Wireless Energy Transfer Using Coupled Resonators
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless energy transfer methods are inefficient for transferring useful amounts of electrical power over mid-range distances and alignment offsets, as they either require line-of-sight and complex tracking mechanisms or pose hazards due to directional radiation, and traditional induction schemes are limited by short range and small offset tolerances.
Innovation Solution
The use of coupled electromagnetic resonators with long-lived oscillatory resonant modes to transfer power through omni-directional near-fields, allowing for efficient energy exchange over mid-range distances and varying orientations, utilizing high-Q resonators with low intrinsic-loss rates and sub-wavelength resonators with extended near-fields to achieve efficient power delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If radiative wireless energy transfer is used, then power can be transmitted over long distances, but transfer efficiency is very low because most power is radiated away in all directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies directional antennas to confine and preferentially direct radiated energy towards the receiver, improving local energy concentration in the desired direction while reducing radiation loss in other directions. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining long-distance transmission capability while improving power transfer efficiency through spatially selective energy distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from omnidirectional radiation (3D spherical distribution) to directional radiation (1D focused beam), effectively changing the dimensional distribution of energy. This dimensional transformation allows power to be concentrated along a specific path, simultaneously achieving long transmission distance and high transfer efficiency.
2Loss of energy
If directional antennas are used to improve transfer efficiency, then power transfer efficiency improves, but complex tracking and steering mechanisms are required for mobile transmitters and receivers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs omni-directional resonant structures that can transmit and receive energy efficiently in all directions simultaneously, eliminating the need for directional tracking and steering mechanisms. This universal approach maintains high power transfer efficiency without requiring complex mobile tracking systems, resolving the contradiction between efficiency and device complexity.
3Loss of energy
If directional radiation schemes are used, then power transfer efficiency improves, but hazards are posed to objects or people that cross or intersect the beam
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by using omni-directional resonant coupling instead of directional focused beams. This reversal distributes energy uniformly in all directions at low intensity, eliminating concentrated high-power beams that pose safety hazards, while maintaining efficient power transfer through resonant coupling between transmitter and receiver structures.
4Power
If traditional induction schemes are used, then modest to large amounts of power can be transmitted, but only over very short distances with very small offset tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs resonant oscillation at specific frequencies to enhance the coupling between transmitter and receiver structures. By tuning the resonant frequency of both structures to match, power transfer efficiency is dramatically improved over mid-range distances, resolving the contradiction between power transmission capability and transmission distance that limits traditional induction schemes.
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
Enables efficient wireless energy transfer over distances much larger than traditional induction techniques, with the potential to transfer power from picowatts to kilowatts, safely and reliably, across a wide range of directions and orientations, suitable for various applications including consumer electronics and industrial use.
Implementation Method 1
a source resonator having a Q-factor Q1 and a characteristic size x1, coupled to a power generator with direct electrical connections; and a second resonator having a Q-factor Q2 and a characteristic size x2, coupled to a load with direct electrical connections, and located a distance D from the source resonator, wherein the source resonator and the second resonator are coupled to exchange energy wirelessly among the source resonator and the second resonator
Implementation Method 2
coupled electromagnetic resonators with long-lived oscillatory resonant modes to transfer power from a power supply to a power drain
Data Source
AI summary
In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for a method and system comprising a source resonator optionally coupled to an energy source and a second resonator located a distance from the source resonator, where the source resonator and the second resonator are coupled to provide near-field wireless energy transfer among the source resonator and the second resonator and where a loss inducing object is positioned to minimize loss in at least one resonator.