Bimodal Resonant PV Power Transfer for Flexible Wireless Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless power transfer systems face challenges with high component count, cost, alignment requirements, and efficiency limitations, particularly in inductive and capacitive power transfer technologies, which are not optimized for flexible spacing and alignment, leading to issues like eddy-currents, high voltages, and reliance on costly compensation networks.
Innovation Solution
A bimodal near-field resonant wireless power transfer system that simultaneously utilizes capacitive and inductive power transfer modes, with adjustable transfer mode ratios, allowing for flexible alignment and spacing, and includes transmitter and receiver resonators with adjustable oscillation frequencies to optimize power delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If inductive power transfer is used with closely spaced coils, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but alignment precision requirements increase and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides power transfer into two independent pathways: capacitive power transfer (CPT) and inductive power transfer (IPT). Each pathway can operate independently or simultaneously, allowing the system to achieve high efficiency without requiring precise alignment between transmitter and receiver coils. The CPT pathway handles power transfer through electric fields while the IPT pathway handles it through magnetic fields, providing redundancy and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a hybrid approach combining two different physical mechanisms (capacitive and inductive coupling) into a unified power transfer system. This composite structure allows the system to leverage the advantages of both methods: CPT provides efficient power transfer at close range without requiring precise alignment, while IPT extends the operating distance and provides alternative transfer path when CPT is insufficient.
2Loss of energy
If resonant inductive coupling is used to increase efficiency at greater distances, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but eddy-current losses increase and temperature rise occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces capacitive coupling as an intermediary mechanism between the transmitter and receiver. Instead of relying solely on magnetic field coupling which causes eddy-currents in nearby metals, the CPT pathway uses electric fields to transfer power, bypassing the eddy-current issue entirely. The dual-pathway architecture allows the system to switch to or combine with CPT when IPT would cause excessive eddy-current losses.
3Loss of energy
If ferrite plates are used for shielding and improved inductive coupling, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and removes the ferrite plates from the design by replacing the need for magnetic shielding with a dual-pathway approach. The capacitive coupling pathway does not require magnetic shielding materials, and the system can operate efficiently without ferrite plates. This eliminates the cost associated with these materials while maintaining power transfer efficiency through the alternative CPT mechanism.
4Stability of the object's composition
If large capacitors and inductors are used in compensation networks, then power transfer stability is improved, but device complexity increases and parasitic resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the compensation functions into the resonant circuits that are already part of the CPT and IPT pathways. Rather than adding separate large capacitors and inductors for compensation, the resonant components of the dual-pathway system provide inherent compensation. This integrates the stabilization function into the existing power transfer mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity and minimizing parasitic resistance.
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
The system enhances power transfer efficiency and flexibility by reducing reliance on compensation networks, minimizing eddy-currents, and allowing for more robust alignment and spacing, thus improving power transfer efficiency and reducing system complexity.
Implementation Method 1
A bimodal near-field resonant wireless power transfer system is described which utilizes photovoltaic cells, capacitive and inductive resonant circuits to wirelessly transmit power from a solar panel to a power load.
Implementation Method 2
One or more receiver resonators are configured to resonate at the variable oscillation frequency and disposed to bimodally receive power from at least one of the one or more transmitter resonators simultaneously via capacitive coupling and magnetic induction
Implementation Method 3
One or more receiver resonators are configured to resonate at the variable oscillation frequency and disposed to bimodally receive power from at least one of the one or more transmitter resonators simultaneously via capacitive coupling and magnetic induction
Implementation Method 4
Resonant inductive coupling may achieve higher efficiencies at greater distances than non-resonant inductive coupling. In resonant inductive coupling, power is transferred by magnetic fields between two resonant circuits, one in the transmitter and one in the receiver. The two circuits are tuned to resonate at the same resonant frequency.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention involves a bimodal near-field resonant wireless system for transferring power from one or more photovoltaic cells to a power load. One or more transmission modules are in electrical communication with the one or more photovoltaic cells, converting power from photovoltaic cells into an oscillating electrical power signal having a variable oscillation frequency. Transmitter resonators are in electrical communication with transmission modules resonating at the variable oscillation frequency. Receiver resonators, resonating at the variable oscillation frequency and disposed to bimodally receive power from transmitter resonators simultaneously via capacitive coupling and magnetic induction according to an adjustable transfer mode ratio of capacitive to inductive power transfer. Receiver modules are in electrical communication with receiver resonators, each receiving power from receiver resonators and render power received from receiver resonators into a direct current voltage, and transmit the direct current voltage to the power load.