Distributed Wireless Charging via Programmable Energy Transmitters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless charging systems have limitations such as low charging rates, require line-of-sight alignment, and need close contact with the device, which are not sufficient for the increasing energy demands of connected devices, especially in scenarios like smart cities and military applications where battery replenishment is costly and critical.
Innovation Solution
A distributed wireless charging system using programmable energy transmitters and adaptive energy harvesters that employ distributed energy beam forming and ambient RF energy harvesting, allowing for remote management of energy transmission and switching between energy transmission and data communication modes, enabling efficient and flexible energy distribution to multiple devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If distributed energy beam forming is used, then charging rate is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the wireless charging function into multiple spatially distributed energy transmitters that work cooperatively. Each transmitter contributes to forming focused energy beams through coordinated phase and amplitude control, enabling high-rate charging while distributing the complexity across multiple simpler units rather than requiring a single complex transmitter
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple energy transmitters are merged into a coordinated network under centralized software control. The system combines their individual energy contributions through constructive interference to create focused beams, achieving high charging rates that would be difficult for a single transmitter while managing complexity through software-based resource allocation and scheduling
2Loss of energy
If line-of-sight alignment and close contact are required, then energy transfer efficiency is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from requiring precise spatial alignment (2D positioning) to a more flexible 3D volumetric energy distribution approach. Multiple transmitters positioned at different locations create overlapping energy fields that maintain efficiency without requiring the receiving device to be in a specific alignment, allowing charging from various distances and angles
Solution Approach 2:
The energy transmitters are designed to perform multiple functions: they can operate individually or in coordination, support both focused beamforming for high-rate charging and broader coverage modes for general power distribution, and adapt to different device positions and orientations. This multi-functionality maintains energy efficiency across diverse operating conditions without requiring precise alignment
3Volume of moving object
If battery technology is constrained by limited space, then device portability is improved, but energy capacity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous wireless energy transfer that can supplement or replace periodic battery recharging. By providing ongoing power through distributed transmitters, the system extends operational duration beyond what limited-space batteries can provide, effectively increasing energy capacity without increasing physical battery volume
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless charging system allows devices to autonomously receive energy from the distributed transmitter network without requiring manual battery replacement or intervention. Devices can continuously top-up their batteries through ambient RF energy harvesting and focused beamforming, maintaining operation indefinitely with small batteries that would otherwise require frequent replacement
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 provides higher charging rates and flexibility, eliminating the need for direct contact and alignment, and supports a large number of devices with adaptive energy allocation based on demand, using both controlled and ambient RF energy for extended device operation without battery replacements.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting RF energy to form constructive interference at the energy harvesting target device
Implementation Method 2
converting energy contained in the RF energy into electrical energy by energy harvesting circuitry
Implementation Method 3
transmitting RF energy to form constructive interference at the energy harvesting target device
Data Source
AI summary
A distributed wireless radio frequency-based charging system includes hardware and software platforms. The hardware platform includes adaptive energy harvesters and programmable energy transmitters. The software platform manages the hardware profiles, resources (e.g., energy waveforms and transmission powers), schedules the beams of the energy transmitters, and switches between modes of wireless charging and data access point. This allows the energy transmitters to be configured adaptively based on the ambient energy availability, energy needs and number of energy-requesting devices in the network. Under the software control, the energy transmitters can cooperatively form focused beams of energy and power for transmission to energy harvesters in the energy-receiving devices, such as sensors, Internet of Things (IoT) enabled appliances, and mobile/wearable equipment. The energy harvesters can utilize the energy contained within the transmitted beams, as well as ambient RF sources, for directly powering their operation or charging a battery/capacitor for subsequent use.