Thermal management in a wireless power system

Abstract

This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatuses for thermal management in a wireless power system. In some aspects, a Power Transmitter (PTx) can activate PTx cooling options based on thermal conditions of a Power Receiver (PRx). For example, the PTx can receive temperature information from the PRx. When the temperature is rising, or when the temperature exceeds a PRx reference temperature, the PTx can activate PTx cooling and / or one or more PTx cooling components. In some aspects, the PTx informs the PRx about PTx cooling capabilities, and the PRx controls the activation of the PTx cooling (or PTx cooling components) using one or more cooling control packets. When the PTx cooling is not sufficient to maintain the PRx temperature below the PRx reference temperature, the PTx or the PRx can implement power reduction, suspend power transfer (in a cloak state), or cease the wireless power transfer.

Description

Docket No. GE24896WO01THERMAL MANAGEMENT IN A WIRELESS POWER SYSTEMCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This Patent Application claims benefit of priority to India Provisional Patent Application No. 202411061746, filed August 14, 2024, entitled “THERMAL MANAGEMENT IN A WIRELESS POWER SYSTEM,” the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] This disclosure relates generally to wireless power and some aspects relate to thermal management in a wireless power system.DESCRIPTION OF RELATED TECHNOLOGY

[0003] A wireless power system includes a Power Transmitter (PTx, sometimes also referred to as a wireless power transmission apparatus) and a Power Receiver (PRx, sometimes also referred to as a wireless power reception apparatus). The Power Transmitter includes a primary coil that produces an electromagnetic field during a power transfer phase to induce a voltage in a secondary coil of the Power Receiver when the secondary coil is placed in proximity to the primary coil. When the secondary coil is coupled to a rectifier, the induced voltage can generate power. Thus, the Power Transmitter can wirelessly transfer power to the Power Receiver. The power may be transferred using inductive coupling or resonant coupling between the primary coil and the secondary coil. The Power Receiver can provide the generated power to operate a load (such as a motor, a heating element, electronics, or a power storage device, among other examples).

[0004] Wireless power technologies continue to evolve as manufacturers and consumers develop new capabilities. Consumers continue to adopt wireless power technology for new applications and deployment scenarios. Some advances in wireless power technology enable a wireless power system to increase the amount of power that can be transferred from a Power Transmitter to a Power Receiver. Power transfer at higher power levels (e.g., 15W, 25W, and 50W, among other examples) can generate excessive heat at the Power Receiver. For example, as the Power Receiver charges a battery or uses the received power at a load, the Power Receiver can heat up. Manufacturers typically limit battery temperatures to 45 -55 degrees Celsius to mitigate the risks of overheating or reduced lifespan of the battery.Docket No. GE24896WO01BRIEF SUMMARY

[0005] The systems, methods, and apparatuses of this disclosure each have several innovative aspects, no single one of which is solely responsible for the desirable attributes disclosed herein.

[0006] One innovative aspect of this disclosure can be implemented as a Power Transmitter (PTx) for transmitting a wireless power signal to a Power Receiver (PRx) during a power transfer phase. This innovative aspect includes the Power Transmitter receiving a cooling control packet from the Power Receiver during the power transfer phase, controlling a PTx cooling component of the PTx based on the cooling control packet, and communicating capability information to the PRx. In some aspects, the capability information includes an indication that the PTx supports PTx cooling based on thermal management of the PRx, and / or information associated with the one or more PTx cooling levels supported by the PTx. For example, the PTx cooling levels can include a current PTx cooling level or a maximum level of cooling supported by the PTx.

[0007] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented as a method performed by a Power Receiver. The method includes the Power Receiver transmitting thermal management configuration information to a Power Transmitter, receiving a wireless power signal from the Power Transmitter during a power transfer phase. The method includes the Power Receiver periodically communicating temperature information to the Power Transmitter for thermal management during the power transfer phase.

[0008] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented as a method performed by a Power Transmitter. The method includes the Power Transmitter communicating capability information to the Power Receiver, the capability information including at least one of an indication that the Power Transmitter supports PTx cooling based on thermal management of the Power Receiver, or information about the PTx cooling options available at the Power Transmitter. The method includes the Power Transmitter receiving a cooling control packet from the Power Receiver during a power transfer phase. The method includes the Power Transmitter controlling a PTx cooling component of the Power Transmitter based on the cooling control packet.

[0009] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented as a method performed by a Power Receiver. The method includes the Power Receiver receiving capability information from a Power Transmitter, the capability information including at least one of an indication that the Power Transmitter supports PTxDocket No. GE24896WO01 cooling based on thermal management of the Power Receiver, or information about the PTx cooling options available at the Power Transmitter. The method includes the Power Receiver transmitting a cooling control packet to the Power Transmitter during a power transfer phase based on the capability information and thermal conditions of the Power Receiver.

[0010] Another innovative aspect of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented as an apparatus. The apparatus includes a power transfer coil configured to transmit or receive a wireless power signal. The apparatus includes a controller configured to implement any one of the above-referenced methods.

[0011] Another innovative aspect is PTx can control its own cooling or at the request of PRx. In some implementation this is accomplished by PTx to control cooling based on PRx request (Mode 1) or PTx can independently control its cooling levels without giving the control to PRx. (Mode 2). PTx can choose the mode of cooling operation. In some implementation, te cooling control (Mode 1 or Mode 2) can be negotiated by PRx and PTx during negotiation phase based on various conditions (predetermined or according to operating temperature of devices).

[0012] Details of one or more implementations of the subject matter described in this disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements. To easily identify the discussion of any particular element or act, the most significant digit or digits in a reference number refer to the figure number in which that element is first introduced. Note that the relative dimensions of the figures may not be drawn to scale.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example wireless power system implementing power transmitter (PTx) cooling techniques based on power receiver (PRx) temperature information.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing example PTx cooling components.

[0016] FIG. 3 shows example power profiles of a wireless power system.

[0017] FIG. 4A is a state diagram of a wireless power system showing an example thermal management option.

[0018] FIG. 4B is a state diagram of a wireless power system showing another example thermal management option.Docket No. GE24896WO01

[0019] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing example operations to manage cooling and charge rate based on PRx temperature information.

[0020] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing example thermal management options used at various temperature ranges.

[0021] FIG. 7 is a message flow diagram of an example thermal management technique where the Power Transmitter implements thermal management based on temperature information from the Power Receiver.

[0022] FIG. 8A is a diagram of an example PTx capability packet.

[0023] FIG. 8B is a diagram of an example thermal management configuration packet.

[0024] FIG. 8C is a diagram showing example heat status packets.

[0025] FIG. 8D is a diagram showing an example PTx cooling status packet.

[0026] FIG. 9 is a flow diagram with example operations of a Power Transmitter.

[0027] FIG. 10 is a message flow diagram of an example thermal management technique where the Power Receiver implements thermal management based on PTx cooling capability information from the Power Transmitter.

[0028] FIG. 11A is a diagram of an example PTx cooling status request packet.

[0029] FIG. 11B is a diagram showing an example cooling control packet.

[0030] FIG. 12 is a message flow diagram of an example thermal management technique where the Power Receiver communicates a specific request related to thermal management.

[0031] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example specific request packet.

[0032] FIG. 14A is a timing diagram showing active cooling and power reduction.

[0033] FIG. 14B is another timing diagram showing active cooling and power reduction.

[0034] FIG. 14C is a timing diagram showing active cooling.

[0035] FIG. 14D is a timing diagram showing incremental cooling techniques for thermal management.

[0036] FIG. 15 is a timing diagram showing power control for thermal management.

[0037] FIG. 16 is a flow chart diagram with example operations of a Power Transmitter when using PTx-side thermal management.

[0038] FIG. 17 is a flow chart diagram with example operations of a Power Receiver when using PTx-side thermal management.

[0039] FIG. 18 is a flow chart diagram with example operations of a Power Transmitter when using PRx-side thermal management.Docket No. GE24896WO01

[0040] FIG. 19 is a flow chart diagram with example operations of a Power Receiver when using PRx-side thermal management.

[0041] FIG. 20 is a block diagram of an example apparatus for use in a wireless power system.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] The following description is directed to certain implementations for the purpose of describing innovative aspects of this disclosure. A person of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the teachings herein can be applied in a multitude of different ways. The described implementations can be implemented in any means, apparatus, system, or method for transmitting or receiving wireless power. Although the concepts and examples described in this document are based on wireless power transfer using example power profiles for magnetic induction, the concepts can apply to other types of deployments including other power profiles, communication protocols, or even other wireless power techniques.

[0043] As described above, a wireless power system may include a Power Transmitter (sometimes referred to as a PTx, or a wireless power transmission apparatus). The Power Transmitter may include a power transfer coil (sometimes referred to as a primary coil) to wirelessly transmit power via a magnetic field that induces a current in a secondary coil of a Power Receiver (sometimes referred to as a PRx or a wireless power reception apparatus). Typically, the Power Receiver uses the induced current to power a load, such as a battery charger, motor, or other electronics. As wireless power systems increase the amount of power that can be transmitted, the components of the Power Receiver can experience increased heat due to the current and / or battery charging circuitry. In some implementations, a battery or battery charger of the Power Receiver can heat up as the battery is charged. Common techniques for managing the increased temperature of the Power Receiver are based on features of the Power Receiver. For example, the Power Receiver might send a control message to the Power Transmitter to cease or reduce a requested power level when the temperature of the Power Receiver becomes higher than the Power Receiver can support. While reducing the power of the wireless power signal is sometimes effective to manage temperature, it can increase the amount of time needed to charge the battery or otherwise result in poor user experience. Furthermore, reducing power may be ineffective in managing the temperature or might cause the wireless power transfer to decrease system efficiency.

[0044] This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatuses for power control in a wireless power system. In some aspects of this disclosure, the Power Transmitter can enhance or maintain the charging rate by dynamically (or autonomously) activating active cooling atDocket No. GE24896WO01 the Power Transmitter. For example, the Power Transmitter can transmit a wireless power signal to a Power Receiver (PRx) and receive a cooling control packet from the Power Receiver during a power transfer phase. In some aspects, the Power Transmitter can control a PTx cooling component of the PTx based on the cooling control packet. For example, the Power Transmitter can receive information from the Power Receiver, such as thermal management configuration information, temperature (or cooling) information, and / or the cooling control packet. When temperature is rising, or when the temperature exceeds a PRx reference temperature, a first threshold, and / or a second threshold (e.g., as shown in FIG. 14A to FIG. 14D), the Power Transmitter can activate a PTx cooling component. In some aspects, the Power Transmitter can provide capability information to the Power Receiver to indicate the PTx cooling capabilities, and the capability information may include at least one of an indication that the PTx supports PTx cooling (such as active cooling) based on thermal management of the PRx, or information associated with the one or more PTx cooling levels supported by the PTx. For example, the one or more PTx cooling levels may include a current PTx cooling level or a maximum level of cooling supported by the PTx (such as a maximum amount of cooling that can be accomplished by activating all PTx cooling components). In some aspects, when the PTx has provided the capability information to the Power Receiver, the PRx may control the activation of PTx cooling components using one or more cooling control packets. In some implementations, the PTx cooling component is sufficient to maintain the Power Receiver temperature below a PRx reference temperature or one or more thresholds (such a first threshold and / or a second threshold). When PTx cooling is not sufficient (e.g., the temperature exceeds the second threshold), the Power Transmitter or the Power Receiver can suspend or cease wireless power transfer.

[0045] In some aspects, the Power Transmitter can control a power transfer rate and one or more PTx cooling options (or levels) to optimize a charge rate of the Power Receiver. For example, the Power Transmitter can use a Proportional -Integral -Derivative (PID) controller to adjust the PTx cooling component or power transfer rate in a control loop feedback mechanism. Based on changes in temperature, or rate of temperature increase / decrease, the Power Transmitter can autonomously adjust how much cooling is activated at the Power Transmitter (e.g., by increasing one or more PTx cooling levels). In some aspects, when the Power Transmitter autonomously increases the PTx cooling level, the Power Transmitter can subsequently inform the Power Receiver of the current PTx cooling level (e.g., as described in reference to FIG. 10 and FIG. 8D). In other aspects, the Power Transmitter can indicate to the Power Receiver (e.g., via a packet, an instruction, or an indication) that a higher (or increased) PTx cooling level is needed, which then instructs the Power Transmitter to increaseDocket No. GE24896WO01 the PTx cooling level. Alternatively, or additionally, the Power Receiver can use a PID controller of the Power Receiver to manage cooling control packets based on thermal conditions of the Power Receiver, the PTx cooling status, and the PTx cooling options.

[0046] In some implementations, the Power Receiver can obtain capability information from the Power Transmitter, such as whether the Power Transmitter supports active cooling or the available cooling techniques of the Power Transmitter. The Power Receiver can communicate a request (e.g., by a cooling control packet or a specific request packet) to cause the Power Transmitter to activate PTx cooling component. In some implementations, the request can indicate a requested cooling level and / or requested cooling technique. In some implementations, the Power Transmitter can communicate a PTx cooling status to the Power Receiver, conveying the Power Transmitter's cooling status.

[0047] In some implementations, the Power Transmitter and / or the Power Receiver can modify a power transfer mode or power level to manage temperature when active cooling and other cooling techniques have been exhausted and deemed ineffective in managing the temperature of the Power Receiver. For example, the Power Transmitter can reduce power or request a renegotiation of power transfer settings. In some implementations, the Power Transmitter can cease transmission of wireless power if temperature limits are exceeded and cooling techniques and / or power reduction are insufficient to bring the temperature below the temperature limit.

[0048] In some implementations, the Power Transmitter can also consider power adapter constraints. In scenarios where a power adapter has a maximum power that can be made available at a particular operating temperature, the Power Transmitter can reduce or stop cooling if the temperature is below a suitable operating temperature of the power adapter. In some implementations, the Power Transmitter can implement a pulse operation of the wireless power signal to manage the temperature of the Power Receiver when the temperature information indicates the temperature of the Power Receiver exceeds a temperature limit.

[0049] For brevity, this disclosure describes techniques in which the Power Transmitter manages the PTx cooling component(s) based on temperature information from the Power Receiver. Some aspects of PTx cooling control can be managed at the Power Receiver. This disclosure provides several examples of communication packets and protocol to enable the Power Transmitter and the Power Receiver to coordinate thermal management based on PTx cooling options. Other technical features may be evident to those skilled in the art from associated figures, descriptions, and claims.Docket No. GE24896WO01

[0050] Particular implementations of the subject matter described in this disclosure can be implemented to realize one or more of the following potential advantages. Charging rate can be maximized based on effectiveness of PTx cooling as determined in a feedback control loop. The Power Transmitter can reduce power consumption by activating or deactivating PTx-side cooling as needed to maintain Power Receiver temperature below a PRx reference temperature. The proposed solution enables greater flexibility to manufacturers of Power Receivers to implement PRx-side cooling and indicate a PRx reference temperature that is based on Power Receiver capabilities or temperature tolerance. The addition of PTx-side cooling can improve power transfer efficiency and higher charging rates while satisfying PRx- side temperature thresholds to extend battery life or charging performance.

[0051] In several of the examples of this disclosure, reference is made to various packets (such as a PTx capability packet, a thermal management configuration packet, a heat status packet, a PTx cooling status packet, a PTx cooling status request packet, or a cooling control packet). It should be understood that one or more of the described packets might be specified in a technical specification or protocol for the wireless power system. In some implementations, one or more of the described packets might be specified as a new type of independent separate packet in the technical specification or protocol. In some implementations, one or more of the described packets can refer to information or data that is part of an existing packet type in the technical specification or protocol.

[0052] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example wireless power system implementing Power Transmitter (PTx) cooling techniques based on Power Receiver (PRx) temperature information.

[0053] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example wireless power system 100. The example wireless power system 100 includes a Power Transmitter 110 and a Power Receiver 140. The Power Transmitter 110 includes a power transfer coil 116 (sometimes referred to as a primary coil) and a PTx controller 120. The power transfer coil 116 may be associated with a Power Transmitter circuit 114 (sometimes also referred to as a power signal generator, or a driver circuit, or a driver). The power transfer coil 116 may be a wire coil which transmits wireless power (which also may be referred to as wireless energy). The power transfer coil 116 may transmit wireless energy using an inductive or a resonant magnetic field. The Power Transmitter circuit 114 may include components (not shown) to prepare the wireless power. For example, the Power Transmitter circuit 114 may include one or more switches, drivers, series capacitors, rectifiers, inverters, or other components. In some implementations, the Power Transmitter circuit 114 includes an inverter and a PTx resonant tank circuit (which can be referred to as a “tank circuit” for brevity). The PTx controller 120Docket No. GE24896WO01 may be implemented as a microcontroller, dedicated processor, integrated circuit, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or any other suitable electronic device.

[0054] A power source 112 provides power to the power transmitter unit 118. In some implementations, the power source 112 may convert alternating current (AC) power to direct current (DC) power. For example, the power source 112 may include a converter that receives an AC power from an external power supply and converts the AC power to a DC power used by the Power Transmitter circuit 114. Alternatively, or additionally, a component (such as an inverter) of the Power Transmitter circuit 114 may convert the DC power to the AC power. The power source 112 may be integrated as part of the Power Transmitter 110 or may be external to the Power Transmitter 110. In some implementations, the Power Transmitter 110 causes the power source 112 to regulate the DC output voltage of the power source 112. For example, the PTx controller 120 can set the DC voltage of the power source 112 based on information (such as a value indicating a requested power) received from the Power Receiver 140. The Power Transmitter 110 can receive power configuration information from the Power Receiver 140 and use the information to set a parameter (such as the DC output voltage of the power source 112). In some implementations, the Power Transmitter 110 includes a DC-DC converter (not shown) between the power source 112 and the Power Transmitter circuit 114 to control the variable DC output voltage.

[0055] The PTx controller 120 is connected to a PTx communication interface 122. The PTx communication interface 122 is connected to the PTx tank circuit. The PTx communication interface 122 may contain modulation and demodulation circuits to communicate via frequency, amplitude, current, or voltage modulation of a wireless power signal. For example, the PTx communication interface 122 can have an FSK modulator for communications sent to the Power Receiver 140. Additionally, the PTx communication interface 122 can have an ASK demodulator for communications received from the Power Receiver 140.

[0056] FIG. 1 shows an example wireless power system 100, including an example apparatus 160 that includes a Power Receiver 140 and other components (such as a converter 152, an energy storage unit 154, a load 162, a load controller 164, and / or a user interface 166). The Power Receiver 140 includes a power transfer coil 144 (sometimes referred to as a “secondary coil” to distinguish from the primary coil of a Power Transmitter), a PRx tank circuit 148 (or “tank circuit”), a rectifier 150, a PRx controller 156, and a PRx communication interface 158. The converter 152 can operate as a buck or boost converter to alter the voltage of electricity being supplied to the energy storage unit 154 (when the Power Receiver 140 is being operated in a power reception mode) or being drawn from the energy storage unit 154 (when the Power Receiver 140 is being operated in a power transmission mode). In someDocket No. GE24896WO01 implementations, the apparatus 160 also includes a load controller 164 and a user interface 166 (such as a button, switch, touchpad, indicator, touch screen, or wireless local area network interface). In some implementations, the rectifier 150 is capable of operating as a rectifier or an inverter, and may be implemented as an active bridge. The PRx tank circuit 148 can include a capacitor or other components to enable the secondary power transfer coil 144 to receive the wireless power 168 during the power state. Although not shown, a small capacitor can be used before the rectifier 150, and a load capacitance can be used after the rectifier 150 to match impedance and to filter a high frequency component of the rectifier voltage. In accordance with aspects of this disclosure, the PRx tank circuit 148 includes a capacitance component that can alter the capacitance of the PRx tank circuit 148 depending on different power levels, power transmission or reception modes, or power profile, among other examples.

[0057] Although shown as different components, some components may be packaged or implemented in the same hardware. For example, in some implementations, the PRx controller 156 and the load controller 164 may be implemented as a single controller. The PRx controller 156, the load controller 164, the PRx communication interface 158, or any combination thereof, may be implemented as a microcontroller, dedicated processor, integrated circuit, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or any other suitable electronic device. The PRx communication interface 158 (including any modulation unit, demodulator, communication coil, or other components, if present) can be collectively referred to as a second communication unit. The second communication unit might also include a power harvester (not shown) that can harvest energy from the communication signals and provide harvested bias power to the PRx controller 156 or the load controller 164.

[0058] The PTx controller 120 may detect the presence or proximity of a Power Receiver 140. This detection may happen during a periodic pinging process of the PTx communication interface 122. The PRx communication interface 158 can send a reply signal back to the PTx communication interface 122 to confirm that it is a Power Receiver. Prior to power transfer, a handshaking process may take place during which the PTx controller 120 may receive identification and configuration data, among other information, from the Power Receiver 140. The PTx controller 120 may control characteristics of wireless power it provides to the Power Receiver 140 based on the configuration data.

[0059] A PRx controller 156 may be operationally coupled to the rectifier 150 and the PRx communication interface 158. The PRx communication interface 158 may contain modulation and demodulation circuits to communicate via the power transfer coil 144 (such as before, after, or part of the PRx tank circuit 148). The PRx communication interface 158Docket No. GE24896WO01 may use load modulation to communicate via an in-band communication link (not shown) that includes the power transfer coil 144.

[0060] A load controller 164 may be operationally coupled to the load 162 and the PRx controller 156 (or to the PRx communication interface 158, coupling not shown in FIG. 1). The load controller 164 may detect changes to load states. The load controller 164 also may determine a load voltage reference and / or a power requirement of the load. The load controller 164 also may send load voltage references, load current, load power requirement, and any other suitable information to the PRx controller 156 or the PRx communication interface 158 for communication to the Power Transmitter 110. During a power state, the PRx controller 156 may also determine and provide feedback information indicating at least one or more of a measured load voltage, load current, load power requirement, and power available to the load 162. In some feedback messages, the feedback information may include a reference voltage indicating a required voltage for the load 162. In some feedback messages, the feedback information may indicate an error in the output voltage of the load 162. In some feedback messages, the feedback information may include the required power for the load. Although the PRx controller 156 and load controller 164 are shown separately, they may be included in the same component of the Power Receiver 140.

[0061] Some appliances are equipped with safety features, such as a disconnect switch 146, that are operated in conjunction with the operating states. For example, the disconnect switch 146 might be maintained in an open position to prevent the flow of current to the load 162 when the Power Receiver 140 is in the pre-power states (such as a standby state, a discovery state, or a connected state). Before transitioning to the power state, the PRx controller 156 might cause the disconnect switch 146 to move to a closed position to enable the flow of current to the load 162. In an emergency condition (such as excessive voltage or current), the PRx controller 156 might open the disconnect switch 146 to prevent damage to the load 162 or other components of the Power Receiver 140 or the apparatus 160. After the disconnect switch 146 is closed, the PRx controller 156 can communicate a message to the PTx controller 120 to cause the wireless power system to transition to the power state. Alternatively, or additionally, the PRx controller 156 can communicate a power request to begin the transmission of the wireless power 168. Although the disconnect switch 146 is illustrated near the load 162, in some implementations, the disconnect switch 146 is located closer to the power transfer coil 144.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 1, the Power Transmitter 110 also includes one or more PTx cooling component(s) 130 that the PTx controller 120 can activate or deactivate based on thermal conditions of the Power Receiver 140. In some implementations, the PTx coolingDocket No. GE24896WO01 component(s) 130 can implement different cooling levels, or the PTx controller 120 can achieve different cooling levels by activating various ones of the PTx cooling component(s) 130. The Power Receiver 140 includes one or more temperature sensor(s) 170. Although the temperature sensor(s) 170 are illustrated in the Power Receiver 140, in some implementations, the temperature sensor(s) 170 can be located closer to the energy storage unit 154, the load 162, or near an interface surface of the Power Receiver 140, or any combination of locations within or near the apparatus 160. In some aspects, the PRx controller 156 communicates temperature information (via the PRx communication interface 158 and the PTx communication interface 122) to the PTx controller 120. The PTx controller 120 can use the temperature information (among other considerations) to control activation states or cooling levels of the PTx cooling component(s) 130. In some aspects, the Power Transmitter 110 informs the Power Receiver 140 regarding the available PTx cooling options (such as available PTx cooling component(s) 130 or supported PTx cooling levels) and the PRx controller 156 controls the activation / deactivation / level of the PTx cooling component(s) 130 using cooling control packets.

[0063] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing example PTx cooling component(s) 130. The PTx controller 120 of the Power Transmitter 110 can selectively activate or deactivate a PTx cooling component. Example PTx cooling component(s) 130 include a cooling fan 202, a liquid cooling unit 204, a blower 206, an active heat sink 208, heat pipes 210, a thermoelectric cooler 212, phase changing materials 214, other cooling techniques 216, or any combination of these examples. Some of the PTx cooling component(s) 130 might support different cooling levels, such as different fan speeds of the cooling fan 202. Alternatively, or additionally, the PTx controller 120 can implement different cooling levels by activating one, more than one, or all, of the available PTx cooling component(s) 130. For brevity, this disclosure refers to PTx cooling component which should be understood to refer to any one or more of the example PTx cooling component(s) 130 shown in FIG. 2. Each of the PTx cooling component(s) 130 might consume different amounts of power or might be associated with different amounts of cooling effectiveness. Because the PTx controller 120 can selectively activate or deactivate the PTx cooling component(s) 130 based on thermal conditions of the Power Receiver, aspects of this disclosure provide a potential technical benefit of reducing power consumption when cooling is not needed and improving thermal conditions when cooling is needed.

[0064] FIG. 3 shows example power profiles 300 of a wireless power system. The example power profiles 300 include a baseline power profile (BPP) 302, an extended power profile (EPP) 304, and a magnetic power profile (MPP) 306. Other power profiles may be developedDocket No. GE24896WO01 in the future to support higher power (such as 50W) or different operating frequencies. Each power profile is associated with a protocol, supported power levels, and design features.Table 1 summarizes some example differences.Table 1.

[0065] A technical specification defines the communications physical layer, message format, and order of communications for each protocol. For example, the magnetic protocol is based on a communications physical layer that uses in-band modulation via a power signal. For the magnetic protocol communications physical layer, the Power Transmitter uses FSK modulation for PTx communications and the Power Receiver uses ASK modulation for PRx communications.

[0066] In some implementations, aspects of this disclosure could be used with any of the example power profiles 300. In other implementations, aspects of this disclosure might be used in a particular power profile, such as MPP 306 or another power profile (not yet named). For example, the various packet types described in this disclosure might be implemented in the magnetic protocol for MPP 306, an extension of the magnetic protocol, or a new protocol.

[0067] FIG. 4A is a state diagram 400a of a wireless power system showing an example thermal management option. The state diagram 400a illustrates the operating states in which the wireless power system may operate. When a Power Receiver is placed within an operatingDocket No. GE24896WO01 volume on the interface surface of a Power Transmitter, the two start to communicate to configure settings for the wireless power transfer. There are several operating states shown in FIG. 4A: a ping phase 402 (sometimes also referred to as a ping state), a configuration phase 404 (sometimes referred to as an identification phase), a negotiation phase 406, and a power transfer phase 408 (sometimes referred to as a power transfer state), and a cloak phase 410 (sometimes also referred to as a cloak state). The ping phase 402, the configuration phase 404, and the negotiation phase 406 can collectively be referred to as pre-power states. A technical specification may define how the Power Transmitter and Power Receiver can transition between the operating states. For example, the wireless power system typically begins in the ping phase 402 until the Power Transmitter detects a Power Receiver, moving it to the configuration phase 404. In the configuration phase 404, the Power Transmitter establishes communication and receives the identification information of the Power Receiver and configuration data. In the negotiation phase 406, the Power Transmitter and Power Receiver exchange information to agree and adjust parameters related to wireless power transfer. In the power transfer phase 408, the Power Transmitter transmits wireless power to the Power Receiver. The Power Receiver may occasionally or periodically communicate status or feedback control messages to the Power Transmitter during the power transfer phase 408. The system can move to a reinitialization state (not shown) as needed to reinitialize or return to the ping phase 402 when communication, powering, or other activities are no longer taking place. In the cloak phase 410, wireless power transmission is suspended but the configurations and negotiated settings remain, such that the wireless power system can return to the power transfer phase 408 without going through the pre-power states again. Each of the operating states are briefly described herein for reference.

[0068] In the ping phase 402, the Power Transmitter tries to establish communications with a Power Receiver. The Power Receiver may be just placed on the interface surface or may not be present during this operating state. The Power Transmitter may attempt to communicate or detect the presence of the Power Receiver. For example, the Power Transmitter may use an analog ping, out-of-band communication (such as near field communication (NFC)), a digital ping, impedance change detection, or any combination thereof, to determine that a compatible Power Receiver is present. In some implementations, the Power Transmitter transmits different types of ping signals to detect different types of Power Receivers. For example, the Power Transmitter can transmit a first type of digital ping using 128 kHz for BPP or EPP and a second type of digital ping using 360 kHz for MPP. The Power Transmitter might alternate between the first type and second type of digital ping. Alternatively, the Power Transmitter can initially transmit the first type of digital ping andDocket No. GE24896WO01 then transmit the second type of digital ping after receiving a first ping response from the Power Receiver in response to the first type of digital ping. Once the wireless power system determines that a Power Receiver is present (such as by confirming NFC communication or receiving a ping response or other communication from the Power Receiver in response to a digital ping), the wireless power system may transition to the configuration phase 404.

[0069] In the configuration phase 404, the Power Receiver may establish communication with the Power Transmitter and send identification information (such as an identification packet) to the Power Transmitter. In some implementations, the Power Transmitter may retrieve configuration information from the Power Receiver via the NFC communication or in-band signaling. In some implementations, the Power Transmitter can also transmit an identification packet to the Power Receiver. The Power Transmitter and the Power Receiver may use the identification information to verify that they both use compatible versions of a technical specification or protocol for wireless power transfer. The Power Transmitter and Power Receiver may communicate basic settings or communicate regarding their respective capabilities. From the configuration phase 404, the wireless power system may transition to the negotiation phase 406.

[0070] In the negotiation phase 406, the Power Transmitter and the Power Receiver may exchange further communications (such as capabilities and / or configuration messages 412) to negotiate the parameters that govern the power transfer phase 408. For example, a power negotiation can occur during the negotiation phase 406. After negotiating the parameters, the Power Transmitter may be prepared to transfer wireless power, and the Power Receiver may be prepared to receive the wireless power. The Power Transmitter may wait for a request or command (such as a requested power packet) from the Power Receiver before transitioning to the power transfer phase 408.

[0071] In the power transfer phase 408, the Power Transmitter generates a wireless power signal to transfer power to the Power Receiver via inductive or resonant coupling. The Power Transmitter generates the wireless power using a frequency, a voltage, and other operating points associated with the amount of power negotiated during the negotiation phase 406. During or before the power transfer phase 408, the Power Receiver might transmit extended control error (XCE) packets to control the voltage, frequency, and / or amount of power transmitted by the Power Transmitter.

[0072] From the power transfer phase 408, the Power Transmitter and the Power Receiver may transition back to the negotiation phase 406 until a next power transfer operation is needed. Alternatively, the wireless power system might transition to the ping phase 402. InDocket No. GE24896WO01 some implementations, if the Power Transmitter determines that the Power Receiver is moved, that the Power Receiver is no longer present in an operating environment of the Power Transmitter, or that a foreign object has been introduced to the operating environment, the Power Transmitter might transition to a reinitialization state (not shown) or any of the other pre-power states.

[0073] The cloak state 410 is associated with pausing or stopping wireless power without transitioning back to the negotiation phase 406. For example, a Power Receiver may request to pause or stop wireless charging when a battery temperature is too high or at the end of the battery charge cycle when trickle charging is inefficient. The cloak phase 410 allows for the temporary interruption of power transfer without notifying the user and without resetting the negotiated power transfer contract elements. The Power Transmitter and the Power Receiver maintain the negotiated power transfer parameters during the cloak phase 410. The cloak phase 410 can be initiated by the Power Receiver or requested by the Power Transmitter, at any time, using a cloak packet. The cloak phase 410 begins once the Power Transmitter terminates power transfer after processing a cloak packet from the Power Receiver. During the cloak phase 410, the Power Transmitter might periodically and briefly transmit wireless power signals known as "cloak pings." The Power Receiver can either continue the cloak phase 410 by responding to cloak pings with another cloak packet or exit the cloak phase 410 (and return to the power transfer phase 408) by initiating a cloak exit handshake.

[0074] In accordance with aspects of this disclosure (shown at block 412), a Power Receiver can send thermal management configuration information to the Power Transmitter. For example, the Power Receiver can communicate the thermal management configuration information during the configuration phase 404 or the negotiation phase 406. The thermal management configuration information can include, among other parameters, a PRx reference temperature. During the power transfer phase 408, the Power Receiver communicates heat status packets (which may be referred to by other names). The heat status packets can indicate, for example, the current temperature of the Power Receiver, a trend (e.g., increasing or decreasing) of the temperature at the Power Receiver, or an indication of whether the temperature is within normal operating thresholds or above a threshold (e.g., high temperature). As shown, at block 414, the Power Transmitter can control one or more PTx cooling components based on the heat status packets and the thermal management configuration information (such as the PRx reference temperature). The techniques shown in FIG. 4 A (and further examples described with reference to FIG. 5, 9, 16, and 17) can be referred to as PTx-side thermal management since analysis of the PRx temperature and control decisions can be made at the Power Transmitter (such as by the PTx controller).Docket No. GE24896WO01

[0075] FIG. 4B is a state diagram of a wireless power system showing another example thermal management option. The state diagram 400b of FIG. 4B is the same as described with reference to similarly numbered elements as FIG. 4A, and is omitted for brevity. FIG. 4B differs from FIG. 4 A in that FIG. 4B shows an example of PRx-side thermal management. During the configuration phase 404 or the negotiation phase 406, shown at block 416, the Power Transmitter sends PTx capability information (such as PTx cooling options, supported cooling levels, and / or support for the PRx-side thermal management) to the Power Receiver. PTx can send capability information on its own as part of the negotiation process or at the request of PRx. During the power transfer phase 408, the Power Receiver monitors thermal conditions (such as temperature at the Power Receiver or the interface surface). Shown at block 418, the Power Receiver can send cooling control packet(s) to the Power Transmitter to cause the Power Transmitter to activate or deactivate a PTx cooling component or implement a requested cooling level. The techniques shown in FIG. 4B (and further examples described with reference to FIG. 10, 12, 18, and 19) can be referred to as PRx-side thermal management since analysis of the PRx temperature and control decisions can be made at the Power Receiver (such as by the PRx controller).

[0076] Although FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B illustrate thermal management options as separate figures, some implementations can use a combination or hybrid option in which aspects of FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B can be combined or modified. For example, operations related to thermal management, analysis, and / or control decisions can be made by a combination of operations that include both the Power Receiver and the Power Transmitter, or even by another controller communicatively coupled to the Power Receiver and the Power Transmitter. In such hybrid implementations, the PTx may indicate (based on its own thermal monitoring) to the PRx that a higher PTx cooling level is needed or that the PTx temperature is increasing, such that the PRx may then, in response to such indication, instruct the PTx to increase the PTx cooling (or PTx cooling level(s)) (e.g., via a cooling control packet). In some implementation, the PTx may itself change the cooling level based on the PTx thermal monitoring and inform the current status of cooling level to PRx. In such case, the PRx can update the PTx cooling level in PRx’s control. In some implementations, some of the operations described as PTx-side thermal management or PRx-side thermal management can be performed by a separate apparatus, such as a mat at the interface surface, an environmental thermal management / monitoring system, or apparatus containing one or more Power Transmitters or Power Receivers, among other examples.

[0077] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing example operations 500 to manage cooling and charge rate based on PRx temperature information. In some aspects, a PTx controllerDocket No. GE24896WO01 implements the operations 500 (such as in PTx-side thermal management). In some aspects, a PRx controller can implement similar operations.

[0078] The operations 500 include determining a comparison (e.g., calculating a difference) between a PRx temperature value 504 and a PRx reference temperature 502. The magnitude of the difference can be referred to as a temperature difference, difference value, or error value. The temperature difference is used as an input to a PID controller 506 (or other type of processor / controller) to analyze the temperature difference and determine a cooling control parameter 510. In some implementations, the output of the PID controller 506 also includes a power control parameter 512. An optimizer 508 (either as part of the PID controller 506 or a separate element) can adjust the cooling control parameter 510 and / or the power control parameter 512. In some implementations, the PID controller 506 and / or the optimizer 508 can implement a lookup table, a mathematical calculation, machine -learning techniques, or other features to determine the cooling control parameter 510 and the power control parameter 512.

[0079] The cooling control parameter 510 can include, for example, a value or input to a fan controller or any type of device for activating / deactivating a PTx cooling component. Alternatively, or additionally, the cooling control parameter 510 can include information for a cooling control packet or a cooling status packet. The power control parameter 512 can include, for example, a setting for a power Transmitter unit (such as to control power, voltage, or frequency of wireless power transmitted by the Power Transmitter). In some implementations, the power control parameter 512 can include a setting for a requested power packet or control error packet that a Power Receiver communicates to adjust an amount of power being transmitted by the Power Transmitter.

[0080] The operations 500 (and use of the cooling control parameter 510 and the power control parameter 512) are further described in the form of examples in FIG. 14A to FIG. 15. A potential technical advantage of the operations 500 is that the PID controller 506 and / or the optimizer 508 can maximize the charge rate based on which cooling options can be activated and the thermal conditions. For example, the optimizer 508 may prioritize the use of cooling control parameter 510 until cooling options have been exhausted and then consider power reduction or other changes to the power control parameter 512. Power reduction refers to a decrease in the amount of power being transmitted by the Power Transmitter and can include, for example, a change in voltage, frequency, or other parameter that results in less induced current at the Power Receiver. In some implementations, a power reduction is initiated by the Power Transmitter (or the Power Receiver) transmitting a negotiation (NEGO) packet or a re-negotiation (Re-NEGO) request packet. Generally, power reduction is expected toDocket No. GE24896WO01 increase overall charge time and can be referred to as a slower (or lower) charge rate compared to the charge rate before the power reduction. In some instances, it is possible that a power reduction can result in a shorter overall charge time, such as when the power reduction can avoid an overtemperature condition that would otherwise result in overheating or decreased power transfer efficiency, both of which can extend charge time. The outputs of the operations 500 can be further understood by reference to FIG. 6.

[0081] Aspects of this disclosure can use a PID controller to reach a control point (such as power level, cooling level, or both). In some implementations, a PID controller can reach the desired control point while minimizing deviations above and below the target results. A PID controller is a feedback-based control loop mechanism widely used in industrial control systems and other applications often associated with continuously adapting control. The PID controller calculates an error value as the difference between a setpoint and a process variable, and applies corrections based on a proportional, integral, and derivative terms (denoted , 7, and D, respectively) to achieve accurate and optimal control. A PID controller can also be referred to as a three-term controller (referring to the P, I, and D terms). In some implementations, the P term helps to reduce the time taken to reach the control point, and the I and D terms help to reach the control point with reduced overshoot and undershoot to reach the desired control point.

[0082] Although described as a PID controller, the features of FIG. 5 can be implemented by a one-term or two-term controller. For example, instead of the PID controller, the Power Transmitter (or the Power Receiver) can use a P Controller, a PI controller, or a PD controller. Furthermore, some aspects of this disclosure can be implemented using a different type of controller.

[0083] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing example thermal management options used at various temperature ranges. In a first temperature range 610, the temperature of the Power Receiver is within normal operating parameters (e.g., below a PRx reference temperature 612). When the PRx temperature 640 is within the normal operating parameters, in the first temperature range 610, the PTx cooling component(s) may only be deactivated upon receiving an indication, instruction, or acknowledgment from the Power Receiver, and the Power Transmitter may then permit increases to power transfer (such as a requested power packet or XCE packets).

[0084] As the PRx temperature 640 increases (i.e., hotter temperatures), the PRx temperature 640 might enter a second temperature range 620 that is higher than the PRx reference temperature 612 and lower than a temperature limit 632. In some implementations, theDocket No. GE24896WO01 temperature range between the PRx reference temperature 612 and the temperature limit 632 can be divided into two temperature ranges (as shown in FIG. 6), illustrated as the second temperature range 620 and the third temperature range 630). In the second temperature range 620, the Power Transmitter (or the Power Receiver) may activate PTx cooling options as an attempt to manage the thermal condition without power reduction. In the third temperature range 630, the Power Transmitter (or the Power Receiver) may implement power reduction in addition to active cooling control. In some implementations, the power reduction implemented in the third temperature range 630 is based on a determination that the PRx temperature 640 exceeds a cooling limit 622. For example, the cooling limit 622 can refer to a maximum amount of cooling that can be accomplished by activating all PTx cooling options (such as activating all PTx cooling components and cooling levels that are available).

[0085] If the PRx temperature 640 continues to rise, the PRx temperature 640 might exceed a temperature limit 632, despite the combined effects of PTx cooling and power reduction. The PRx temperature 640 exceeding the temperature limit 632 can also be referred to as an overtemperature condition 634. In such instances, the Power Transmitter (or the Power Receiver) may suspend or cease power transfer to mitigate damage or danger associated with the overtemperature condition 634. Alternatively, or additionally, the Power Transmitter (or the Power Receiver) can implement pulse power operation.

[0086] Pulse power operation refers to intermittent power transfer periods that include some periods of power transfer ("power on periods") dispersed among periods where no power is transferred ("power off periods"). Pulsed power operation can also be a technique used in the third temperature range 630 to manage the PRx temperature 640. During the power on periods, the PRx temperature 640 may increase and during the power off periods, the PRx temperature 640 may decrease. By adjusting the durations of the power on periods and power off periods, a controller (such as the PTx controller or the PRx controller) can manage power transfer while maintaining the PRx temperature 640 within an acceptable temperature range (such as the third temperature range 630) below the temperature limit 632. Pulse power operation can also be useful as a technique to manage thermal conditions of the Power Receiver in cases where a power adapter of the Power Transmitter has a minimum effective power level or the wireless power system is already operating at a minimum power transfer rate and further power reduction is not possible.

[0087] FIG. 7 is a message flow diagram 700 of an example thermal management technique (referred to as PTx-side thermal management) where the Power Transmitter 110 implements thermal management based on temperature information from the Power Receiver 140. Although the operations are described in terms of the Power Transmitter 110 and the PowerDocket No. GE24896WO01Receiver 140, it should be understood that the operations can be implemented in any suitable hardware, such as a PTx controller or a PRx controller, respectively.

[0088] At block 702, a Power Transmitter 110 detects that a Power Receiver 140 is located in a charging area and performs operations for identification and configuration (such as the configuration phase 404 described with reference to FIG. 4A). In some implementations, the Power Transmitter 110 may optionally transmit PTx capability information 704 (such as a PTx capability packet) to the Power Receiver 140. The PTx capability information 704 can indicate that the Power Transmitter 110 supports PTx-side thermal management techniques of this disclosure. In some implementations, the PTx capability information 704 can also include information about PTx cooling options or other capability information, as further described with reference to FIG. 8A.

[0089] The Power Receiver 140 can communicate thermal management information 706 (sometimes referred to as thermal management configuration information) to the Power Transmitter 110. For example, the thermal management information 706 can include a PTx PRx reference temperature, configurable thresholds, power reduction options, and / or a temperature limit, among other examples of configuration information related to thermal management. Further examples of the thermal management information 706 are described with reference to FIG. 8B.

[0090] During the power transfer phase 408, the Power Transmitter 110 transmits wireless power 708 to the Power Receiver 140 according to negotiated power settings in a negotiation phase (not shown). The Power Receiver 140 transmits one or more heat status packets 710a, 710b, 710c, 710d, 710e during the power transfer phase 408. Examples of the heat status packets are further described with reference to FIG. 8C. In some implementations, the heat status packets can include a temperature value of the PRx temperature at the Power Receiver 140. Alternatively, or additionally, the heat status packets can indicate a temperature status (such as to indicate high temperature, acceptable temperature, or temperature changes). The heat status packets may be communicated periodically or aperiodically to the Power Transmitter 110. In some implementations, the heat status packets are communicated during communication periods (such as every N communication slots, where N is an integer number greater than 1). The Power Receiver can communicate the heat status packets within specified time limits, such as within a time interval T. Thus, the time interval T might create a periodicity for the heat status packets.

[0091] At some point the PRx temperature may exceed a PRx reference temperature. For example, the heat status packet 710a may indicate a thermal condition such as a temperatureDocket No. GE24896WO01 value above the PRx reference temperature or a temperature status that is associated with a temperature above a threshold. In some implementations, the Power Transmitter 110 compares a temperature value in the heat status packet 710c with the PRx reference temperature (from thermal management information 706) to determine that the Power Receiver 140 has a thermal condition that requires the Power Transmitter 110 to implement cooling options and / or power reduction. In the example of FIG. 7, based on receiving the heat status packet 710c, the Power Transmitter 110 may attempt to mitigate the thermal condition by activating PTx cooling (shown at block 712). In some implementations, the Power Transmitter 110 communicates a PTx cooling status packet 714 to inform the Power Receiver 140 that the Power Transmitter 110 has activated a PTx cooling component.

[0092] If activation of the PTx cooling component is successful in bringing down the PRx temperature, subsequent heat status packets 710d, 710e may indicate the PRx temperature is within acceptable temperature or that the thermal condition is abated. In the example of FIG. 7, for purposes of illustrating further thermal management features, the heat status packet 710e indicates that the thermal condition remains (i.e., the PRx temperature remains above the PRx reference temperature or a temperature threshold). Based on the heat status packet 710e continuing to indicate the thermal condition after the PTx cooling has been activated (block 712), the Power Transmitter 110 may determine that cooling options have been exhausted and / or that the temperature limit has been exceeded. The Power Transmitter 110 may autonomously implement further PTx cooling options (such as a higher cooling level than previously used), power reduction, and / or pulse power operation. For example, the Power Transmitter 110 may communicate a Re-NEGO request packet to initiate a renegotiation of the power settings, signaling to the PRx that more PTx cooling is needed, and / or prompting the PRx to send an instruction to the PTx for increasing the PTx cooling level(s).

[0093] For illustrative purposes, FIG. 7 also illustrates an example scenario (shown as block 716) in which PTx cooling options have been exhausted, further power reduction is not possible, and the PRx temperature remains above a temperature limit. Based on exhausting the capabilities for PTx cooling, the Power Transmitter 110 may determine that it is necessary to suspend wireless power transfer to allow the Power Receiver 140 to cool down. For example, the Power Transmitter 110 can communicate a cloak packet 718 to indicate a request to enter the cloak phase 410. The Power Receiver 140 can communicate an acknowledgement packet 720 to confirm the cloak state. In the cloak phase 410, the Power Transmitter 110 suspends the power transfer phase. Note that the cloak phase 410 may begin immediately upon sending the cloak packet 718 or may begin after the Power Transmitter 110 receives the acknowledgement packet 720.Docket No. GE24896WO01

[0094] Although shown as a cloak packet 718 from the Power Transmitter 110 to the Power Receiver 140, it is also possible for the Power Receiver 140 to initiate the cloak phase. For example, if the Power Receiver 140 detects an overtemperature condition, the Power Receiver 140 can send a cloak packet (not shown) to the Power Transmitter 110 to request the wireless power be suspended.

[0095] FIG. 8A through FIG. 8D (as well as FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B) include diagrams of example formats and data in various communication packets. The sizes and placement of the fields are shown for illustrative purposes and any of the described fields can be increased or decreased in size or placed in different byte / bit locations. A technical specification may specify the byte / bit locations and sizes of the described fields.

[0096] FIG. 8A is a diagram of an example PTx capability packet 800a that includes capability information 810 related to thermal management. Although illustrated as a standalone packet, in some implementations, the capability information 810 is included with other capability information, such as in an extended Power Transmitter extended capabilities (ECAP) packet. In some implementations, the capability information 810 includes an indication 812 that the Power Transmitter supports PTx-side thermal management (as described with reference to FIG. 7). In some implementations, the capability information 810 includes an indication 814 that the Power Transmitter supports PRx-side thermal management (further described with reference to FIG. 10). In some implementations, the capability information 810 can include a listing or indication of supported PTx cooling options 816 (such as what PTx cooling components are available and / or what cooling levels are available).

[0097] FIG. 8B is a diagram of an example thermal management configuration packet 800b. Although illustrated as a standalone packet, in some implementations, the example thermal management configuration packet 800b is included in an existing packet type, such as in an extended Power Receiver capabilities (ECAP) packet.

[0098] The example thermal management configuration packet 800b can communicate configuration information 820 from the Power Receiver to the Power Transmitter, such as for use with PTx-side thermal management. The configuration information 820 can include a PRx reference temperature 822, a temperature limit 824, or both. Although not shown in FIG. 8B, the configuration information 820 can include other information, such as thresholds, PRx cooling capabilities, overtemperature mitigation settings, or other parameters to enable the Power Transmitter to perform PTx-side thermal management.Docket No. GE24896WO01

[0099] FIG. 8C is a diagram showing example heat status packets. Although illustrated as a standalone packet, in some implementations, a heat status packet can be part of another packet type, such as a report packet or status packet. In some implementations, the heat status packet can be a new packet type (referred to as a HEAT packet).

[0100] In the first example heat status packet 800c, the heat status packet includes a temperature value 830. The temperature value 830 can be a value indicating the measured temperature at the Power Receiver (such as by temperature sensor(s) 170 of FIG. 1). In some implementations, the temperature value 830 can be scaled or otherwise alter ed / compressed to reduce the amount of data transmission overhead used to communicate the temperature value.

[0101] In a second example heat status packet 800e, the heat status packet includes a temperature status 840. The temperature status can include one or more indicators to indicate that the PRx temperature is above a threshold (shown as high temperature 842) or that the PRx temperature is within an acceptable temperature range (shown as acceptable temperature 844). For example, a first value (e.g., “11”) can indicate high temperature 842, while a second value (e.g., “00”, “01”, and / or “10”) can indicate acceptable temperature 844. Alternatively, or additionally, the temperature status 840 can include an indication whether the temperature is increasing or decreasing (shown as temperature increasing 846 and temperature decreasing 848, respectively). A potential technical advantage of the temperature status 840 indicating temperature increasing / decreasing is that the Power Transmitter can determine whether to implement further cooling options if the temperature is increasing or maintain / reduce the cooling options if the temperature is decreasing.

[0102] FIG. 8D is a diagram showing an example PTx cooling status packet 800d. The example PTx cooling status packet 800d can part of an existing packet type, such as an auxiliary data packet or may be a new packet type (such as a “PTxCoolingStatus” packet).

[0103] The example PTx cooling status packet 800d includes a PTx cooling status 850. For example, the PTx cooling status 850 can indicate (shown at block 852) whether the PTx cooling component is activated (e.g., a first value such as “11” to indicate PTx cooling is on) or deactivated (e.g., a second value such as “00” to indicate PTx cooling is off). In some implementations, the PTx cooling status 850 can indicate a cooling level 854 of the PTx cooling component, such as when the PTx cooling component supports a plurality of cooling levels. For example, the cooling level 854 of the PTx cooling status 850 can inform the PRx of changes (or increase) to the PTx cooling level(s), particularly if the cooling level 854 had been increased autonomously by the PTx. As an example, a third value such as “10” can indicate PTx cooling is on at a first cooling level and a fourth value such as “01” can indicateDocket No. GE24896WO01PTx cooling is on at a second cooling level. Although shown as 2 bits in the example of FIG. 8D, the PTx cooling status 850 can be larger to support a variety of PTx cooling levels or PTx cooling status information.

[0104] FIG. 9 is a flow diagram with example operations 900 of a Power Transmitter. In some implementations, a Power Transmitter may preemptively activate PTx cooling whenever a request is made for a power transfer above a threshold. For example, at block 902, the Power Transmitter might receive a request for high power (e.g., >15W). At block 904, the Power Transmitter might activate the PTx cooling component to preemptively start active cooling based on the request for high power.

[0105] At block 906, the Power Transmitter receives the PRx reference temperature (such as in an example thermal management configuration packet). At block 908, the Power Transmitter receives a heat status packet. At block 910, the Power Transmitter determines whether there is a thermal condition at the Power Receiver. For example, the Power Transmitter can determine that there is a thermal condition when a temperature value of the heat status packet (from block 908) exceeds a PRx reference temperature (from block 906).

[0106] At block 910, if the Power Transmitter determines there is no longer a thermal condition that requires PTx cooling, the flow diagram proceeds to block 912, where the Power Transmitter disables PTx cooling (if the PTx cooling component is active and the PRx temperature is below a threshold). Otherwise, if the Power Transmitter determines there is a thermal condition that requires PTx cooling, the flow diagram proceeds to block 914.

[0107] At block 914, the Power Transmitter activates the PTx cooling component as a first technique to mitigate the thermal condition. The Power Transmitter receives a subsequent heat status packet (at block 916). At block 918, the Power Transmitter determines whether the temperature is continuing to increase beyond a threshold (such as that PTx cooling options have been exhausted and further techniques are needed to mitigate the thermal condition). If the PRx temperature is under control (such as below a threshold or temperature is decreasing), the flow diagram returns to block 916 (or block 908) to wait for a further heat status packet. Otherwise, the flow proceeds to block 920, where the Power Transmitter implements power reduction. In some implementations, the Power Transmitter initiates the power reduction by communicating a NEGO packet or a Re-NEGO request packet to the Power Receiver.

[0108] At block 922, the Power Transmitter determines whether mitigation options (such as PTx cooling, power reduction, and / or pulse power operation) are exhausted. If not, the flow diagram proceeds to block 916 to wait for a further heat status packet. If a heat status packet arrives at block 916 and further PTx cooling (block 914) and further power reduction (at blockDocket No. GE24896WO01920) are not possible, then at block 922, the Power Transmitter determines that mitigation options have been exhausted. At block 924, the Power Transmitter mitigates the overtemperature condition by pausing or ceasing power transfer, such as transitioning to a cloak state.

[0109] FIG. 10 is a message flow diagram of an example thermal management technique (referred to as PRx-side thermal management) where the Power Receiver 140 implements thermal management based on PTx cooling capability information 1002 from the Power Transmitter 110. For brevity, this disclosure omits descriptions of elements of FIG. 10 having the same reference number as corresponding elements of FIG. 7.

[0110] The Power Receiver 140 receives capability information 1002 (such as a PTx capability packet) from the Power Transmitter 110. During the power transfer phase 408, the Power Receiver 140 performs thermal management based on the capability information 1002 and thermal conditions of the Power Receiver 140. In some implementations, the Power Receiver 140 can communicate a PTx cooling status request packet 1004 to the Power Transmitter 110 to obtain information about the current PTx cooling status. An example of the PTx cooling status request packet 1004 is provided with reference to FIG. 11 A. In some aspects, the Power Transmitter 110 communicates a PTx cooling status packet 1006 to provide the PTx cooling status. The PTx cooling status packet 1006 can be an example of the PTx cooling status packet described with reference to FIG. 8D. For example, as shown in FIG. 10, when the Power Transmitter 110 communicates a PTx cooling status packet 1006 to the Power Receiver 140, the PTx cooling status packet 1006 can include a PTx cooling status 850 with a current cooling level 854, allowing the Power Transmitter 110 to inform the Power Receiver 140 when the PTx cooling level has been increased (or dynamically activated) by the Power Transmitter 110.[OHl] At block 1008, the Power Receiver 140 detects a thermal condition (of the Power Receiver 140) which requires (or would be improved by) PTx cooling. Based on the capability information 1002, the Power Receiver 140 determines which PTx cooling options to activate and communicates a cooling control packet 1010 to the Power Transmitter 1 10. The cooling control packet 1010 can include an instruction to activate a PTx cooling component, a requested cooling level, or other control information. An example of the cooling control packet 1010 is provided with reference to FIG. 1 IB.

[0112] At block 1012, the Power Transmitter 110 activates PTx cooling based on the cooling control packet 1010. The Power Transmitter 110 communicates an acknowledgment packet 1014 to acknowledge the cooling control packet 1010. In some implementations, theDocket No. GE24896WO01 acknowledgment packet 1014 indicates the PTx cooling status (such as an indication that the Power Transmitter 110 has activated PTx cooling in response to the cooling control packet 1010).

[0113] If the PTx cooling is sufficient to bring down the PRx temperature and PTx cooling can be reduced or ceased, then a subsequent cooling control packet (not shown) can also instruct the Power Transmitter 110 to turn off PTx cooling or activate a lower cooling level. In the example of FIG. 10, the temperature may continue to rise or may remain above a threshold. The Power Receiver 140 can implement power reduction 1024 to further mitigate the thermal condition. In some implementations, the Power Receiver 140 implements power reduction by communicating a change to an XCE packet. In some implementations, the Power Receiver 140 initiates the power reduction by communicating a NEGO packet or a Re-NEGO request packet to the Power Transmitter.

[0114] At block 1016, the Power Receiver 140 may determine that the PTx cooling options and power reduction options have been exhausted and the PRx temperature is above a temperature limit (such as a limit associated with an overtemperature condition). Based on the overtemperature condition, the Power Receiver 140 may send a cloak packet 1018 to request a transition to the cloak phase 410. The Power Transmitter 110 can respond with an acknowledgement packet 1020, acknowledging the cloak packet 1018 and initiating the cloak state where power transmission is paused.

[0115] FIG. 11A is a diagram of an example PTx cooling status request packet 1100a. The example PTx cooling status request packet 1100a includes a cooling status req. 1102. Although illustrated as a standalone packet, in some implementations, the example PTx cooling status request packet 1100a is a specific request (SRQ) packet type and the SRQ can include a request for the PTxCoolingStatus packet (such as in FIG. 8D).

[0116] FIG. 11B is a diagram showing an example cooling control packet 1100b. The example cooling control packet 1100b can include a cooling instruction 1110 or other field to control the Power Transmitter. Although illustrated as a standalone packet, in some implementations, the example cooling control packet 1100b is included in another packet type, such as an XCE packet. Alternatively, the example cooling control packet 1100b can be an SRQ packet. The cooling instruction 1110 can include a request for cooling on / off 1112, a requested cooling level 1114, an instruction to increase cooling 1116, or an instruction to decrease cooling 1118.

[0117] FIG. 12 is a message flow diagram of an example thermal management technique where the Power Receiver communicates a specific request (SRQ / heat) packet 1202 relatedDocket No. GE24896WO01 to thermal management. As described with reference to FIG. 10, the Power Receiver 140 may obtain capability information 1002 from the Power Transmitter 110.

[0118] At block 1215, the Power Receiver 140 detects a thermal condition. Based on the thermal condition, the Power Receiver 140 communicates a specific request 1202 (shown as SRQ / heat packet), such as the SRQ / heat packet 1300 described with reference to FIG. 13 . As an example, the specific request 1202 can indicate high temperature and requests cooling (e.g., on / off, levels) (as shown at block 1205). Alternatively, or additionally, the Power Receiver 140 may communicate a cooling control packet (such as the example cooling control packet 1100b).

[0119] The Power Transmitter 110 communicates a response 1204. For example, the response 1204 can include an acknowledgement (ACK) if the PTx accepts the SRQ / heat packet and turns on PTx cooling, a non-acknowledgement (NAK) if no PTx cooling systems are available to activate, and / or an indication of pattern not allowed (ND / AND) (as shown at block 1210). Alternatively, or additionally, the response 1204 can indicate a PTx cooling status (such as the example PTx cooling status packet 800d of FIG. 8D).

[0120] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example specific request (SRQ / heat) 1300. The SRQ / heat packet 1300 includes a header 1302 to indicate the packet type. The header 1302 can be any unique number specified by a technical specification. As an example, the header 1302 can be “0x06” to indicate that the packet is an SRQ / heat packet 1300. The SRQ / heat packet 1300 includes a temperature control parameter 1304. For example, the temperature control parameter 1304 can include any of the example data described with reference to example heat status packets 800c, 800e or the example cooling control packet 1100b.

[0121] FIG. 14A is a timing diagram 1400a showing active cooling and power reduction. During the power transfer phase, the temperature may begin to rise (shown at arrow 1404). At time tl (at arrow 1406), the Power Transmitter may activate a PTx cooling component. In some implementations, the Power Transmitter ramps the PTx cooling options over time until further PTx cooling is unavailable (shown at arrow 1408). At around that time (or shortly after due to processing delay or lag), the Power Transmitter may implement power reduction (shown at arrow 1410). As a result of the PTx cooling and the power reduction, in the example of FIG. 14A, the PRx temperature 1402 remains below the temperature limit 1412.

[0122] FIG. 14B is another timing diagram 1400b showing active cooling and power reduction. In the example of FIG. 14B, the Power Transmitter activates the PTx cooling component at time tl (arrow 1406). Because of the type of PTx cooling component, the PTx cooling is either off (before arrow 1406) or on (after arrow 1406). The PTx cooling isDocket No. GE24896WO01 successful in slowing the increase to the PRx temperature (shown at arrow 1414 where the temperature rise rate / slope is less than before time tl). Nonetheless, the temperature continues to increase (shown at arrow 1418). At time t2 (arrow 1420), the Power Transmitter or the Power Receiver determines that the PRx temperature is above a threshold and determines to implement power reduction (starting at t3, arrow 1410). As a result of the power reduction, the PRx temperature begins to decrease (arrow 1422). The Power Transmitter may continue to decrease power (provided further power reduction is possible) until a time (at arrow 1430) when the PRx temperature is below a temperature limit 1412 or other threshold.

[0123] FIG. 14C is a timing diagram 1400c showing active cooling. The example of FIG. 14C is the same as FIG. 14B except that the PTx cooling (at arrow 1406) is sufficient to maintain the temperature below the PRx reference temperature. Because the thermal condition is managed, the Power Transmitter does not need to perform power reduction in the example of FIG. 14C.

[0124] FIG. 14D is a timing diagram 1400d showing incremental cooling techniques for thermal management. In the example of FIG. 14D, the Power Transmitter can activate a first PTx cooling option at time tl (arrow 1424). If the first PTx cooling option is not adequate in lowering the PRx temperature, the Power Transmitter can activate a second PTx cooling option at time t2 (arrow 1426). Although the PRx temperature might overshoot the PRx reference temperature (at arrow 1428), eventually enough PTx cooling options are activated to bring the PRx temperature below the PRx reference temperature. The PTx cooling options can be different PTx cooling components or can include different cooling levels of one or more PTx cooling components. Because the thermal condition is managed, the Power Transmitter does not need to perform power reduction in the example of FIG. 14D.

[0125] FIG. 15 is a timing diagram 1500 showing power control for thermal management. As described with reference to FIG. 14A, the PTx cooling may be implemented at time tl. However, the PTx cooling is not sufficient to bring the PRx temperature below a temperature limit 1510. At arrow 1506, the Power Transmitter may implement pulse power operation 1508 to periodically pause power transmission. Each off period of the pulse power operation causes the PRx temperature to decrease, while each on period causes the PRx temperature to increase. By controlling the durations of the on periods and off periods, the Power Transmitter can maintain the PRx temperature between an operating threshold 1504 and a temperature limit 1510.Docket No. GE24896WO01

[0126] FIG. 15 also shows an example scenario where a power adapter of the Power Transmitter has a minimum operating temperature or a maximum power limit. The Power Transmitter may propose to deactivate 1501 PTx cooling to satisfy a constraint of the power adapter. Some power adapters have a limit on max available power, which might be exceeded by the Power Transmitter operating the PTx cooling in addition to the wireless power transfer. In such scenarios, the Power Transmitter may only reduce / stop cooling (shown at circle 1501) if the PRx temperature is less than an acceptable operating threshold 1504 and only after receiving an indication, instruction, or acknowledgment for reducing / stopping cooling from the Power Receiver.

[0127] FIG. 16 is a flow chart diagram with example operations 1600 of a Power Transmitter when using PTx-side thermal management. At block 1602, the Power Transmitter transmits a wireless power signal to a Power Receiver during a power transfer phase. At block 1604, the Power Transmitter receives temperature information from the Power Receiver during the power transfer phase. At block 1606, the Power Transmitter controls a PTx cooling component based on the temperature information.

[0128] FIG. 17 is a flow chart diagram with example operations 1700 of a Power Receiver when using PTx-side thermal management. At block 1702, the Power Receiver transmits thermal management configuration information to a Power Transmitter. At block 1704, the Power Receiver receives a wireless power signal from the Power Transmitter during a power transfer phase. At block 1706, the Power Receiver periodically communicates temperature information to the Power Transmitter for thermal management during the power transfer phase.

[0129] FIG. 18 is a flow chart diagram with example operations 1800 of a Power Transmitter when using PRx-side thermal management. At block 1802, the Power Transmitter communicates capability information to the Power Receiver. This capability information includes at least one of the following: an indication that the Power Transmitter supports PTx cooling based on the thermal management of the Power Receiver, or information about the PTx cooling options available at the Power Transmitter. At block 1804, the Power Transmitter receives a cooling control packet from the Power Receiver during a power transfer phase. At block 1806, the Power Transmitter controls a PTx cooling component based on the cooling control packet.

[0130] FIG. 19 is a flow chart diagram with example operations 1900 of a Power Receiver when using PRx-side thermal management. At block 1902, the Power Receiver receives capability information from a Power Transmitter (PTx). The capability information includesDocket No. GE24896WO01 at least one of the following: an indication that the Power Transmitter supports PTx cooling based on the thermal management of the Power Receiver, or information about the PTx cooling options available at the Power Transmitter. At block 1904, the Power Receiver transmits a cooling control packet to the Power Transmitter during a power transfer phase based on the capability information and thermal conditions of the Power Receiver.

[0131] FIG. 20 is a block diagram of an example apparatus for use in a wireless power system. In some implementations, the apparatus 2000 may be a Power Transmitter (such as the Power Transmitter 110 described herein). The apparatus 2000 can include a processor 2002 (possibly including multiple processors, multiple cores, multiple nodes, or implementing multi -threading, etc.). The apparatus 2000 also can include a memory 2004. The memory 2004 may be system memory or any one or more of the possible realizations of computer-readable media described herein. The apparatus 2000 also can include a bus 2006 (such as PCI, ISA, PCI-Express, HyperTransport®, InfiniBand®, NuBus,® AHB, AXI, etc ).

[0132] The apparatus 2000 may include one or more controllers 2008 (such as a PTx controller). In some implementations, the controller 2008 can be distributed within the processor 2002, the memory 2004, and the bus 2006. The controller 2008 may perform some or all of the operations described herein. For example, the controller 2008 may implement the processes described with reference to any one of FIG. 1 through FIG. 19, or any combination thereof.

[0133] The memory 2004 can include computer instructions executable by the processor 2002 to implement the functionality of the implementations described herein. Any one of these functionalities may be partially (or entirely) implemented in hardware or on the processor 2002. For example, the functionality may be implemented with an application specific integrated circuit, in logic implemented in the processor 2002, in a co-processor on a peripheral device or card, etc. Further, realizations may include fewer or additional components not illustrated in FIG. 20. The processor 2002, the memory 2004, and the controller 2008 may be coupled to the bus 2006. Although illustrated as being coupled to the bus 2006, the memory 2004 may be coupled to the processor 2002 or the controller 2008.

[0134] The apparatus 2000 also includes a PTx cooling component 2010. The PTx cooling component 2010 is controlled by the controller 2008 (which also may be referred to as a control unit, PTx controller, PID controller, or similar terms. In accordance with aspects of this disclosure, the PTx cooling component 2010 can be selectively activated or deactivatedDocket No. GE24896WO01 based on temperature information of the Power Receiver or a cooling instruction of a cooling control packet.

[0135] FIG. 1 through FIG. 20 and the operations described herein are examples meant to aid in understanding example implementations and should not be used to limit the potential implementations or limit the scope of the claims. Some implementations may perform additional operations, fewer operations, operations in parallel or in a different order, and some operations differently.

[0136] Some examples of this disclosure refer to a Power Transmitter and a Power Receiver. Typically, a Power Transmitter operates in a power transmission mode to provide power to a Power Receiver. Similarly, a Power Receiver typically operates in a power reception mode to receive power from a Power Transmitter. However, in some implementations, a device can alternatively receive (in the power reception mode) or transmit (in the power transmission mode). For example, the device can be referred to as a “Power Transceiver,” a “wireless transmitter / receiver device,” a “Power Transmitter / Receiver,” or other terms to refer to the fact that the device is capable of operating in the power reception mode or the power transmission mode at various times. The device can operate as a Power Receiver when in vicinity of the Power Transmitter, and can operate as a Power Transmitter when in vicinity of a different Power Receiver. Thus, a same device (such as a smart phone or accessory) can be a Power Receiver to receive power from an external charger and can also be a Power Transmitter to provide power to another phone or accessory. Other terms for a Power Transceiver might include a “power trans-receiver,” a wireless power transmit and receive unit (WPTRU), or Power Transmit-Receiver (PTRx), among other examples. A Power Transceiver can be any device that is capable of alternatively operating as a Power Receiver and a Power Transmitter. Any of the features attributed to a “Power Transmitter” or a “Power Receiver” in this disclosure can be implemented by device (e.g., Power Transceiver) that operates in power transmission / reception modes.

[0137] The foregoing disclosure provides illustration and description but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the aspects to the precise form disclosed. Modifications and variations may be made in light of the above disclosure or may be acquired from practice of the aspects. While the aspects of the disclosure have been described in terms of various examples, any combination of aspects from any of the examples is also within the scope of the disclosure. The examples in this disclosure are provided for pedagogical purposes. Alternatively, or in addition to the other examples described herein, examples include any combination of the described implementation options (enumerated as clauses for clarity).Docket No. GE24896WO01

[0138] Clause 1 : A method performed by a Power Transmitter (PTx), the method comprising: transmitting a wireless power signal to a Power Receiver (PRx) during a power transfer phase; receiving temperature information from the Power Receiver during the power transfer phase; and controlling a PTx cooling component of the Power Transmitter based on the temperature information.

[0139] Clause 2: The method of clause 1, further comprising: receiving a PRx reference temperature from the Power Receiver in a pre-power phase; wherein the temperature information includes a heat status packet indicating a temperature value of the Power Receiver, and wherein controlling the PTx cooling component includes activating the PTx cooling component when the temperature value exceeds the PRx reference temperature.

[0140] Clause 3: The method of clause 1, wherein the temperature information includes a heat status packet indicating a temperature status of the Power Receiver, and wherein controlling the PTx cooling component includes activating the PTx cooling component when the temperature status indicates a first status associated with the PRx temperature being above a threshold.

[0141] Clause 4: The method of clause 1, wherein the temperature information includes a specific request packet indicating a request for the Power Transmitter to activate the PTx cooling component; and wherein controlling the PTx cooling component includes activating the PTx cooling component based on the request.

[0142] Clause 5: The method of any one of clauses 1 to 4, further comprising: communicating a PTx cooling status packet to the Power Receiver indicating an activation status of the PTx cooling component.

[0143] Clause 6: The method of any one of clauses 1 to 5, further comprising: communicating capability information to the Power Receiver before the power transfer phase, the capability information including at least one of: an indication that the Power Transmitter supports PTx cooling based on temperature information of the Power Receiver, or information about the PTx cooling options available at the Power Transmitter.

[0144] Clause 7: The method of any one of clauses 1 to 6, further comprising: reducing a power transfer rate based on a determination that the PTx cooling component is active and a temperature of the Power Receiver is above a threshold or is increasing.

[0145] Clause 8: The method of clause 7, further comprising: optimizing the power transfer rate based on analysis of the temperature of the Power Receiver and activation of one or more available PTx cooling components.Docket No. GE24896WO01

[0146] Clause 9: The method of any one of clauses 1 to 8, further comprising: implementing, at the Power Transmitter, a pulse operation of the wireless power signal to manage the temperature of the Power Receiver when the temperature information indicates the temperature of the Power Receiver exceeds a temperature limit.

[0147] Clause 10: The method of any one of clauses 1 to 8, further comprising ceasing transmission of the wireless power signal when the temperature information indicates the temperature of the Power Receiver exceeds a temperature limit.

[0148] Clause 11 : The method of any one of clauses 1 to 10, further comprising: controlling the PTx cooling component based on a power adapter constraint, where the power adapter constraint is based on a minimum operating temperature of the Power Transmitter.

[0149] Clause 12: The method of any one of clauses 1 to 11, wherein controlling the PTx cooling component includes: activating a first cooling level of the PTx cooling component in a first temperature range; and activating a second cooling level of the PTx cooling component in a second temperature range.

[0150] Clause 13: The method of any one of clauses 1 to 12, wherein controlling the PTx cooling component includes: activating a first PTx cooling component of a plurality of PTx cooling components in a first temperature range; and activating a second PTx cooling component of the plurality of PTx cooling components in a second temperature range.

[0151] Clause 14: A method performed by a Power Transmitter (PTx), the method comprising: communicating capability information to the Power Receiver, the capability information including at least one of: an indication that the Power Transmitter supports PTx cooling based on thermal management of the Power Receiver, or information about the PTx cooling options available at the Power Transmitter; receiving a cooling control packet from the Power Receiver during a power transfer phase; and controlling a PTx cooling component of the Power Transmitter based on the cooling control packet.

[0152] Clause 15: The method of clause 14, further comprising: communicating an acknowledgement packet to the Power Receiver in response to the cooling control packet to indicate that the Power Transmitter has activated the PTx cooling component based on the cooling control packet.

[0153] Clause 16: The method of clause 14 or 15, wherein the cooling control packet includes at least one of: a request to activate the PTx cooling component; a request to deactivate the PTx cooling component; a requested PTx cooling level; a request to increase cooling; or a request to decrease cooling.Docket No. GE24896WO01

[0154] Clause 17: The method of any one of clauses 14 to 16, further comprising: receiving a PTx cooling status request packet from the Power Receiver; and communicating a PTx cooling status packet to the Power Receiver in response to the PTx cooling status request packet, wherein the PTx cooling status packet indicates at least one of: an indication that the PTx cooling component is activated, an indication that the PTx cooling component is deactivated, or a cooling level of the Power Transmitter.

[0155] Clause 18: A method performed by a Power Receiver, comprising: transmitting thermal management configuration information to a Power Transmitter; receiving a wireless power signal from the Power Transmitter during a power transfer phase; and periodically communicating temperature information to the Power Transmitter for thermal management during the power transfer phase.

[0156] Clause 19: The method of clause 18, further comprising: wherein communicating the temperature information includes transmitting a heat status packet indicating a temperature value or a temperature status of the Power Receiver.

[0157] Clause 20: The method of clause 18 or 19, wherein the thermal management configuration information includes at least one of: a PRx reference temperature; a temperature threshold associated with activating cooling at the Power Transmitter; a temperature limit of the Power Receiver.

[0158] Clause 21 : The method of any one of clauses 18 to 20, wherein the temperature information includes a specific request packet indicating a request for the Power Transmitter to activate a PTx cooling component.

[0159] Clause 22: The method of clause 21, wherein the specific request packet includes an indication of a requested cooling level.

[0160] Clause 23: The method of any one of clauses 18 to 22, further comprising: receiving a PTx cooling status packet from the Power Transmitter indicating an activation status of a PTx cooling component.

[0161] Clause 24: The method of any one of clauses 18 to 23, further comprising: receiving capability information to from the Power Transmitter before the power transfer phase, the capability information including at least one of: an indication that the Power Transmitter supports PTx cooling based on temperature information of the Power Receiver, or information about the PTx cooling options available at the Power Transmitter.

[0162] Clause 25: A method performed by a Power Receiver (PRx), the method comprising: receiving capability information from a Power Transmitter (PTx), the capability information including at least one of: an indication that the Power Transmitter supports PTx cooling basedDocket No. GE24896WO01 on thermal management of the Power Receiver, or information about the PTx cooling options available at the Power Transmitter; and transmitting a cooling control packet to the Power Transmitter during a power transfer phase based on the capability information and thermal conditions of the Power Receiver.

[0163] Clause 26: The method of clause 25, further comprising: receiving an acknowledgement packet from the Power Transmitter in response to the cooling control packet, wherein the acknowledgement packet indicates that the Power Transmitter has activated the PTx cooling component based on the cooling control packet.

[0164] Clause 27: The method of clause 25 or 26, wherein the cooling control packet includes at least one of: a request to activate the PTx cooling component; a request to deactivate the PTx cooling component; a requested PTx cooling level; a request to increase cooling; or a request to decrease cooling.

[0165] Clause 28: The method of any one of clauses 25 to 27, further comprising: communicating a PTx cooling status request packet to the Power Transmitter; and receiving a PTx cooling status packet from the Power Transmitter in response to the PTx cooling status request packet, wherein the PTx cooling status packet indicates at least one of: an indication that the PTx cooling component is activated, an indication that the PTx cooling component is deactivated, or a cooling level of the Power Transmitter.

[0166] Clause 29: A method performed by a Power Transmitter (PTx), the method comprising: communicating capability information to a Power Receiver (PRx), the capability information including at least one of: an indication that the PTx supports PTx cooling based on thermal management of the PRx, or information associated with one or more PTx cooling levels supported by the PTx; receiving a cooling control packet from the PRx during a power transfer phase; and controlling a PTx cooling component based on the cooling control packet, wherein the cooling control packet includes cooling information associated with the PTx cooling component and the one or more PTx cooling levels supported by the PTx.

[0167] Clause 30: The method of clause 29, wherein the PTx cooling levels include at least one of a current PTx cooling level or a maximum level of cooling supported by the PTx.

[0168] Clause 31 : The method of clause 29 or 30, further comprising: triggering a power reduction to reduce a power transfer rate based on a determination that a temperature of the PRx is above a first threshold and that the PTx cooling component and the at least one PTx cooling levels are active, wherein, based on the determination, the PTx activates the other one or more PTx cooling levels of the PTx cooling component to increase the PTx cooling; implementing, at the PTx, a pulse operation of the wireless power signal to manageDocket No. GE24896WO01 the power reduction and the temperature of the PRx when the thermal management indicates the temperature of the PRx exceeded the first threshold; and ceasing transmission of the wireless power signal when the thermal management indicates the temperature of the PRx exceeds a second threshold if the PTx cooling is not sufficient to maintain the temperature below the second threshold.

[0169] Clause 32: An apparatus, comprising: a power transfer coil configured to transmit or receive a wireless power signal; and a controller configured to implement any one of the methods any one of claims 1 to 31.

[0170] Unless defined otherwise, technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this specification belongs. The terms “first,” “second,” and the like, as used herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another. The use of terms “including,” “comprising” or “having” and variations thereof herein are meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. The terms “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings and can include electrical connections or couplings, whether direct or indirect. Furthermore, terms “circuit” and “circuitry” and “control unit” may include either a single component or a plurality of components, which are either active and / or passive and are connected or otherwise coupled together to provide the described function. In addition, the term operationally coupled as used herein includes wired coupling, wireless coupling, electrical coupling, magnetic coupling, radio communication, software based communication, or combinations thereof.

[0171] Some or all of the foregoing or the following implementations can be jointly combined or formed to be a new or another one implementation. The foregoing or the following techniques can be used to solve at least (but not limited to) the issue(s) or scenario(s) mentioned in this disclosure. Any two or more than two of the foregoing or the following paragraphs, (sub)-bullets, points, actions, or claims described in each method / technique / implementation may be combined logically, reasonably, and properly to form a specific method. Any sentence, paragraph, (sub)-bullet, point, action, or claim described in each of the foregoing or the following technique(s) / implementation(s) / concept(s) may be implemented independently and separately to form a specific method. Dependency, such as “based on,” “more specifically,” “where” or etc., in technique(s) / implementation(s) / concept(s) mentioned in this disclosure is just one possible implementation which would not restrict the specific method.Docket No. GE24896WO01

[0172] Certain techniques are described in this disclosure as including logic or a number of components or modules. Modules can be software modules (e.g., code, or machine-readable instructions stored on non-transitory machine-readable medium) or hardware modules. A hardware module is a tangible unit capable of performing certain operations and may be configured or arranged in a certain manner. A hardware module can comprise dedicated circuitry or logic that is permanently configured (e.g., as a special -purpose processor, such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), etc.) to perform certain operations. A hardware module may also comprise programmable logic or circuitry (e.g., as encompassed within a general -purpose processor or other programmable processor) that is temporarily configured by software to perform certain operations. The decision to implement a hardware module in dedicated and permanently configured circuitry, or in temporarily configured circuitry (e.g., configured by software) may be driven by cost and time considerations.

[0173] When implemented in software, the techniques can be provided as part of the operating system, a library used by multiple applications, a particular software application, etc. The software can be executed by one or more general -purpose processors or one or more special-purpose processors.

[0174] As used herein, the terms “component” and “module” are intended to be broadly construed as hardware, firmware, or a combination of hardware and software. As used herein, a processor is implemented in hardware, firmware, or a combination of hardware and software. As used herein, the phrase “based on” is intended to be broadly construed to mean “based at least in part on.”

[0175] As used herein, a phrase referring to a list of items separated by “or” refers to any combination of those items, including single members. For example, “a, b, or c” is intended to cover the possibilities of a only, b only, c only, a combination of a and b, a combination of a and c, a combination of b and c, and a combination of a and b and c.

[0176] In this disclosure, an expression of “X / Y” may include meaning of any of the following: “X or Y” or “X and Y” or “X and / or Y.” An expression of “(A) B” or “B (A)” may include the concept of “only B.” An expression of “(A) B” or “B (A)” may include the concept of “A+B” or “B+A.”

[0177] Some aspects are described herein in connection with thresholds. As used herein, satisfying a threshold may refer to a value being greater than the threshold, greater than or equal to the threshold, less than the threshold, less than or equal to the threshold, equal to the threshold, not equal to the threshold, or the like.Docket No. GE24896WO01

[0178] The various illustrative components, logic, logical blocks, modules, circuits, operations and algorithm processes described in connection with the implementations disclosed herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, firmware, software, or combinations of hardware, firmware or software, including the structures disclosed in this specification and the structural equivalents thereof. The interchangeability of hardware, firmware and software has been described generally, in terms of functionality, and illustrated in the various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits and processes described above. Whether such functionality is implemented in hardware, firmware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system.

[0179] As described above, some aspects of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented as software. For example, various functions of components disclosed herein, or various blocks or steps of a method, operation, process or algorithm disclosed herein can be implemented as one or more modules of one or more computer programs. Such computer programs can include non -transitory processor-executable or computer-executable instructions encoded on one or more tangible processor-readable or computer-readable storage media for execution by, or to control the operation of, a data processing apparatus including the components of the devices described herein. By way of example, and not limitation, such storage media may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that may be used to store program code in the form of instructions or data structures. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of storage media.

[0180] Various modifications to the implementations described in this disclosure may be readily apparent to persons having ordinary skill in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other implementations without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the implementations shown herein but are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with this disclosure, the principles and the novel features disclosed herein.

[0181] Additionally, various features that are described in this specification in the context of separate implementations also can be implemented in combination in a single implementation. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single implementation also can be implemented in multiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination. As such, although features may be described above as acting in particular combinations, and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from aDocket No. GE24896WO01 claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

[0182] The drawings may schematically depict one or more example processes in the form of a flowchart or flow diagram. However, other operations that are not depicted can be incorporated in the example processes that are schematically illustrated. For example, one or more additional operations can be performed before, after, simultaneously, or between any of the illustrated operations. In some circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the implementations described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all implementations, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products. Additionally, other implementations are within the scope of the following claims. In some cases, the actions recited in the claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results.

Claims

Docket No. GE24896WO01CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A method performed by a Power Transmitter (PTx), the method comprising: transmitting a wireless power signal to a Power Receiver (PRx) during a power transfer phase; receiving a cooling control request from the PRx during the power transfer phase; and controlling PTx cooling based on the cooling control request.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: communicating capability information to the PRx, the capability information including at least one of: an indication that the PTx supports PTx cooling, or information associated with one or more PTx cooling levels supported by the PTx, wherein the one or more PTx cooling levels include at least one of: a current PTx cooling level, or a maximum PTx cooling level.

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, further comprising: receiving a PTx cooling status request from the PRx; and communicating a PTx cooling status response to the PRx in response to the PTx cooling status request, wherein the PTx cooling status response indicates at least one of: a PTx cooling status, or a cooling level from the one or more PTx cooling levels.

4. The method of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cooling control request includes at least one of: a requested PTx cooling level based on one or more PTx cooling levels supported by the PTx; a request to increase cooling; or a request to decrease cooling.

5. The method of any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising: communicating an acknowledgement to the PRx in response to the cooling control request, wherein the acknowledgement indicates whether the PTx has activated a requested PTx cooling level indicated in the cooling control request.Docket No. GE24896WO016. The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: triggering a power reduction to reduce a power transfer rate when a temperature of the PRx is above a first threshold; and activating a higher PTx cooling level of the PTx cooling to increase the PTx cooling.

7. The method of claim 6, further comprising: implementing, at the PTx, a pulse operation of the wireless power signal to manage the power reduction and the temperature of the PRx when the temperature of the PRx exceeds the first threshold.

8. The method of any one of claims 6 to 7, further comprising: ceasing transmission of the wireless power signal when the temperature of the PRx exceeds a second threshold if the PTx cooling is not sufficient to maintain the temperature below the second threshold.

9. The method of any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising: controlling the PTx cooling and at least one PTx cooling levels based on maximum available power at the PTx.

10. A method performed by a Power Receiver (PRx), comprising: transmitting a PTx cooling capability status request to a Power Transmitter (PTx); receiving cooling capability information from the PTx, the cooling capability information including at least one of: an indication that the PTx supports one or more cooling levels, or information about one or more PTx cooling levels supported by the PTx indicating a maximum level of cooling associated with each cooling level supported by the PTx; and communicating a cooling control request to the PTx during a power transfer phase, the cooling control request requesting a PTx cooling level from one or more PTx cooling levels supported by the PTx.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: receiving a PTx cooling status from the PTx indicating at least one of a current PTx cooling level or an acknowledgement of activation of the requested PTx cooling level.

12. A method performed by a Power Transmitter (PTx), the method comprising:Docket No. GE24896WO01 communicating cooling capability information to a Power Receiver (PRx), the cooling capability information indicating a maximum level of cooling associated with one or more PTx cooling levels supported by the PTx; receiving a cooling control request from the PRx during a power transfer phase, the cooling control request indicating a requested PTx cooling level based on the one or more PTx cooling levels supported by the PTx; setting PTx cooling level to the requested cooling level; communicating an acknowledgement to the PRx in response to the cooling control request; receiving a PTx cooling status request from the PRx; and communicating a PTx cooling status response to the PRx in response to the PTx cooling status request, the PTx cooling status response indicating at least a current cooling level from the one or more PTx cooling levels.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: wherein the cooling control request is received as a first data packet; wherein the acknowledgement is communicated as a second data packet; wherein the PTx cooling status request is received as a third data packet; and wherein the PTx cooling status response is communicated as a fourth data packet.

14. An apparatus, comprising: a power transfer coil configured to transmit or receive a wireless power signal; and a controller configured to implement the methods of any one of claims 1 to 13.

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