Non-ferrite Inductive Power Transfer Using Concrete Pads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inductive power transfer (IPT) systems for roadways face challenges with the brittleness and high cost of ferrite materials, which are easily damaged by heavy vehicles, necessitating a more robust and cost-effective solution for magnetic flux transmission and reception.
Innovation Solution
The development of concrete-based pads with litz wire windings and a unique winding pattern, eliminating the need for ferrite, allowing for robust and cost-effective inductive power transfer capable of withstanding heavy vehicle traffic, using concrete as a non-magnetic material and reinforcing it with materials like chopped alumina for strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If ferrite materials are used in IPT systems, then magnetic flux transmission efficiency is improved, but brittleness and susceptibility to damage from heavy vehicles increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes ferrite materials from the IPT system structure, extracting the problematic component while maintaining the essential magnetic flux transmission function through alternative means (air-core coils), thereby eliminating the brittleness and vulnerability to vehicle damage while preserving energy transmission efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction by combining concrete (for structural strength and vehicle load resistance) with copper coils (for magnetic flux generation), creating a composite system that achieves both mechanical durability and electromagnetic functionality without relying on fragile ferrite materials
2Loss of energy
If ferrite materials are used in IPT systems, then magnetic flux transmission is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes expensive ferrite materials with inexpensive concrete and standard copper wiring, using cost-effective materials that can be easily sourced and installed, thereby significantly reducing the overall manufacturing cost while maintaining adequate functional performance for roadway applications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameters from ferrite (expensive, brittle) to concrete and copper (inexpensive, durable), fundamentally altering the cost structure of the system while adjusting the coil design parameters to compensate for the absence of ferrite's magnetic properties
3Power
If conventional IPT pads are used, then power transfer capability is achieved, but vulnerability to heavy vehicle damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces concrete as an intermediary structural material that mediates between the electromagnetic coils and the heavy vehicle loads, providing mechanical protection and structural support to the power transfer components while allowing the coils to maintain their power generation function
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 concrete pads provide a durable, cost-effective solution for IPT systems, reducing the risk of damage from heavy vehicles and minimizing leakage flux, while maintaining high arching magnetic flux, suitable for roadway applications.
Implementation Method 1
inductive power transfer (IPT) systems... magnetic flux transmission and reception... litz wire windings... capable of withstanding heavy vehicle traffic
Implementation Method 2
concrete as a non-magnetic material and reinforcing it with materials like chopped alumina for strength
Data Source
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AI summary
An inductive power transfer apparatus suitable for producing a magnetic field for inductive power transfer is disclosed. The apparatus has three or more coils arranged such that when energised with a power source, magnetic fields produced by each coil augment each other on a first surface and substantially weaken each other on a second surface. The first and second surfaces have an obverse relationship to each other. Also disclosed is a roadway inductive power transfer module suitable for producing a magnetic field for inductive power transfer to a vehicle using the roadway, and an Inductive power transfer apparatus suitable for receiving a magnetic field for inductive power transfer.