Bimodal Wireless Power Transfer Using Adjustable Capacitive-Inductive Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless power transfer systems face challenges such as high costs, reliance on expensive compensation networks, inefficiencies due to parasitic resistance, and rigid alignment and spacing requirements, particularly in the automotive and consumer electronics sectors, where there is a need for flexible and efficient power transfer solutions.
Innovation Solution
A bimodal near-field resonant wireless electrical power transfer system that simultaneously enables capacitive and inductive power transfer with an adjustable transfer mode ratio, using a transmitter subsystem with a power signal tuner and a receiver subsystem configured to receive power at a resonant power signal oscillation frequency, allowing for efficient power transfer with reduced components and lower costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If resonant inductive coupling is used to increase efficiency at greater distances, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but system cost increases due to required ferrite plates for shielding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the ferrite plates from the system by transitioning to capacitive power transfer. The invention uses four metal plates (two transmitter, two receiver) to form capacitive couplers, eliminating the need for expensive ferrite shielding materials while maintaining power transfer efficiency through electric field coupling rather than magnetic field coupling.
2Ease of manufacture
If capacitive power transfer is used to reduce eddy-current losses and system cost, then system cost is reduced, but high voltages generate strong electric fields causing significant field emission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dielectric materials between the metal plates to mediate the electric field interaction. These dielectric layers reduce the strength of electric fields and minimize field emission while maintaining effective capacitive coupling for power transfer, thus resolving the harmful effects of high voltage electric fields.
3Ease of operation
If large capacitors and inductors are used in compensation networks to achieve minimal separation, then power transfer is enabled, but parasitic resistance dramatically reduces system efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional compensation networks with large capacitors and inductors from the system. Instead, the invention uses the inherent capacitance of the metal plate structures themselves to achieve the necessary compensation, eliminating parasitic resistance losses associated with separate compensation components.
4Loss of energy
If transmitter and receiver coils are placed very close together for high efficiency inductive power transfer, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but alignment and spacing requirements become rigid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal power transfer system that can operate effectively across a wide range of distances and alignments. The capacitive coupling mechanism between four metal plates provides robust power transfer that is less sensitive to misalignment and spacing variations compared to traditional coil-based inductive systems, enhancing adaptability while maintaining 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 achieves flexible and efficient power transfer with reduced reliance on compensation networks, enabling greater flexibility in alignment and spacing, and improving power transfer efficiency in various applications, including automotive and consumer electronics.
Implementation Method 1
Capacitive power transfer (CPT), makes use of electric fields for the transmission of power between two electrodes, such as metal plates
Implementation Method 2
An alternating voltage is applied by the transmitter to the transmitting plate. The oscillating electric field induces an alternating potential on the receiver plate
Implementation Method 3
In inductive power transfer (IPT), power is typically transferred between coils of wire by a magnetic field. An alternating current (AC) is driven through a transmitter coil to create an oscillating magnetic field
Implementation Method 4
The magnetic field passes through a receiving coil where it induces an alternating current in the receiving coil
Implementation Method 5
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
Implementation Method 6
A bimodal near-field resonant wireless electrical power transfer system configured for simultaneous capacitive power transfer and inductive power transfer according to an adjustable transfer mode ratio at a resonant power signal oscillation frequency
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention involves a system and method for transferring power from power source to receiver. Radio frequency power amplifier in wired electrical communication with direct current source and configured to convert it into alternating voltage signal having oscillation frequency, with adjustable phase radio frequency rectifier in wired electrical contact with power load and in radio frequency communication with power amplifier; configured to receive power transferred from amplifier; and receiver controller in communication with rectifier, configured for adjusting efficiency of power transfer from amplifier to rectifier by adjusting current-voltage phase characteristic of rectifier. The method involves converting power from direct current source into radio frequency oscillating power signal in amplifier; converting radio frequency oscillating power signal to direct current power signal in rectifier; and adjusting efficiency of power transfer by adjusting current-voltage phase characteristic of rectifier.