Adaptive Rectifier Switching for Low-Gain Wireless Power Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless power transfer systems face inefficiencies due to temperature rises in receiver coils, particularly in high power applications, and compatibility issues with varying operating conditions, such as low input voltage and power levels.

Innovation Solution

A rectifier circuit that dynamically configures between a half-bridge and full-bridge configuration based on system gain, with a half-bridge rectifier boosting output voltage in low input voltage scenarios and a full-bridge rectifier reducing coil temperature in high power scenarios, ensuring compatibility with different applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a low inductance receiver coil is employed to reduce temperature rise, then temperature control is improved, but compatibility with low power transmitters is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereceiver coil temperatureVSAvoidcompatibility with low power transmitter

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The rectifier circuit dynamically switches between full-bridge and half-bridge configurations based on the transmitter power level. In high power mode, full-bridge configuration is used with low inductance coil for temperature control. In low power mode, half-bridge configuration is used which provides voltage boosting capability for compatibility with low voltage transmitters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the rectifier circuit configuration parameter (full-bridge vs half-bridge) and receiver coil inductance parameter based on operating conditions. This allows the system to adapt to different transmitter power levels while maintaining optimal performance and temperature control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If a half-bridge rectifier is used to boost output voltage for low input voltage, then voltage compatibility is improved, but temperature reduction capability is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutput voltage boostingVSAvoidreceiver coil temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The rectifier circuit dynamically selects between half-bridge and full-bridge configurations based on system gain requirements. Half-bridge is activated when voltage boosting is needed for low input voltage applications, while full-bridge is used when temperature reduction is the priority in high power applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If a fixed rectifier configuration is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different operating conditions is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverectifier circuit configurationVSAvoidcompatibility with various operating conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The rectifier circuit incorporates dynamic switching capability between full-bridge and half-bridge configurations, allowing it to adapt to different operating conditions such as varying transmitter power levels and system gain requirements, thereby improving versatility without significantly increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The rectifier circuit is designed to perform multiple functions by switching between two configurations: voltage boosting for low input voltage applications and temperature reduction for high power applications, making it universally applicable across different operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This adaptive rectifier circuit enhances efficiency and compatibility across various operating conditions by managing temperature and voltage levels effectively, improving the overall performance of wireless power transfer systems.

Implementation Method 1

The primary side transmitter may comprise a power conversion unit such as a primary side of a power converter. The power conversion unit is coupled to a power source and is capable of converting electrical power to wireless power signals. The secondary side receiver is able to receive the wireless power signals through the loosely coupled transformer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The secondary side receiver is able to receive the wireless power signals through the loosely coupled transformer and convert the received wireless power signals to electrical power suitable for a load

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRectification:

Data Source

PatentUS11811240B2Rectifier in low gain wireless power transfer system

Publication Date: 2023.11.07 NUVOLTA TECH (HEFEI) CO LTD

AI summary

An apparatus includes a receiver coil configured to be magnetically coupled to a transmitter coil, and a rectifier circuit coupled to two terminals of the receiver coil, wherein in response to a high system gain of the apparatus, the rectifier circuit is configured as a half-bridge rectifier, and in response to a low system gain of the apparatus, the rectifier circuit is configured as a full-bridge rectifier.