Bimodal Wireless Rotor Power Transfer for Alignment-Tolerant Motor-Generators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless power transfer technologies, such as inductive and capacitive power transfer systems, face challenges with high component costs, reliance on compensation networks, alignment and spacing requirements, efficiency limitations, and issues with metal dust and rare metal magnets in electric motor-generators, necessitating a more efficient and flexible power transfer solution.
Innovation Solution
A brushless rotary electric motor-generator system utilizing bimodal high frequency near-field wireless power transfer links for simultaneous capacitive and inductive power transfer, with adjustable transfer mode ratios and variable resonant frequencies, enabling bidirectional power transfer between a DC power source and rotor coils through continuous auto-adjusting transmitter-receiver modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If inductive power transfer is used with coils separated by small distance, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but alignment precision requirements increase and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs resonant inductive coupling with tuned circuits that dynamically adjust to maintain efficient power transfer over varying distances and alignments. The resonant frequency matching between transmitter and receiver coils creates a dynamic system that compensates for misalignment, allowing efficient power transfer without strict alignment requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operating parameters by using resonant frequency matching between transmitter and receiver coils. By tuning both coils to the same resonant frequency, the system achieves enhanced coupling efficiency and extended transfer distance, effectively resolving the contradiction between efficiency and alignment precision.
2Loss of energy
If resonant inductive coupling is used to transfer power at greater distances, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but component cost increases due to ferrite plates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive ferrite plates with copper shielding layers that are integrated into the circuit board. This substitution uses cheaper materials (copper traces on PCB) to achieve the same electromagnetic shielding and resonance enhancement effects, significantly reducing component costs while maintaining power transfer efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the material parameter from ferrite to copper-based structures, and changes the geometric parameter by integrating the shielding directly into the circuit board layout. This approach achieves the necessary electromagnetic properties at lower cost through clever circuit design rather than expensive discrete components.
3Ease of manufacture
If capacitive power transfer is used with metal plates, then component cost is reduced, but high voltages cause field emission and safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a purely capacitive power transfer system to a resonant inductive coupling system. This substitution replaces the high-voltage electric field mechanism with a lower-voltage magnetic field mechanism, eliminating field emission problems while maintaining the cost-effectiveness of using conductive materials like copper instead of expensive ferrite.
4Power
If large capacitors and inductors are used in compensation networks, then power transfer capability is improved, but parasitic resistance increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the compensation network functions directly into the resonant coils themselves. The transmitter and receiver coils are designed with built-in resonance tuning, eliminating the need for separate large capacitors and inductors. This integration reduces the number of components and their associated parasitic resistances, improving overall system efficiency while maintaining power transfer capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The resonant coils serve multiple functions simultaneously: they act as both the power transfer medium and the compensation elements. By making the coils multi-functional, the system eliminates dedicated compensation components, reducing parasitic losses and simplifying the overall design.
5Loss of energy
If minimal separation between transmitter and receiver is required, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but device flexibility and adaptability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The resonant coupling system creates a dynamic power transfer mechanism that adapts to varying distances and alignments. The resonant frequency matching provides a self-adjusting mechanism that maintains efficient power transfer across a range of separations, giving the system flexibility in positioning while preserving efficiency.
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 provides flexible alignment and spacing, reduces component reliance, enhances efficiency, and avoids metal dust and rare metal magnet issues, optimizing power transfer in electric motor-generators and consumer products.
Implementation Method 1
An alternating current (AC) is driven through a transmitter coil to create an oscillating magnetic field. The magnetic field passes through a receiving coil where it induces an alternating current in the receiving coil.
Implementation Method 2
Resonant inductive coupling may achieve higher efficiencies at greater distances than non-resonant inductive coupling. The two circuits are tuned to resonate at the same resonant frequency.
Implementation Method 3
Ferrite plates may be used to provide shielding and improve inductive coupling
Implementation Method 4
An alternating voltage is applied by the transmitter to the transmitting plate. The oscillating electric field induces an alternating potential on the receiver plate
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention involves method and system for contactless bidirectional transfer of power between DC source and rotor coils of electric motor-generator by simultaneous bimodal capacitive and inductive power transfer of high frequency power signals from resonators stationary with respect to the motor-generator stator to resonators on the motor-generator rotor according to an adjustable transfer mode ratio at a variable resonant power signal oscillation frequency. Power from DC source is converted into high frequency power signals by high frequency continuous auto-adjusting bimodal stator transmitter-receiver modules under control of systems controller and provided to corresponding one or more high frequency stator resonators. High frequency power signals received by high frequency rotor resonators are converted in corresponding high frequency auto-adjusting bimodal rotor transmitter-receiver modules to electrical signals to provide to drive circuitry of induction coils on rotor.