Wireless power transmission to extravehicular activity spacesuits

Abstract

To provide an extravehicular mobility unit eliminating the need for connection and removal of a battery.SOLUTION: An extravehicular mobility unit (EMU) includes a resonant coil on a surface of the EMU to be coupled to a second resonant coil affixed to a structure via a resonant magnetic field. The EMU also includes a receiver in the EMU coupled to the resonant coil to provide a direct current (DC) voltage based on the resonant magnetic field. A battery in the EMU is charged based on the DC voltage.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Exemplary embodiments relate to the art of power management in space, and more particularly to wireless power transfer to extravehicular mobility units (EMUs). [Background technology]

[0002] In space applications, managing consumables (air, water, etc.) and power presents different challenges than Earth-based applications: when astronauts are outside their spacecraft on the planet's surface (i.e., performing a spacewalk), or when they are performing a spacewalk, they must terminate the spacewalk when, for example, they run out of consumables or battery capacity. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0003] In one embodiment, an extravehicular mobility unit (EMU) includes a resonant coil on a surface of the EMU that is coupled via a resonant magnetic field to a second resonant coil mounted on a structure, and a receiver on the EMU that is coupled to the resonant coil to provide a direct current (DC) voltage based on the resonant magnetic field, and a battery on the EMU that is charged based on the DC voltage.

[0004] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the EMU also includes a power distribution module coupled to the battery for distributing power to one or more systems of the EMU.

[0005] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the one or more systems include a regulator and one or more fans.

[0006] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the EMU also includes a controller connected to the receiver for directing DC voltage from the receiver to a battery or a power distribution module, which provides power to the power distribution module based on the controller and directs DC voltage from the receiver to charge the battery.

[0007] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the resonant coil is mounted on the exterior of the EMU's primary life support system (PLSS).

[0008] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the resonant coil is mounted on the surface of the display and control module (DCM) of the EMU.

[0009] In another embodiment, a method for assembling an extravehicular mobility spacesuit (EMU) includes attaching a resonant coil to a surface of the EMU, the resonant coil being coupled to a second resonant coil attached to a structural object via a resonant magnetic field. The method also includes coupling a receiver within the EMU to the resonant coil such that the receiver provides a direct current (DC) voltage based on the resonant magnetic field. A battery in the EMU is charged based on the DC voltage.

[0010] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the method also includes coupling a power distribution module to the battery, the power distribution module distributing power to one or more systems within the EMU based on the battery.

[0011] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the one or more systems include a regulator and one or more fans.

[0012] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the method also includes arranging for a controller to direct DC voltage from the receiver to a battery or a power distribution module, the battery providing power to the power distribution module based on the controller and directing the DC voltage from the receiver to charge the battery.

[0013] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the method includes attaching a resonant coil to an exterior surface of a primary life support system (PLSS) of the EMU.

[0014] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the method includes attaching a resonant coil to an exterior surface of a display and control module (DCM) of the EMU.

[0015] In yet another embodiment, a system for power transmission in space includes a power transfer unit mounted on a structure. The power transfer unit includes a first resonant coil, a transmitter coupled to the first resonant coil, and an extravehicular mobility unit (EMU). The EMU includes a second resonant coil coupled to the first resonant coil via a resonant magnetic field, and a receiver coupled to the second resonant coil to provide a direct current (DC) voltage based on the resonant magnetic field. A battery of the EMU is charged based on the DC voltage.

[0016] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the EMU further includes a power distribution module coupled to the battery for distributing power to one or more systems of the EMU.

[0017] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the one or more systems include a regulator and one or more fans.

[0018] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the EMU further includes a controller connected to the receiver for directing DC voltage from the receiver to a battery or a power distribution module, the battery providing power to the power distribution module based on the controller and directing DC voltage from the receiver to charge the battery.

[0019] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the structure is within an airlock of a spacecraft, space station, or planetary habitat.

[0020] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the structure is part of a planetary rover.

[0021] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the second resonant coil is on the exterior of the EMU's primary life support system (PLSS).

[0022] Additionally or alternatively, in this or other embodiments, the second resonant coil is on the exterior of the display and control module (DCM) of the EMU.

[0023] The following description should not be considered limiting in any way.With reference to the accompanying drawings, like elements are numbered alike. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1] 1A shows a side view of an extravehicular mobility unit (EMU) with wireless power transfer, according to one or more embodiments. FIG. 1B shows an isometric view of the EMU of FIG. 1A. [Figure 2] 1 illustrates aspects of a space habitat that facilitates wireless power transmission to an EMU, according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 3] 1 illustrates a rover that facilitates wireless power transmission to an EMU, according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system that facilitates wireless power transfer to an EMU, according to one or more embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the disclosed apparatus and methods is presented herein by way of example, and not limitation, with reference to the drawings.

[0026] As previously mentioned, in space applications, the duration of an extravehicular activity may be limited by the depletion of consumables or power. According to one previous approach, the EMU's batteries are removed and recharged. This requires the astronaut wearing the EMU to re-enter the spacecraft or habitat to obtain the life support functions the EMU provides during the extravehicular activity. According to another approach, the batteries do not need to be removed, but rather require a physical connection between the spacecraft's charger and the EMU. This requires a full electrical connection of all pins. Embodiments of the systems and methods detailed herein relate to wireless power transfer to the EMU. Power transfer to the EMU is facilitated via a resonant magnetic field. Thus, both the physical connection and removal of the batteries are avoided.

[0027] 1A and 1B illustrate different aspects of an EMU 100 to which power is transferred wirelessly, according to one or more embodiments. FIG. 1A illustrates a side view of the EMU 100. The EMU 100 is comprised of several components, such as a rigid torso, arm and leg attachments, and a helmet. Systems attached as part of the EMU 100 include a primary life support system (PLSS) 120 and a display and control module (DCM) 130. Together, the components of the EMU 100 create a habitable environment for a wearer performing an extravehicular activity in space. As shown in FIG. 1A , an EMU power transfer unit 110 may be included in the PLSS 120 100, according to an exemplary embodiment. The EMU power transfer unit 110 includes a coil 105 that facilitates magnetic power transfer from a power transfer unit 210 ( FIG. 2 ) to the EMU 100.

[0028] FIG. 1B shows an isometric view of the EMU 100. The DCM 130 is visible in the view shown in FIG. 1B. As shown, the coil 105 of the EMU power transfer unit 110 may be on the exterior surface of the DCM 130 rather than on the exterior surface of the PLSS 120, according to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1B. The EMU power transfer unit 110 may be, for example, inside the DCM 130. The location of the EMU power transfer unit 110 and the coil 105 is not limited by the illustrated example. As long as the coil 105 is exposed to facilitate wireless power transfer, other factors such as space, wiring density, and wire routing may drive the determination of where to place the EMU power transfer unit 110 and the coil 105 within the EMU 100. The EMU power transfer unit 110 is described in further detail with reference to FIG. 4.

[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates aspects of a space habitat 200 that facilitates wireless power transmission to an EMU 100, according to one or more embodiments. Space habitat 200 may be a spacecraft, a space station, or a habitat on a planet's surface, according to alternative embodiments. In each embodiment, space habitat 200 includes an airlock 220, which is a volume between an exterior hatch 230 that provides access to space or the planet's surface and an interior hatch 235 that provides access to an interior volume 240 of space habitat 200. Airlock 220 may include a power transfer unit 210 with a coil 205 that facilitates wireless power transmission to the EMU. Power transfer unit 210 may be mounted to a structure 250 (e.g., wall 255) within airlock 220, as shown, and will be further discussed with reference to FIG. 4.

[0030] 3 illustrates a rover 300 that facilitates wireless power transmission to an EMU 100, according to one or more embodiments. As shown, the rover may include a seat 310 or other structure 250. As the close-up front view of the back of the seat 310 shows, the rover 300 may include a power transfer unit 210 with a coil 205 in addition to, or instead of, an airlock 220. While the seat 310 is illustrated in FIG. 3 as an exemplary structure 250 that includes the power transfer unit 210 and the coil 205, this example is not intended to limit the location of the power transfer unit 210 and the coil 205 within the rover 300.

[0031] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a wireless power transfer system 400 that facilitates wireless power transfer to an EMU 100, according to one or more embodiments. As shown, the EMU power transfer unit 110 includes a coil 105 that is mounted on a surface of the EMU 100, for example, as shown in FIG. 1B . The EMU power transfer unit 110 also includes a power receiving device 410. The coil 105 of the EMU 100 is magnetically coupled to the coil 205 of the power transfer unit 210, as shown. A resonant magnetic field generated by the coil 205 is converted into a current by the coil 105. The power receiving device 410 may include a rectifier and other known components that convert the alternating current (AC) resonant magnetic field to a direct current (DC) voltage for use by the EMU 100. The power receiving device 410 may include known components, such as a resonant tank circuit that includes the coil 105 and a high-frequency rectifier.

[0032] The powered device 410 can be connected directly to the EMU battery 420 to charge the EMU battery 420 based on power transfer from the power transfer unit 210 to the EMU power transfer unit 110. Also, as shown, the EMU battery 420 can be connected to a power distribution module 430, which distributes power from the EMU battery 420 to various devices or loads (e.g., regulators, fans) within the EMU 100. As shown in FIG. 4 , according to an alternative embodiment, an optional controller 415 can be included. The controller 415 can direct DC voltage from the powered device 410 to the EMU battery 420 for subsequent transfer to the power distribution module 430, as described above. Under predefined conditions, the controller 415 can direct DC voltage from the powered device 410 directly to the power distribution module 430, bypassing the charging of the EMU battery 420 according to this alternative embodiment.

[0033] Power transfer unit 210 includes a power transmitter 440 coupled to coil 205. Power transmitter 440 may be connected, for example, to a power bus of space habitat 200 (e.g., spacecraft, space station, planetary habitat) or rover 300. Power transmitter 440 may convert a DC voltage from space habitat 200 or rover 300 into an AC resonant magnetic field using known components such as an inverter and a resonant tank circuit that includes coil 205.

[0034] Based on wireless power transfer facilitated by the EMU power transfer unit 110 inside the EMU 100 and the power transfer unit 210, which may be attached to a structure 250, such as the airlock 220 or rover 300, an astronaut wearing the EMU 100 does not need to terminate the extravehicular activity and return to the interior volume 240 of the space habitat 200 when the battery capacity is depleted. As previously mentioned, the EMU battery 420 may need to be removed for charging according to previous approaches. This is necessary to enter the interior volume 240 and be able to shut down the EMU 100's life support systems that require power without endangering the astronauts. Because wireless charging does not require removal of the EMU battery 420 or shutdown of the EMU 100's systems, charging or alternative power transfer can occur outside the interior volume 420, and the extravehicular activity can be resumed with reduced interruption.

[0035] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising," as used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0036] While the present disclosure has been described with reference to one or more exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out the disclosure, but rather that the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. An extravehicular mobility unit (EMU), comprising: a resonant coil on a surface of the EMU configured to be coupled via a resonant magnetic field to a second resonant coil attached to a structure; a receiver of the EMU coupled to the resonant coil and configured to provide a direct current (DC) voltage based on the resonant magnetic field; a battery of the EMU configured to be charged based on the DC voltage; a power distribution module connected to the battery and configured to distribute power to one or more systems of the EMU, wherein one or more of the one or more systems of the EMU creates a habitable environment for a wearer of the EMU; a controller connected to the receiver, the battery, and the power distribution module and configured to direct the DC voltage from the receiver to the power distribution module, bypassing charging of the battery; Primary Life Support System (PLSS), and Display and Control Module (DCM) Equipped with the resonant coil is attached to an exterior surface of the primary life support system (PLSS) of the EMU; The EMU, wherein the second resonant coil is mounted on a surface of the display and control module (DCM) of the EMU.

2. The EMU of claim 1 , wherein the one or more systems include a regulator and one or more fans.

3. 1. A method of assembling an extravehicular mobility unit (EMU), comprising: mounting a resonant coil on a surface of a primary life support system (PLSS) of the EMU, the resonant coil configured to be coupled via a resonant magnetic field to a second resonant coil mounted on a display and control module (DCM) of the EMU; coupling a receiver of the EMU to the resonant coil and configuring the receiver to provide a direct current (DC) voltage based on the resonant magnetic field; configuring a battery of the EMU to be charged based on the DC voltage; arranging a power distribution module connected to the battery and configured to distribute power to one or more systems of the EMU, wherein one or more of the one or more systems of the EMU create a habitable environment for a wearer of the EMU; and arranging a controller connected to the receiver, the battery, and the power distribution module, and configuring the controller to direct the DC voltage from the receiver to the power distribution module, bypassing charging of the battery; A method comprising:

4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the one or more systems include a regulator and one or more fans.

5. The method of claim 3 , further comprising mounting the resonant coil on an exterior surface of the primary life support system (PLSS) of the EMU.

6. The method of claim 3 , further comprising attaching the resonant coil to an exterior surface of the display and control module (DCM) of the EMU.

7. 1. A system for power transmission in space, comprising: A power transmission unit mounted on a structure, comprising: a first resonant coil; a transmitter coupled to the first resonant coil; 1. An extravehicular mobility unit (EMU), comprising: a second resonant coil configured to be coupled to the first resonant coil via a resonant magnetic field; a receiver coupled to the second resonant coil and configured to provide a direct current (DC) voltage based on the resonant magnetic field; a battery configured to be charged based on said DC voltage; a power distribution module connected to the battery and configured to distribute power to one or more systems of the EMU, wherein one or more of the one or more systems of the EMU creates a habitable environment for a wearer of the EMU; a controller connected to the receiver, the battery, and the power distribution module and configured to direct the DC voltage from the receiver to the power distribution module, bypassing charging of the battery; Primary Life Support System (PLSS), and the EMU including a display and control module (DCM); The power transmitting unit includes: the first resonant coil is mounted on an exterior surface of the primary life support system (PLSS) of the EMU; The system wherein the second resonant coil is mounted on an exterior surface of the display and control module (DCM) of the EMU.

8. The system of claim 7 , wherein the one or more systems include a regulator and one or more fans.

9. The system of claim 7 , wherein the structure is within an airlock of a spacecraft, a space station, or a planetary habitat.

10. The system of claim 7 , wherein the structure is part of a planetary rover.

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