Detection Coil Mat Alignment for Wireless Power Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless power transfer systems face challenges in achieving effective alignment between transmitter and receiver coils, leading to reduced power transfer efficiency and longer charging times, especially in applications like electric vehicle charging where alignment is difficult due to the receiver's location and limited visibility.
Innovation Solution
A detection device with a detection mat containing multiple detection coils and a sensing unit that determines alignment parameters by comparing electromagnetic coupling between the detection coils and the transmitter or receiver coil, generating a control signal to adjust the alignment for optimal coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the transmitter and receiver are misaligned, then the coupling between them reduces, but the power transfer efficiency decreases and charging time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary alignment detection using detection coils before initiating full power transfer. The detection device determines alignment parameters in advance, allowing the system to adjust the receiver position or orientation before charging begins, ensuring optimal coupling from the start and preventing time loss during charging.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors alignment parameters during the charging process and provides feedback to adjust the receiver position. The detection coils measure electromagnetic coupling in real-time, and the system responds by adjusting the receiver's position or orientation to maintain optimal alignment, thereby preserving power transfer efficiency throughout the charging cycle.
2Ease of operation
If the receiver is located on the underside of the vehicle for wireless charging, then power transfer can be achieved, but alignment becomes difficult due to limited visibility and dimensional variations
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces detection coils as intermediary sensing elements between the transmitter and the receiver coil. These detection coils are positioned at multiple locations and orientations to indirectly measure the alignment status of the receiver coil, which is located on the underside of the vehicle. This intermediary measurement approach enables accurate alignment detection without requiring direct visual access to the receiver coil.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses multiple detection coils positioned at different spatial locations and orientations (different dimensions) to comprehensively assess the alignment of the receiver coil. By measuring electromagnetic coupling from multiple dimensional perspectives, the system can accurately determine the receiver's position and orientation even when it is not directly visible, overcoming the limitations of single-point measurement.
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 ensures accurate alignment detection and adjustment, enhancing power transfer efficiency by minimizing misalignment-related inefficiencies and enabling faster charging in wireless power transfer systems.
Implementation Method 1
The transmitter and receiver include respective electromagnetic coils. During operation of a WPT system, when the current is passed through a transmitter coil, a magnetic field is generated. This magnetic field induces an electromotive force in a receiver coil
Data Source
AI summary
A method (500) includes utilizing (502) a detection device comprising a detection mat having a plurality of detection coils, and at least one pair of groups of detection coils having a first group of detection coils and a second group of detection coils, and where the first group of detection coils includes a first impedance value, and a second group of detection coils includes a second impedance value. The method further includes determining (504) alignment parameters representative of electromagnetic coupling between at least one pair of groups of detection coils of the detection mat and an electromagnetic field generated by an apparatus coil, and comparing (506) the alignment parameters with a reference. The method also includes generating (508) a control signal indicative of an alignment position of the apparatus coil with respect to the detection mat based on the compared alignment parameters.