Coupled Resonators for Mid-Range Wireless Power Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless energy transfer methods are inefficient for transferring useful amounts of electrical power over mid-range distances and alignment offsets, as traditional induction schemes are limited by short range and require precise alignment, while radiative methods are inefficient and pose safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
The use of coupled electromagnetic resonators with long-lived oscillatory resonant modes to transfer power wirelessly, where the energy exchange is mediated primarily by the resonant magnetic or electric near-field, enabling efficient energy transfer over mid-range distances with high-quality factor resonators and sub-wavelength resonators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional induction schemes are used for wireless energy transfer, then power transfer is achieved over short distances, but the transfer efficiency drops significantly and precise alignment is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using resonant frequencies that match between transmitter and receiver coils. This resonance condition creates strong coupling between the coils, allowing efficient energy transfer over mid-range distances without requiring precise alignment. The resonant frequency matching transforms the weak near-field coupling into strong coupling, resolving the contradiction between transfer distance and efficiency.
2Length of stationary object
If radiative wireless energy transfer methods are used, then power can be transmitted over longer distances, but the transfer efficiency is very low and safety hazards arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies resonance principles analogous to mechanical vibration, where the transmitter and receiver coils are tuned to oscillate at the same resonant frequency. This resonant oscillation creates a strongly coupled system that efficiently transfers energy over mid-range distances without the losses and safety issues of radiative methods. The resonant coupling confines the electromagnetic energy in the near-field, preventing radiation losses.
3Ease of operation
If traditional induction schemes are used, then wireless power transfer is achieved, but the system requires very small offset tolerances between transmitter and receiver
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the operating condition to resonant frequency matching, the system becomes much less sensitive to misalignment and offset between coils. The resonance creates a distributed coupling field that maintains efficient energy transfer even when coils are not perfectly aligned, thus improving ease of operation without sacrificing transfer efficiency.
4Loss of energy
If radiative methods with directional antennas are used to improve efficiency, then energy transfer efficiency improves, but the system requires complicated tracking and steering mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The resonant coupling acts as an intermediary mechanism that transfers energy wirelessly without requiring directional beam formation or tracking mechanisms. The resonant oscillation creates a coupled field that naturally guides energy transfer, eliminating the need for complex steering and tracking systems while maintaining high 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
This approach allows for efficient wireless energy transfer over distances of centimeters to meters, improving efficiency and offset tolerances, and is capable of transferring power levels from picowatts to kilowatts safely, overcoming the limitations of traditional induction and radiative methods.
Implementation Method 1
coupled electromagnetic resonators with long-lived oscillatory resonant modes to transfer power wirelessly
Implementation Method 2
energy exchange is mediated primarily by the resonant magnetic or electric near-field
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless power system for powering a television includes a source resonator, configured to generate an oscillating magnetic field, and at least one television component attached to at least one device resonator, wherein the at least one device resonator is configured to wirelessly receive power from the source resonator via the oscillating magnetic field when the distance between the source resonator and the at least one device resonator is more than 5 cm, and wherein at least one television component draws at least 10 Watts of power.