Contactless Power Supply Synchronization via Digital Clock Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing contactless energy transmission systems for industrial plants face complexity and cost inefficiencies in synchronizing current phases, particularly in complex setups, requiring current sensors to determine phase positions.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a digital control circuit that uses pulse-width modulation to synchronize medium-frequency currents without detecting current values or phase angles, utilizing gyrators to maintain phase independence from load, allowing for simple and cost-effective synchronization across multiple feeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current sensors are used to determine phase positions in existing contactless energy transmission systems, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces current sensors (electrical measurement devices) with a digital communication-based synchronization system. The master feed transmits clock signals through the supply line to slave feeds, eliminating the need for current sensors to determine phase positions. This substitution of measurement methodology reduces device complexity while maintaining synchronization accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a clock signal as an intermediary carrier to transmit synchronization information. Instead of directly measuring current phases with sensors, the system uses clock signals transmitted through the supply line to convey timing information from master to slave feeds, simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Measurement precision
If current sensors and phase angle determination are used for synchronization, then synchronization precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes expensive current sensors and complex phase angle determination circuits with a simple digital clock signal transmission system. The synchronization is achieved through digital communication of timing signals, which is significantly cheaper to manufacture and implement while maintaining the required precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive digital clock signals and standard communication circuits instead of costly current sensors. The synchronization mechanism uses readily available digital electronics that are cheap to manufacture, making the overall system more cost-effective while achieving the same synchronization precision.
3Productivity
If multiple feeds operate in parallel without synchronization, then productivity is improved, but current phase interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the master feed transmits clock signals to slave feeds, and the slave feeds adjust their operation based on received clock signals. This feedback loop ensures that all feeds operate in synchronized phase, eliminating harmful interference while maintaining the ability to operate multiple feeds in parallel for increased productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent synchronizes all feeds to operate at the same phase potential by using a common clock signal reference. This equipotential operation of multiple feeds allows them to work in parallel without creating phase differences that would lead to interference, thus enabling both high productivity and clean operation.
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 approach enables synchronized output currents without the need for current measurement, achieving efficient and cost-effective synchronization of energy transmission, allowing for parallel operation of feeds and contactless supply to consumers.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing gyrators to maintain phase independence from load
Implementation Method 2
the voltage-to-current converter and/or the inductance of the supply line with associated capacitances is essentially tuned into resonance at the medium frequency
Implementation Method 3
consumers can be supplied inductively from the supply line
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
Plant and method comprising track sections, each track section comprising a supply line into which a medium-frequency current can be fed from a feed-in associated with the respective track section, each feed-in comprising a control circuit, wherein a first of the control circuits transmits a clock signal to synchronize the further feed-ins to them.