Air-cooled underground vault for wireless power transmission systems

Abstract

An air-cooled underground vault houses a wireless power transmission charger for charging electric vehicles. The vault includes a cavity that receives the wireless power transmission charger and includes an air gap around the wireless power transmission charger. At least two grilles are disposed on each side of the wireless power transmission charger to allow bidirectional air flow between a surface and the cavity around the wireless power transmission charger. A temperature control element is further provided to regulate a temperature within the cavity and the at least two grilles. The temperature control element may further include a heat exchanger disposed within the air vault of the vault. Each grille is further adapted to function as an inlet or an outlet for the heat exchanger. A controller may be used to control operation of the heat exchanger to control ventilation time and direction of air flow within the cavity.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 265,380, filed December 14, 2021, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to wireless power transfer charging systems, and more particularly to devices, systems, and methods relating to housing and cooling for wireless power transfer ground based charging systems. [Background technology]

[0003] Heat generation as a by-product of an electric vehicle (EV) charging system is unavoidable, and no electrical system is 100% efficient. Wired EV charging systems use liquid coolants, fluid handling, interconnections of charging kiosks with electrically driven pumps, and ground radiant infrastructure to transfer and spread the heat.

[0004] Low-power Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) systems (defined in SAE J2954-1) have largely avoided the heating issue by limiting the use of WPT to non-embedded, low-power charging devices. SAE J2954-1 specifies three low-power levels: WPT1 (3.7 kW), WPT2 (7 kW), and WPT3 (11 kW). The standard does not specify cooling devices.

[0005] High-power wireless power transfer systems utilize liquid cooling of the ground-based primary assembly and do not require the operation of above-pavement infrastructure for vehicle charging, but like high-power wired systems, they have large footprints and density limitations.

[0006] Various examples are described below to introduce in a simplified form some of the concepts that are further described in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0007] An air-cooled underground vault houses a wireless power transmission charger for charging electric vehicles. The vault includes a cavity for receiving the wireless power transmission charger and includes an air gap around the wireless power transmission charger. At least two grids are disposed on each side of the wireless power transmission charger to allow bidirectional air flow between its surface and the air gap around the wireless power transmission charger. A temperature control element is further provided to regulate a temperature within the cavity and the at least two grids. The temperature control element may further include a heat exchanger disposed within the cavity of the vault. Each grid is further adapted to function as an inlet or an outlet of the heat exchanger. A controller may be used to control the operation of the heat exchanger to control the ventilation time and the direction of air flow within the cavity.

[0008] In an example configuration, the controller adjusts at least one of the ventilation time or the direction of airflow in the cavity in response to at least one of detecting a charging operation, detecting a temperature of the wireless power transfer charger exceeding a temperature threshold, the passage of a predetermined period of time, detecting exhaust back pressure, or detecting a blockage of at least one of the at least two grilles. A detector may be used to provide an input to the controller indicative of whether a vehicle is covering at least one of the grilles. In such a case, the controller adjusts at least one of the ventilation time and the direction of airflow in the cavity based on whether at least one of the grilles is covered by the vehicle.

[0009] In another alternative configuration, the temperature control element includes a fan-driven cooling unit, at least one secondary heat exchanger, and at least one pipe adapted to remove heat from the cavity to the at least one secondary heat exchanger. The at least one secondary heat exchanger is attached to or disposed within at least one of the at least two grates. The temperature control element may further include at least one secondary heat exchanger and at least one pipe pressurized by a heat exchanger and adapted to remove heat from the cavity to the at least one secondary heat exchanger. The at least one secondary heat exchanger is also attached to or disposed within at least one of the at least two grates.

[0010] In yet another alternative configuration, the temperature control element further includes a heating element, at least one secondary heat exchanger, and at least one pipe containing a coolant, the heating element generating heat to heat the coolant in the at least one pipe, the coolant circulating to the at least one secondary heat exchanger, and the at least one secondary heat exchanger may be attached to or disposed within at least one of the at least two grates.

[0011] In yet another alternative configuration, the temperature control element includes a heating element that produces heated cooling water that is circulated to a heat exchange unit that produces hot air that is alternately circulated such that the at least two grates alternately function as air outlets.

[0012] In yet another configuration, the temperature control element includes an inverter, an electrical wiring, and a coil secured to at least one grid. The electrical wiring may extend from the inverter to the coil to induce eddy currents in the at least one grid. The at least one grid may be made of cast iron or an iron alloy. At least one capacitor may be added to the at least one cast iron grid to resonate the at least one cast iron grid. Alternatively, at least one infrared light source may be disposed in the cavity below the at least two grids to illuminate and heat at least one of the at least two grids.

[0013] A further configuration includes at least one temperature detector, wherein the controller receives temperature measurements from the at least one temperature detector and executes a preset model of at least one of the storage's local environment, time of day, or season to control operation of the heat exchanger and to control ventilation times and direction of airflow within the cavity.

[0014] In a further configuration, the flow direction between the at least two grilles may be reversed when a vehicle is placed on one of the at least two grilles to heat the vehicle or to cool the vehicle.

[0015] It will be appreciated that the storage described herein may be erected along a charging depot including multiple traffic lanes and multiple wireless power transfer chargers or may be located at a charging station.

[0016] This Summary is provided to introduce aspects of the inventive subject matter in a simplified form, with further description of the inventive subject matter following in the body of the Detailed Description. The particular combination and order of elements described in this Summary are not intended to provide limitations on the elements of the claimed subject matter. Rather, it will be understood that this section provides summarized examples of some of the embodiments described in the Detailed Description below. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] These 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. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows an electric vehicle (EV) parked for wireless charging above a ground transceiver station (GTS), which may include one or more ground transceiver assemblies (GTA). [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows a cutaway side view of an example configuration of an air-cooled wireless power transfer (WPT) storage cabinet. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a top view of a vault installed at a sidewalk curbside charging station. [Figure 4] Figures 4A-4F show different configurations for the installation of an air-cooled WPT vault with vent, plenum and duct options. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A shows an air-cooled WPT vault in top view with a hollow curb fitted with air inlet and outlet ports. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a side view of a vented hollow curb for WPT air cooling. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5C shows an alternative to the WPT air-cooled hollow curb vent. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a top view of an example WPT vault structure configuration in which a liquid coolant is used to heat the ventilation grille. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a side view of an example storage structure configuration in which a liquid coolant is used to heat the vent grille via a secondary heat exchanger. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows a subsystem diagram of a ground transceiver station having thermal control structures and components. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows an induction coil heating a metal vent grille for snow and ice removal. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows an aerial view of a WPT exchange station for passing EVs using a variation of an underground air-cooled WPT store. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] A detailed description of exemplary embodiments will now be described with reference to Figures 1-10. Although this specification provides a detailed description of possible implementations, it should be noted that these details are exemplary and do not limit the scope of the inventive subject matter in any way.

[0019] It should be noted that the term "battery" is used herein to denote a general chemical energy storage system, and may be replaced, supplemented, or hybridized with other portable energy storage systems (e.g., solid-state batteries, reversible fuel cells, ultracapacitors, etc.) Also, while many of the examples used are of wireless power transfer (WPT) systems used to power on-board systems and charge stationary electric vehicle (EV) batteries, this application is by no means the only application.

[0020] Because the wireless power transfer system is modular and capable of bidirectional charging, the term Ground Transmitter Station (GTS) is used to refer to a group of Ground Transmitter Assemblies (GTAs) and the term Vehicle Transmitter Station (VTS) is used to refer to a group of Vehicle Transmitter Assemblies (VTAs). A GTS consists of one or more GTAs and a VTS consists of one or more VTAs. To achieve maximum power transfer capability, all VTAs in a VTS must be paired and aligned with their corresponding GTAs in the GTS.

[0021] In outdoor transformers, such as those used in magnetic wireless power transfer systems, the heat generated is mainly due to resistive losses in the transformer windings (due to the primary and secondary currents) and losses in the ferrite core due to magnetic hysteresis and eddy currents, resulting in the need for cooling.

[0022] One advantage of a WPT system is that it eliminates the need for charging stations or kiosks, as there are no electrical cords, communication or cooling hoses or other connection points between the EV and the kiosk. Another advantage is the automation of charging, which does not require the vehicle driver (or passenger in the case of fully autonomous electric vehicles) to get out of the vehicle in unsafe locations or during bad weather, as all vehicle and billing information is exchanged wirelessly.

[0023] By installing all components underground, the footprint is minimized, resulting in a more discreet and aesthetically pleasing installation. An underground system is also more resistant to theft and vandalism.

[0024] Figure 1 In Fig. 1, an electric vehicle (EV) 101 is parked for wireless charging above a ground transceiver station (GTS) 102. The EV 101 is shown wirelessly charging in Fig. 1. The EV 101 is positioned such that the GTS 102 is aligned with a vehicle transceiver station (VTS) (not shown) onboard the EV. The GTS 102 includes one or more ground transceiver assemblies (GTA).

[0025] A first grate 103 serves as an intake for the GTS air cooling system, and a second grate 104 serves as an exhaust. The EV 101 may be parked or stationary in a charging lane 105. In this example, the charging lane 105 is bounded on one side by a curb 106.

[0026] A lamppost 107 may be located adjacent to the charging lane and may be used to mount a camera 108 positioned to observe the charging lane 105, and may also be used as part of a heat distribution system in a sample configuration.

[0027] An example configuration of a wireless power transfer (WPT) vault is shown in cutaway side view in Figure 2. The vault structure 201 shown in this embodiment is entirely below the surface level of the pavement 202. The ground charger assembly 203 or assemblies (due to the modular design of the coil assemblies, there may be one or more coils including one or more ground transceiver assemblies (GTA) operating in parallel for WPT) are housed in a weatherproof enclosure. The vault structure 201 is ventilated through two or more surface grids having at least a first grid 204 and a second grid 205.

[0028] The vault floor 206 and vault walls 207 are preferably made of reinforced concrete. Wall thickness is determined by the strength of the material, relevant city, state, provincial and national regulations, and the maximum anticipated vehicle weight (e.g., American Association of Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) H-20 standard). The grilles 204 and 205 around the ground charger assembly 203 and the container must also withstand the maximum anticipated weight.

[0029] A water sump 208 allows water to be removed from the vault. The total depth of the vault cavity 209 may be limited by building codes but should be at least 0.25 meters to allow air flow over debris that has accumulated on the vault floor 206. An angled grate (not shown) above the water sump 208 prevents clogging and the passage of debris that has collected under the heat exchange unit 210. The vault cavity 209 also allows personnel access to the heat exchanger 210 and associated electronics (not shown).

[0030] Either of the grates 204 and 205 can function as an inlet or an outlet based on the direction of the exhaust fan (part of the heat exchanger 210). The airflow direction and speed can be changed as needed to remove debris (e.g., leaves, paper, plastic debris) that falls or is wind-deposited from the grates 204 and 205. The effect of Bernoulli's principle keeps air moving in the gap below the heat exchanger.

[0031] Changes in airflow rate can be set to occur prior to or during a charging session, periodically when the ground charging assembly 203 internal temperature reaches a threshold, in response to an increase in exhaust vent backpressure (detected by blower motor current draw inside the thermal exchange unit 210), or by blockage detection from optional external camera(s) mounted to observe the charging vault structure 201 (e.g., camera 108 of FIG. 1 ).

[0032] The exhaust direction can also be set prior to a WPT charging session allowing the grates 204 and 205 not covered by the vehicle to function as outlets. The vehicle position can be determined by pavement embedded sensors (e.g., from vehicle weight, vehicle magnetic signature, etc.) 213 and 214 or by the overhead camera 108. This outlet selection not only reduces the heat load on the vehicle but also helps prevent debris from entering the inlet using the vehicle chassis where either the first grate 204 or the second grate 205 is selected as the inlet.

[0033] Alternatively, when the EV 101 is positioned over an exhaust port, the exhaust direction can be reversed (under the direction of a station controller (not shown)) to help heat the EV 101 in colder regions and increase the exhaust speed to help cool the EV 101 in hotter regions.

[0034] The exhaust grids 204 and 205 may be separated from the ground charging assembly (or assembly) 203 by standoffs 211 and 212. These standoffs 211 and 212 allow for convenient positioning of the grids 204 and 205.

[0035] 3 is a top view of a charging station 301 using an underground cooling vault 305 to house an inductive wireless power transfer system. The underground cooling vault 305 is located under a pavement 302. The pavement 302 is bordered by a curb 303 between the pavement 302 and a walkway 304 in this example. The underground cooling vault 305 is located at a distance 310 from the curb 303 to facilitate alignment of the midline of the EV 101 (not shown) with the midline of the Ground Transceiver Station (GTS) 308.

[0036] In this example, the GTS 308 includes four Ground Transmitter and Receiver Assemblies (GTA) 311 for EV charging. The underground refrigerated vault 305 also includes an auxiliary electronics vault 309 for housing electrical equipment including communication bridges and interfaces, power converters, and power factor correction electronics. The vault 309 is recessed with an independent service cover.

[0037] First grate 306 and second grate 307 are cast iron grates that fit into sockets in the vault cover, making the entire vault top surface flush with said pavement 302 .

[0038] Figure 4A 4A is a top view of the simplest vault configuration, with a GTS box 401 surrounded on two sides by a first exhaust grate 402 and a second exhaust grate 403. Note that either the first exhaust grate 402 or the second exhaust grate 403 may function as an intake or exhaust. This vault is suitable for installation in a) a traffic lane where EV opportunity charging is provided, b) a charging lane where EVs can park at the curb, or c) a parking space such as a charging station or depot. The width 404 of the GTS box 401 and the exhaust grates 402, 403 may be narrower than the wheelbase of a typical EV, but not wider than a travel lane or parking slot.

[0039] Figure 4B FIG. 4B is a top view of a vault for curb placement on a sidewalk where minimal space exists in and under the pavement due to existing obstacles to excavation (tunnels, pipes, communication lines, power lines, etc.). The GTS box 401 is installed in a charging lane 410 at a distance 406 from the curb 405. A second exhaust grate 402 is flush with the pavement surface and next to the GTS box 401, and a second exhaust grate 407 is flush and recessed into the sidewalk 409. The second exhaust grate 407 may be optimized for aesthetics, walkability (e.g., a grate sized to prevent shoe heels from getting caught, a grate with a high friction finish to prevent spills), or to prevent dirt and debris from entering. An additional underground duct 408 attaches the two exhaust grates 402 and 407 for the passage of air.

[0040] Figure 4D FIG. 4D is a top view of a storehouse adjacent to a curb 405 with an auxiliary electronics storehouse 412 recessed into the walkway 409. A first exhaust grate 402 and a second exhaust grate 403 act as cooling inlets or exhausts for heat generated by the GTS box 401 and the auxiliary electronics storehouse 412. In the design of FIG. 4D, the GTS box 401 and the waste grates 402 and 403 are all flush with the pavement 410. The auxiliary electronics storehouse 412 is flush with the walkway 409. The auxiliary electronics storehouse 412 is air-cooled with air ducts extending from the first exhaust grate 402 and the second exhaust grate 403 and transported by liquid coolant to the heat exchanger (not shown), eliminating the need for additional ducts and fans.

[0041] Figure 4E FIG. 4E is a top view of a vault adjacent to a curb 405 with an auxiliary electronics bay 413 recessed into the walkway 409. A first exhaust grate 402 and a second exhaust grate 403 act as cooling inlets or exhausts for heat generated by the GTS box 401 and the auxiliary electronics bay 413. In the design of FIG. 4E, the GTS box 401 and the exhaust grates 402 and 403 are all flush with the pavement 410 and offset from the curb 405 by a distance 406. The auxiliary electronics bay 413 is flush with the walkway 409 and offset from the curb 405 by a distance 416. Heat generated by the electrical equipment in the auxiliary electronics bay 413 and the GTS box 401 is transferred via liquid coolant to the heat exchanger mounted below the bay 413. In this design option, the exhaust grates 402 and 403 and the heat exchanger are positioned to limit the depth below the pavement required for installation. Excavation is limited to the depth required by the GTS box 401 which must be recessed into the pavement. A sump and drain (not shown) are located below the heat exchanger below the auxiliary electronics well 413. The air ducts 414 and 415 are sloped below the exhaust grates 402 and 403 from a maximum depth (below the heat exchanger (not shown)) to a minimum depth (same depth as the GTS box 401 in this design).

[0042] Figure 4F In the vault design of FIG. 4F, the vault is recessed into the pavement 410 with the exhaust grates 402 and 403 and the GTS box 401 flush with the pavement surface at a distance 406 from the curb 405. In this example installation, auxiliary electronics 417 are located at a distance 416 from the curb 405 and flush with the sidewalk 409. The auxiliary electronics 417 can be housed in a surface equipment box with conventional passive or active air cooling, separate from the air-cooled vault. The auxiliary electronics 417 is connected to the GTS box 401 via a conduit 418 containing power and communication lines.

[0043] Figure 5A 5A is a top view of a curb-ventilated WPT vault. The GTS 501 is embedded in the pavement 502, with underground ventilation air passages 503 and 504 connecting to vent curbs 505 and 506 for cooling air movement. Electrical piping 507 and liquid cooling water piping 508 connect the GTS 501 to an electronics bay 509 (shown embedded in the sidewalk 510 in this design). The bay 509 can be mounted a distance 511 from the curb 512. Not shown is a heat exchanger mounted under the GTS 501, which serves to cool both the GTS 501 and the electronics within the bay 509. The GTS 501 is offset a distance 513 from the lane edge curb 512.

[0044] Figure 5B 5B shows a cutaway side view of an exemplary design of ventilated curbs 505 and 506 installed between a road pavement 502 and a sidewalk 510. A ventilated curb structure 514 is hollow in its length with a metal (e.g., cast iron, steel, aluminum) grille 515 formed along its length. An interconnecting duct 516 connects the ventilated curb structure 514 to air ducts 503 and 504 and can be used as a cooling air intake or exhaust depending on the direction of the heat exchanger cooling fans. The interconnecting duct 516 also serves to drain water coming over the edge 517 of the ventilated curb structure 514.

[0045] Figure 5C 5C illustrates an alternative configuration of the vent curbs 505 and 506 using a hollow vent curb structure 518. In this exemplary design, shown in cutaway side view, a vent grille 519 is confined to the top of the hollow curb structure 518, minimizing infiltration of street water runoff into the upper vent curb 518 and thus the interconnecting ducts 516 to underground air ducts 503 and 504.

[0046] Figure 6 Auxiliary heating is installed to mitigate the impact of snow and ice on ventilation while the GTS is idle and not providing heating via wireless charging.

[0047] FIG. 6 is a top view of an example of an air-cooled charger 601. A road surface 602 is bordered by a curb 603. A walkway 604 is provided next to the curb 603. A WPT box 605 is embedded in the road surface 602 such that a first exhaust grate 606 and a second exhaust grate 607 are vertically flush with the road surface 602. A GTS 608, shown here as a 4GTA unit, is also vertically flush with the road surface 602. An electronics bay 609, which contains supporting electronics for inverters and communications as well as for power supply and power control to the individual GTAs, is housed in the WPT store in this example. The electronics bay 609 is thermally isolated from the GTS 608, but the two share the heat exchanger (not shown) via liquid cooling water piping. In this example, the store is a walkway curb installation at a distance 610 from the curb 603 to allow for easy positioning of the EV.

[0048] The electronics enclosure 609 may include an auxiliary recessed heating element 611 that may generate heat when the GTS 608 is not in use to heat water that is circulated to secondary heat exchangers (not shown) attached to the exhaust grates 606 and 607. This heat prevents ice and snow from building up on the exhaust grates 606 and 607. In another design, the heating element 611 generates heated water that is directed to a primary heat exchanger (not shown) that supplies the water to secondary heat exchangers (not shown) attached to the first and second exhaust grates 606 and 607.

[0049] In another configuration, the embedded heating element 611 housed in the electronics hangar 609 can generate heated cooling water that is circulated to a primary heat exchange unit (not shown) so that hot air is generated when the GTS 608 is stationary for extended periods during cold weather. This hot air is alternately circulated so that both of the exhaust grates 606 and 607 alternately act as exhaust outlets and are kept free of snow and ice by the blowing hot air.

[0050] Additionally, the charger 601 may not operate during ice storms or snowstorms, which are fairly unusual events in the life of a charger in many deployment areas.

[0051] Additionally, the GTS 608 itself may require protection from extreme cold. An auxiliary heating arrangement 611 may be used to directly power a primary heat exchanger (not shown) to maintain the temperature of the GTS 608 independent of the condition of the exhaust grates 606 and 607.

[0052] In an additional configuration, high frequency electrical paths are extended from the inverter in the electronics hangar 609 to auxiliary coils attached to each of the exhaust grates 606 and 607. These coils are used to induce eddy currents in the cast iron elements of the exhaust grates 606 and 607 when needed to clear ice and snow. The exhaust grates 606 and 607, made of cast iron, tightly constrain the magnetic field. A supplemental capacitor can be added to the cast iron exhaust grates 606 and 607 to make them resonant. In the electronics hangar 609, the inverter outputs AC current at a lower frequency than the GTS 608 during charging sessions, reducing stress on the inverter. The use of auxiliary resonant coil heating is expected to require only a few kW of power intermittently during severe weather events.

[0053] Figure 7 A side view of an air-cooled underground WPT vault 701 with secondary heat exchangers 702 and 703 mounted on exhaust grates 704 and 705 is shown in FIG. 7. A GTS box 706 is mounted underground flush with the pavement surface 707 and is cooled by the transfer of liquid coolant to heat exchanger 708. When the outside temperature drops to near freezing, the exhaust grates 704 and 705 are heated via the secondary heat exchangers 702 and 703 to prevent or remove snow and ice buildup. Melted snow and ice are removed from the vault 701 via drainage outlet 709. A first exhaust grate 704 is separated from the GTS box 706 by a first standoff 710 and a second exhaust grate 705 is separated from the GTS box 706 by a second standoff 711.

[0054] In yet another alternative configuration, the plenum chamber below the exhaust grates 704 and 705 can be fitted with first and second non-visible infrared lights 712 and 713 to illuminate and heat the exhaust grates 704 and 705 as required.

[0055] Figure 8 8 shows in detail an example configuration of a WPT storage heat exchange unit 801. The heat exchange (HE) unit 801 includes four main subsystems: a heat exchanger 802, a control device 803, cooling water piping 804, and an airflow generator 805.

[0056] The heat exchanger 802 may be a conventional air-to-air liquid coolant exchange. The liquid cooling water piping 804 includes pumps, valves, and branches to control the flow of cooling water to the GTS 806 and any secondary heat exchangers (not shown).

[0057] The heat exchange unit 801 is controlled and monitored by a heat exchange controller (HEC) 803 based on sensor inputs and predictive models. Temperature sensors (not shown) in the GTS 806 and temperature sensors located in the cooling water piping 804 and air plenum chambers 807 and 808 measure air and GTS temperatures. The GTS 806 also provides charging instructions to the HEC 803, including requested power transfers, when a charging session is active.

[0058] The HEC 803 uses the acquired temperatures and pre-set models of local environment, time of day, and season to adjust the cooling airflow generated by the HE airflow generating unit 805. The HEC 803 also uses the thermal limits of the GTS 806, as well as maximum allowable heated air temperature limits (e.g., 10 degrees Celsius above ambient temperature) to prevent contact burns (nominal 40 degrees Celsius to 45 degrees Celsius for metal surfaces) and inlet and outlet grate temperatures (maximum temperatures set by regulations or standards (e.g., ASTM C1055: Guide for Heating System Surface Conditions That Cause Contact Burns)).

[0059] Figure 9 An induction heating system for additional control of ice and snow accumulation in the exhaust grate of the WPT store is shown in Figure 9. Reversible airflow is also used, as are the other methods of grate heating mentioned above.

[0060] Each vault 901 is designed with two or more exhaust grates 902 that can alternately function as intake or exhaust. A portion of the inductively heated intake or exhaust system is shown.

[0061] The exhaust grate 902 is made of cast iron or iron alloy and is of sample construction. A coil 903 attached to the underside of the exhaust grate 902 has a resonant frequency of 25 kHz to 50 kHz that couples well with cast iron. The wavelengths of the resonant frequency and the first 10 harmonic frequencies are orders of magnitude smaller than the maximum gap spacing of the cast iron grate (3 to 4 meters), so the exhaust grate 902 acts as an effective magnetic shield.

[0062] The coil 903 is made up of multiple windings of wire. The coil 903 receives an AC power signal from an AC power source 905 via a wired (e.g., Litz wire) connection 904.

[0063] Depending on the expected severity of local weather and the size of the grid, multiple coils 903 may be attached to the exhaust grid 902. Multiple power supplies 905 may also be provided for capacity or redundancy.

[0064] Figure 10 FIG. 10 is an aerial view of a charging depot. Several charging locations 1001, 1002, 1003, 1004 are depicted around a raised island structure 1005. Two different types of charging locations are shown, each with a specific underground air-cooled storage with ducts, vents, and plenum structures. The WPT installation of the charging depot can be customized for power supply and layout to accommodate specific vehicle types.

[0065] A first exemplary charging location has a first type of high power charging location 1003, a first exhaust grate 1006, a modular GTS 1007 with six GTAs, an offset second exhaust grate 1008, and a third exhaust grate 1009.

[0066] A second exemplary type of high power charging station 1001 includes a first exhaust grid 1010, a second exhaust grid 1011, and a modular GTS 1012 having four GTAs.

[0067] A first bus 1013 is shown using the second type of charging location 1002. An exposed exhaust grate 1014 is used in this example as exhaust for the air-cooled GTS vault.

[0068] A second bus 1015 is shown using the first type of charging location 1004. An in-lane exposed exhaust grate 1016 and an island grate 1017 are used to exhaust the air-cooled GTS storage bay.

[0069] Lane markers 1018 and 1019 and raised island 1005 are used to separate traffic lanes for charging.

[0070] In another configuration, additional passive cooling devices such as superheated tubes can be used to transfer heat from the heat exchanger to an underground cooling tank, or to passive cooling elements at ground level such as metal curbs, radiators, or to active cooling structures such as a secondary heat exchanger concealed within a bollard with vents, or disguised as a hollow street light with fluted vents. The street light 107 (FIG. 1) can also be used to mount security lighting, video surveillance cameras 108, 108, and local area wireless network antennas.

[0071] conclusion Although various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they are presented by way of example only and are not limiting. For example, any of the elements associated with the systems and methods described above may employ any of the desired functionality described herein. Thus, the breadth and scope of the preferred embodiments should not be limited by any of the sample embodiments described above.

[0072] Logic, commands, or instructions (e.g., heat exchange control devices) implementing aspects of the methods described herein may be provided in computer systems including any number of form factors for computer systems such as desktop or notebook personal computers, mobile devices such as tablets, netbooks, and smartphones, client terminals, and server host machine instances. Alternative embodiments discussed herein include the incorporation of the techniques discussed herein into other forms of programmed logic, hardware configurations, or specialized components or modules, including devices having respective means for performing the functions of such techniques. Each algorithm used to implement the functions of such techniques may include some or all of the sequences of electronic operations described herein, or other aspects depicted in the accompanying drawings and the detailed description below. Such systems and computer-readable media including instructions for implementing the methods described herein also constitute sample embodiments.

[0073] The functionality described herein with respect to the controller may be implemented in software in one embodiment. The software may be comprised of computer-executable instructions stored in a computer-readable medium or computer-readable storage device, such as one or more non-transitory memories or other types of hardware-based storage devices, either locally or on a network. Furthermore, such functionality may correspond to modules, which may be software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof. Functions may be performed in one or more modules as desired, and the described embodiments are merely examples. The software may 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, turning such a computer system into a specifically programmed machine.

[0074] The examples described herein may include or operate on a processor, logic, or a number of components, modules, or mechanisms (herein "modules"). A module is a tangible entity (e.g., hardware) capable of performing specified operations, and may be configured or arranged in a particular manner. As an example, a circuit may be arranged (e.g., internally or with respect to external entities such as other circuits) in a specified manner as a module. In an example, one or more computer systems (e.g., stand-alone, client or server computer systems) or one or more hardware processors may be configured in whole or in part by firmware or software (e.g., instructions, application portions, or applications) as modules that operate to perform specified operations. As an example, the software may reside on a machine-readable medium. The software, when executed by the hardware underlying the module, causes the hardware to perform the specified operations.

[0075] Thus, the term "module" is understood to encompass tangible hardware and / or software entities that are physically configured, specifically configured (e.g., hardwired), or temporarily (e.g., temporarily) configured (e.g., programmed) to operate in a specified manner or to perform some or all of the operations described herein. Considering examples in which the modules are temporarily configured, each of the modules need not be instantiated at any given moment. For example, if the modules consist of a general-purpose hardware processor configured using software, the general-purpose hardware processor may be configured as each different module at different times. Accordingly, the software may configure the hardware processor, for example, to configure a particular module at one time and a different module at a different time.

[0076] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that while the disclosure contained herein is directed to powering vehicles, this is only one of many possible applications and other embodiments are possible, including non-vehicle applications. For example, those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous applications in which it is desirable to provide charging to a customer's electronic devices as the customer waits in a queue and moves through the queue. For example, inductive portable consumer electronic device chargers such as those used to charge toothbrushes, cell phones, and other devices (e.g., PowerMat™) can be managed as described herein. Accordingly, these and other such applications are within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. An air-cooled underground storage facility for storing wireless power transmission chargers, a cavity for receiving the wireless power transmission charger and including a gap around the wireless power transmission charger; at least two grilles on each side of the wireless power transfer charger and positioned to allow two-way air flow between a surface thereof and the gap around the wireless power transfer charger; a temperature control element adapted to adjust a temperature within the cavity and the at least two gratings; A storage facility having:

2. 2. The storage facility of claim 1, wherein the cavity has floors and walls of reinforced concrete.

3. The storage facility according to claim 1, further comprising: and a sump positioned to remove water from the cavity.

4. 2. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the temperature control element comprises a heat exchanger disposed within the cavity of the storage container below the wireless power transmission charger, and each of the at least two grids is adapted to function as an inlet or an outlet for the heat exchanger.

5. The storage facility according to claim 4, further comprising: and a controller adapted to control operation of the heat exchanger and to control the ventilation time and direction of airflow within the cavity.

6. 6. The storage container of claim 5, wherein the control device adjusts at least one of an airflow time or airflow direction within the cavity in response to at least one of detecting a charging operation, detecting a temperature of the wireless power transmission charger exceeding a temperature threshold, the passage of a predetermined period of time, detecting exhaust port back pressure, or detecting blockage of at least one of the at least two grates.

7. The storage facility according to claim 5, further comprising: a detector that provides an input to the controller indicating whether a vehicle is covering at least one of the grates, the controller adjusting at least one of the ventilation time and airflow direction within the cavity based on whether at least one of the grates is covered by the vehicle.

8. The storage facility according to claim 1, further comprising: The storage unit has standoffs between the wireless power transfer charger and the at least two grids to provide a predetermined separation distance between the wireless power transfer charger and the at least two grids.

9. 5. The storage of claim 4, wherein the temperature control element further comprises: A storage facility comprising a fan-driven cooling unit, at least one secondary heat exchanger, and at least one pipe adapted to remove heat from the cavity to the at least one secondary heat exchanger.

10. 10. The storage of claim 9, wherein the at least one secondary heat exchanger is attached to or disposed within at least one of the at least two grates.

11. 5. The storage of claim 4, wherein the temperature control element further comprises: A storage facility comprising at least one secondary heat exchanger and at least one pipe pressurized by said heat exchanger and adapted to remove heat from said cavity to said at least one secondary heat exchanger.

12. 12. The storage of claim 11, wherein at least one secondary heat exchanger is attached to or disposed within at least one of the at least two grates.

13. 5. The storage of claim 4, wherein the temperature control element further comprises: A storage facility comprising a heating element, at least one secondary heat exchanger, and at least one pipe containing cooling water, wherein the heating element generates heat to heat the cooling water in the at least one pipe, and the cooling water is circulated to the at least one secondary heat exchanger.

14. 14. The storage of claim 13, wherein the at least one secondary heat exchanger is attached to or disposed within at least one of the at least two grates.

15. 5. The storage of claim 4, wherein the temperature control element further comprises: A storage facility having a heating element that generates heated and cooled water that is circulated through the heat exchange unit.

16. 16. The storage facility of claim 15, wherein the heat exchange unit generates alternately circulating hot air such that the at least two grates alternately function as air outlets.

17. The storage facility according to claim 1, further comprising: and at least one infrared light source disposed within the cavity beneath the at least two grates for illuminating and heating at least one of the at least two grates.

18. The storage facility according to claim 5, further comprising: A storage unit having at least one temperature detector, wherein the controller receives temperature measurements from the at least one temperature detector, and the controller executes a preset model for at least one of the storage unit's local environment, time of day, or season to control operation of the heat exchanger and control the ventilation time and direction of the air flow within the cavity.

19. The storage of claim 1 , wherein the at least two grates are integrated into a curb.

20. 2. The storage facility of claim 1, wherein the direction of airflow between the at least two grates is reversed when a vehicle is placed on one of the at least two grates to heat the vehicle or to cool the vehicle.

21. The storage facility of claim 1 , wherein the storage facility is located on a charging station having a plurality of traffic lanes and a plurality of wireless power transfer chargers.

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