiding above-ground structures, trench costs, pavement costs, aesthetic reasons) may require a narrow trench 1414. The narrow trench 1414 will have a smaller connection 1415 to the surrounding land 1411, thereby reducing heat transfer. Submerging or saturating the filler 1405 can increase heat capacity, but at the cost of undesirable settlement and soil instability.

[0163] Figure 14B

[0164] Figure 14B This diagram illustrates a charger installation using a wide trench 1414 (e.g., twice the width of the WPT charger 1401) backfilled with dense aggregate (e.g., granite, basalt, marble fragments). This installation can be used when passive cooling from the coolant conduit 1404 to the surrounding soil 1411 is desired. The wide trench 1414 presents a greater heat capacity by absolute volume (and in this example, a denser filler material is chosen), and greater heat transfer via a larger conductive connection 1415 to the surrounding soil 1411.

[0165] When used for passive cooling, the properties of filler 1405 are another factor determining heat capacity and heat transfer rate. Lightweight gradations with low-density aggregates are one possibility. Unless mixed with smaller aggregates such as rock powder or sand as filler, lightweight gradations will have more and larger voids. Dense gradations (when compressed) are characterized by very small voids between aggregate particles, expressed as a percentage of the total space occupied by the material, compared to the porosity of lightweight gradations.

[0166] Figure 14C

[0167] Figure 14C It is installed in Figure 14AA diagram illustrating a representative example of a compacted and filled large aggregate filler 1405 in trench 1414. Selecting a larger filler material creates large voids 1416, which need to be filled with a smaller grade of material (e.g., sand, rock powder). When the trench is used as a passive radiator, both the large aggregate 1405 and the filled voids 1416 contribute to reducing the heat transfer rate.

[0168] Figure 14D

[0169] Figure 14D It is installed in Figure 14B A diagram illustrating a representative example of compacted and filled small aggregate filler 1405 in trench 1414. Selecting a smaller grade of filler material results in smaller voids 1416, which need to be filled with even smaller grades of material (e.g., sand, rock powder). When the trench is used as a passive radiator, both the smaller grade of aggregate 1405 and the smaller filled voids 1416 contribute to increasing the heat transfer rate.

[0170] Figure 15

[0171] Figure 15 This is a diagram illustrating a heat recycling system at a bus stop equipped with a WPT charger, as shown in the example configuration. Figure 15 The image shows a bus stop shelter 1501 with an associated wireless charger 1502. The bus stop includes a pedestrian walkway 1503 for pedestrian access. Conduits 1504 for coolant, electrical, and communication supplies extend underground between the WPT charger 1502 and an auxiliary electronics cabinet 1505. The auxiliary electronics cabinet 1505 is equipped with a coolant valve controller, pump, heat exchanger, ventilation fan, and coolant reservoir (all not shown).

[0172] When commanded or automatically controlled based on temperature, heated coolant can be pumped via pipe 1506 under the sidewalk to the sidewalk 1503 or to the heat exchanger 1507 under the sidewalk 1503 to melt accumulated snow and / or ice. Additionally, heated coolant, commanded or automatically controlled based on temperature, can be pumped via pipe 1509 to heat the bus shelter 1501, shown in this example as including heated benches 1508 within the bus shelter 1501.

[0173] Figure 16A

[0174] Figure 16AThis is a view illustrating a reuse scenario and structure in an example configuration, where heat generated during a WPT charging session is transferred to a parallel conduit. A wireless charger 1601 is mounted below a floor 1602. A coolant outlet conduit 1603 and a coolant inlet conduit 1604 are each fluidly connected between the wireless charger 1601 and a contact heat exchanger 1605. The contact heat exchanger 1605 transfers heat to the parallel conduit 1606. The parallel conduit 1606 can be used for drinking water, sewage, or high-pressure fire water, as well as other applications not specifically described.

[0175] Figure 16B

[0176] Figure 16B This is a second view illustrating the reuse scenario and structure in the example configuration, where heat generated during a WPT charging session is transferred to juxtaposed conduits. The wireless charger 1601 is mounted below the floor 1602. A coolant outlet conduit 1603 and a coolant inlet conduit 1604 are each fluidly connected between the wireless charger 1601 and a contact heat exchanger 1605. Figure 16B As shown, a non-penetrating contact heat exchanger 1605 extends a distance along and in contact with the parallel conduit 1606. The contact heat exchanger 1605 transfers heat to the parallel conduit 1606, thereby increasing the temperature of the fluid flowing through the parallel conduit 1606. The parallel conduit 1606 can be used for drinking water, sewage, or high-pressure fire water, as well as other options not specifically described. The coolant flowing from the wireless charger 1601 and through the contact heat exchanger 1605 positioned within the parallel conduit 1606 does not mix with the contents (fluid) flowing through the parallel conduit 1606.

[0177] Figure 17

[0178] Figure 17 This is a flowchart illustrating methods for managing active and passive heat dissipation resources of ground component (“GA”) devices before, after, and during a wireless charging session.

[0179] When the WPT system, including the thermal management system, is initialized at step 1701, the thermal management control first collects information from temperature sensors deployed within the system (e.g., within the GA coil, ambient air collection point, ground monitoring point, coolant reservoir, passive and / or active dissipation structures, etc.). Additionally, ambient light sensors may be deployed at or near the charging station to indicate day or night, or a real-time programmable clock may be provided with sunset and sunrise times calculated via an ephemeris.

[0180] Additionally, historical temperature measurements, thermal activation thresholds, and cooling resource deactivation thresholds can be stored in database 1703 and uploaded from database 1703 to the thermal management system. At step 1702, the current near-real-time temperature measurement received from the deployed temperature sensors is then compared with historical temperature measurements and / or thresholds received from database 1703, and a cooling plan is then formulated for the charging session.

[0181] Next, at the start of the charging session (step 1704), periodic temperature measurements are performed and compared with the cooling plan. As the charging session continues, sensor monitoring continues at step 1705, and additional cooling resources are brought online as needed according to the cooling plan. At adjustment step 1706, deviations between the heat distribution determined from the temperature sensors and the cooling plan are addressed. In step 106, predictive modeling is performed to determine whether to bring additional cooling resources online or to throttle or stop power delivery to the EV at step 1707 due to exceeding uploaded operational or safety thresholds.

[0182] Once a charging session ends, an inter-session preparation phase begins at step 1708. Cooling resources (both active and passive) can be used to prepare the charging site for the next charging session. Cooling continues until the charger temperature and passive structure are below the operational residual threshold, or until ambient temperature is reached. Preparation step 1708 may also include maintaining the charger temperature to prevent excessive thermal shrinkage of electronic devices or fluid freezing.

[0183] in conclusion

[0184] Although various implementations have been described above, it should be understood that these implementations are presented by way of example only and not as limitations. For example, any component associated with the systems and methods described above may employ any of the desired functionalities set forth above. Therefore, the breadth and scope of preferred implementations should not be limited by any of the example implementations described above.

[0185] As discussed herein, logic, commands, or instructions for implementing aspects of the methods described herein can be provided in a computing system, including any number of formal elements of the computing system, such as desktop or laptop personal computers, mobile devices such as tablets, netbooks, and smartphones, client terminals, and server-hosted machine instances, etc. Another embodiment discussed herein includes incorporating the techniques discussed herein into other forms, including incorporating them into programming logic, hardware configurations, or dedicated components or modules, including devices having corresponding means for performing the functions of these techniques. Corresponding algorithms for implementing the functions of these techniques may include sequences of some or all of the electronic operations described herein or other aspects depicted in the accompanying drawings and the detailed description below. These systems and computer-readable media including instructions for implementing the methods described herein also constitute exemplary embodiments.

[0186] In one implementation, the processing functions described herein can be implemented in software. The software may include computer-executable instructions stored on a local or networked computer-readable medium or computer-readable storage device (e.g., one or more non-transitory memories or other types of hardware-based storage devices). Furthermore, these functions correspond to modules, which can be software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. Multiple functions may be performed in one or more modules as needed, and the described implementations are merely examples. The software can be executed on a digital signal processor, ASIC, microprocessor, or other type of processor operating on a computer system such as a personal computer, server, or other computer system, thereby turning such a computer system into a specially programmed machine.

[0187] Examples as described herein may include processors, logic, or components, modules, or mechanisms (“modules” herein), or may operate on processors, logic, or components, modules, or mechanisms (“modules” herein). A module is a tangible entity (e.g., hardware) capable of performing a specified operation and may be configured or arranged in a certain manner. In the examples, circuitry may be arranged as a module in a specified manner (e.g., internally or relative to external entities such as other circuitry). In the examples, all or part of one or more computer systems (e.g., standalone, client, or server computer systems) or one or more hardware processors may be configured by firmware or software (e.g., instructions, application portions, or applications) to operate as modules performing the specified operations. In the examples, the software may reside on a machine-readable medium. The software causes the hardware to perform the specified operations when executed by the underlying hardware of the module.

[0188] Therefore, the term "module" is understood to encompass tangible hardware and / or software entities that are physically constructed, specifically configured (e.g., hardwired), or temporarily (e.g., provisionally) configured (e.g., programmed) to operate or perform some or all of the operations described herein in a specified manner. Considering the example where modules are provisionally configured, each module within a module does not need to be instantiated at any given time. For example, in the case where a module includes a general-purpose hardware processor configured using software, the general-purpose hardware processor can be configured as different modules at different times. The software can accordingly configure the hardware processor to constitute a specific module at one time and different modules at different times.

[0189] Those skilled in the art will understand that while the disclosure contained herein relates to providing power to vehicles, it should be understood that this is only one of many possible applications, and other implementations, including non-vehicle applications, are possible. For example, those skilled in the art will understand that there are many applications where customers are waiting in queues and it is desirable to provide charging to their electronic devices as they move through the queue. For example, inductive portable consumer electronics chargers, such as those used to charge toothbrushes, cellular phones, and other devices (e.g., PowerMat™), can be managed as described herein. Therefore, these and other such applications are included within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A thermal management system for a wireless power transfer (WPT) system for charging an electric vehicle via a terrestrial wireless charger, the thermal management system comprising: A heat exchanger system thermally connected to the wireless charger of the wireless power transmission system, the heat exchanger system comprising a first passive heat exchange element and at least one of the following: a second passive heat exchange element, a semi-active heat exchange element, or an active heat exchange element. and The heat exchanger system removes heat from the wireless charger during operation of the wireless charger by using the first passive heat exchange element to maintain the temperature, and when the first passive heat exchange element is insufficient to keep the temperature of the wireless charger below a predetermined temperature limit, the heat exchanger system selectively uses the second passive heat exchange element, a semi-active heat exchange element, or the active heat exchange element.

2. The thermal management system according to claim 1, wherein, The heat exchanger system is fluidly connected to the wireless charger.

3. The thermal management system according to claim 2, wherein, The heat exchanger system is fluidly connected to the wireless charger using a liquid coolant.

4. The thermal management system according to claim 1, wherein, The heat exchanger system is thermally connected to the wireless charger using a gaseous coolant.

5. The thermal management system according to claim 1, wherein, When the first passive heat exchange element is insufficient to keep the temperature of the wireless charger below the predetermined temperature limit, the heat exchanger system uses the semi-active heat exchange element.

6. The thermal management system according to claim 5, wherein, When the semi-active heat exchange element is insufficient to keep the temperature of the wireless charger below the predetermined temperature limit, the heat exchanger system uses the active heat exchange element.

7. The thermal management system according to claim 1, wherein, The first passive heat exchange element does not require external power to generate the cooling effect of the wireless charger.

8. The thermal management system according to claim 1, wherein, The first passive heat exchange element removes heat from the wireless charger and transfers the heat to the ambient air.

9. The thermal management system according to claim 1, wherein, The semi-active heat exchange element includes a fan or pump that selectively helps cool the wireless charger by selectively initiating a coolant flow to remove heat from the wireless charger, thereby keeping the temperature of the wireless charger below the predetermined temperature limit.

10. The thermal management system according to claim 1, wherein, The active heat exchange element includes at least one pump, fan, or cooler, which operates continuously to generate a continuous flow of coolant through or through the wireless charger to help cool the wireless charger and keep its temperature below the predetermined temperature limit.

11. The thermal management system according to claim 1, wherein, The first passive heat exchange element includes a cold plate disposed below or inside the wireless charger of the wireless power transmission system. The cold plate includes parallel Litz wire bundles that are insulated and twisted together into a group. The group is arranged in a geometric pattern and extends into the soil below and around the wireless charger to remove heat from the wireless charger, wherein the Litz wires do not generate eddy currents.

12. A thermal management system for a wireless power transfer (WPT) system for charging an electric vehicle via a terrestrial wireless charger, the thermal management system comprising: A heat exchanger system, which is concealed within a structure relative to the public eye, is thermally connected to the wireless charger of the wireless power transfer system. The heat exchanger system includes one or more of passive heat exchange elements, semi-active heat exchange elements, and active heat exchange elements. The concealed heat exchanger system removes heat from the wireless charger during operation by using one or more of the passive heat exchange element, the semi-active heat exchange element, and the active heat exchange element to keep the temperature of the wireless charger below a predetermined temperature limit.

13. The thermal management system according to claim 12, wherein, The heat exchanger system is concealed from public view within one or more of the lamppost heat exchanger and the guardrail heat exchanger located near the wireless charger of the wireless power transmission system.

14. The thermal management system according to claim 12, wherein, The heat exchanger system is concealed within the road adjacent to the bus stop relative to public view, and wherein an outflow coolant conduit supplies heated coolant from the wireless charger to one or more of the bus stop shelter, the benches within the bus stop shelter, and the sidewalk adjacent to the bus stop to heat the bus stop shelter, the benches within the bus stop shelter, or the sidewalk adjacent to the bus stop.

15. The thermal management system according to claim 12, wherein, The passive heat exchange element includes a heat pipe having a first end and a second end, the first end of the heat pipe being thermally and mechanically connected to the wireless charger, and the second end of the heat pipe being thermally and mechanically connected to a curb radiator positioned within a curb adjacent to the road surface for transferring heat from the wireless charger to the ambient air via the curb radiator.

16. The thermal management system according to claim 12, wherein: The heat exchanger system is concealed within the loading dock, which includes a loading platform and at least one of an inflow coolant pipe or an outflow coolant pipe extending along the wall of the loading platform. The heat exchanger system, concealed within the loading dock, is configured to remove heat from the wireless charger positioned within the drivable surface of the loading dock; and The heat exchanger system, concealed within the loading dock, also includes a passive cooling pad positioned between the wheels of the electric vehicle when the vehicle is parked on the loading dock. The passive cooling pad is configured to transfer heat generated by the wireless charger to one or more of the air and the ground.

17. A thermal management system for a wireless power transfer (WPT) system for charging an electric vehicle via a terrestrial wireless charger, the thermal management system comprising: A heat exchanger system thermally connected to the wireless charger of the wireless power transmission system, the heat exchanger system comprising one or more of a passive heat exchange element, a semi-active heat exchange element, and an active heat exchange element; The heat exchanger system removes heat from the wireless charger during operation by using one or more of the passive heat exchange element, the semi-active heat exchange element, and the active heat exchange element to maintain the temperature of the wireless charger below a predetermined temperature limit; and The heat removed from the wireless charger of the wireless power transmission system is used to add heat to a fluid or substance that is separate from the thermal management system.

18. The thermal management system according to claim 17, wherein, The building’s heat recycling system is positioned adjacent to the wireless power transmission system, and wherein the heat management system supplies heated coolant from the heat exchanger system to the building’s heat recycling system to heat the fluid for use within the building.

19. The thermal management system according to claim 18, wherein, The heat recycling system receives heated fluid coolant from a coolant inflow pipe, which fluidly connects the heat recycling system of the building to the thermal management system of the wireless power transmission system.

20. The thermal management system according to claim 17, wherein, The heat exchanger system includes a contact heat exchanger laterally mounted to a parallel conduit for transferring heat from the wireless charger to one or more of drinking water, sewage, and high-pressure fire water within the parallel conduit.

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