Dielectric Waveguide Galvanic Isolation Energy Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing galvanically isolated energy transmission systems face limitations in power delivery due to diode-based rectifiers, which restrict power consumption to low levels, and lack efficient methods for high-voltage isolation and power distribution to multiple loads.

Innovation Solution

The use of a dielectric waveguide with strategically placed rectifier devices and an insulating shielding device allows for higher power transmission up to 10 watts, enabling power distribution to multiple loads through decoupling points along the waveguide, and utilizes materials like aluminum oxide or Teflon to minimize radiation losses and optimize transmission efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If diode-based rectifiers are used for wireless energy transmission, then galvanic isolation is achieved, but power consumption is limited to low levels (below 1 watt)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegalvanic isolationVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a dielectric waveguide as an intermediary medium between the transmitter and rectifier. This waveguide enables electromagnetic energy to be guided and concentrated to the rectifier with minimal losses, allowing the rectifier to receive sufficient power for high-consumption loads while maintaining galvanic isolation. The dielectric waveguide acts as the mediator that resolves the contradiction between isolation and power delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional wireless power transmission methods (which rely on near-field coupling and have limited power capacity) with a dielectric waveguide-based system. This substitution enables far-field or mid-field energy transmission with much higher power capacity, overcoming the power limitation of conventional rectifier-based wireless systems while preserving galvanic isolation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If a single rectifier device is used at the end of the waveguide, then the system is simple, but power distribution to multiple loads is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem structureVSAvoidpower distribution capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the single rectifier function into multiple distributed rectifier devices along the dielectric waveguide. Each rectifier can independently power different loads at different locations. This segmentation enables multi-load power distribution while keeping each individual rectifier unit simple, thus resolving the contradiction between system simplicity and distribution capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dielectric waveguide serves multiple functions simultaneously: it guides electromagnetic energy, provides galvanic isolation, enables distributed power extraction at multiple points, and supports both single-load and multi-load configurations. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to different power distribution requirements without increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Power

If power is transmitted through a dielectric waveguide, then higher power levels (up to 10 watts or higher) are achieved, but radiation losses occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transmission levelVSAvoidradiation losses
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dielectric waveguide structure that confines electromagnetic energy within its boundaries, preventing radiation losses. The waveguide acts as a flexible conduit that guides energy from the transmitter to the rectifier(s) with minimal leakage, enabling high power transmission efficiency even at elevated power levels of 10 watts or higher.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Loss of energy

If the waveguide is made from materials like aluminum oxide or Teflon, then radiation losses are minimized and transmission efficiency is optimized, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradiation lossesVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the dielectric properties (permittivity, loss tangent) of the waveguide material to minimize radiation losses and maximize transmission efficiency. By carefully selecting and tuning these material parameters, the system achieves high efficiency with materials that balance performance and manufacturability, rather than requiring exclusively expensive specialized materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution enables efficient high-voltage energy transmission and data communication, allowing for simultaneous power delivery to multiple consumers with reduced radiation losses and increased efficiency, while maintaining compact dimensions and low hardware costs.

Implementation Method 1

energy transmission takes place through a dielectric waveguide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave propagation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the power received, ie the power intended for consumers, is significantly higher, namely up to 10 watts or higher

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRectification: Diode

Data Source

PatentEP3178128B1Arrangement for galvanically isolated energy transmission
Publication Date: 2020.06.17 SIEMENS ENERGY GLOBAL GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3178128B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3178128B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to an arrangement and a method for the galvanically separated energy transmission, in which the energy is transmitted via a dielectric waveguide.