Dynamic Wireless EV Charging via Power Antenna Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless charging systems for electric vehicles require the vehicle to be stationary, limiting their use for transportation while charging, and they often rely on cumbersome wired connections.

Innovation Solution

A dynamic wireless charging system that uses a communication receiver and controller to adjust the power antenna circuit's current or voltage based on a power efficiency factor, allowing for wireless power transfer to electric vehicles in motion through a network of charging base pads embedded in roadways.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If wireless charging systems require the vehicle to be stationary, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but vehicle mobility and convenience deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transfer efficiencyVSAvoidvehicle mobility
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic wireless charging by embedding multiple charging base pads along the roadway and enabling the vehicle to receive power while moving. The system dynamically activates appropriate base pads based on vehicle position and adjusts power transmission parameters to maintain efficient charging during motion, thus resolving the contradiction between stationary requirement for efficiency and mobility requirement for versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system ensures continuous power transfer to the vehicle as it travels along the roadway by having overlapping charging zones from multiple base pads. The vehicle receives uninterrupted power supply throughout its journey, eliminating the need to stop for charging and maintaining both mobility and energy transfer efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Reliability

If wired charging connections are used, then reliable power transfer is achieved, but ease of operation and convenience deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transfer reliabilityVSAvoidcharging convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with a wireless electromagnetic field-based power transmission system. Charging base pads embedded in the roadway generate electromagnetic fields that induce current in the vehicle's receiving coil, eliminating the need for physical plugging and unplugging of charging cables while maintaining reliable power transfer.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If dynamic wireless charging with multiple base pads is implemented, then vehicle mobility during charging is improved, but device complexity and infrastructure requirements worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging mobilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the charging infrastructure into multiple discrete charging base pads embedded at intervals along the roadway. Each base pad operates independently but contributes to the overall continuous charging system, allowing the complex function of dynamic wireless charging to be achieved through simpler, modular units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 continuous charging of electric vehicles while in motion, reducing the need for auxiliary power sources and eliminating the need for stationary charging stations, thus enhancing mobility and convenience.

Implementation Method 1

a power antenna circuit to the vehicle via a charging field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3116743B1Devices, systems, and method for power control of dynamic electric vehicle charging systems
Publication Date: 2018.06.27 WITRICITY CORP
  • EP3116743B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3116743B1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP3116743B1 patent drawingFigure 5A

AI summary

Systems, methods, and apparatus are disclosed for wirelessly charging an electric vehicle. In one aspect, a method of wirelessly charging an electric vehicle is provided. The method includes, obtaining a request from the electric vehicle for a level of charging power to be delivered from a power transmitter to the electric vehicle via a charging field. The method further includes controlling a current or voltage of the power transmitter based on a power efficiency factor and the requested level of charging power.