Dynamic Wireless Charging Base Pad Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless vehicle charging systems require electric vehicles to be stationary, limiting their use during charging and necessitating the development of dynamic wireless charging systems that can transfer power across free space while the vehicle is in motion.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic wireless charging system comprising a network of base pads installed beneath roadways, with interleaved local controllers and switches that activate specific base pads as an electric vehicle travels, using a distribution controller to coordinate power transfer and ensure efficient energy delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wireless charging systems are implemented to enable charging while in motion, then vehicle mobility and range are improved, but system complexity and coordination requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the charging infrastructure into multiple discrete base pads distributed along the travel path. Each base pad operates independently with its own controller, allowing localized power transfer without requiring complex system-wide coordination. This segmentation enables vehicles to charge while moving through different segments of the road.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-activates base pads before the vehicle arrives and deactivates them after the vehicle passes. This preliminary action ensures continuous power availability as the vehicle moves, eliminating gaps in charging coverage and reducing the need for real-time complex coordination during the actual power transfer.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If multiple base pads are coordinated for continuous power transfer over extended distances, then charging continuity is improved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into independent local controllers for each base pad rather than a centralized control system. Each local controller manages its own base pad's activation and power transfer independently, significantly reducing overall system complexity while maintaining continuous charging through coordinated operation of multiple simple units.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous power transfer by overlapping the operational periods of adjacent base pads. As one base pad is being used, the next base pad is pre-activated, ensuring uninterrupted power delivery to the moving vehicle throughout the extended travel distance.
3Loss of energy
If base pads are activated selectively as vehicle travels, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but switching control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic activation patterns for base pads based on vehicle position and speed. Base pads are activated in a predetermined sequence as the vehicle passes, with activation timing adjusted periodically based on vehicle motion parameters. This periodic approach maximizes power transfer efficiency by ensuring the vehicle is in the optimal position relative to active base pads.
Solution Approach 2:
Each base pad's local controller autonomously determines when to activate and deactivate based on detected vehicle presence and position, without requiring complex centralized switching decisions. This self-service approach simplifies the overall switching control architecture while maintaining efficient power transfer.
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 electric vehicles to charge while in motion, reducing the need for auxiliary power systems and extending their range by providing continuous power transfer along a travel path, enhancing mobility and reducing subsequent charging requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a first set of charging coils configured to provide wireless charging coils, a second set of charging coils configured to provide wireless power
Implementation Method 2
US 2012/161530 discloses a wireless power feeder which feeds power from a feeding coil in the ground to a receiving coil incorporated in an EV by wireless using a magnetic field resonance phenomenon between the feeding coil and receiving coil
Data Source
AI summary
Dynamic systems may require a large number of coils (charging pads) which may be installed into the roadway to wirelessly provide power to electric vehicles as they are traveling along the roadway. The current in each of these coils may need to be turned on and off as a vehicle drives over the coils in order to efficiently utilize power and properly convey power to the passing vehicles. The supply network behind these coils may need to be capable of managing the individual coils with minimal infrastructure and cost as well as be capable of distributing the required power from the power grid to these pads efficiently and safely. The supply network may include charging coils, switches, local controllers, and distribution circuitry within a modular element, which may receive power from external sources and may be controlled by a central controller.