Wireless EV Charging Coil Alignment and Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless charging systems for electric vehicles face challenges in coil alignment, efficiency, and interoperability due to the lack of standards for secondary coil placement, leading to inefficiencies and safety concerns, particularly with inductive charging methods.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for aligning and optimizing electric vehicle charging systems using a guideway sub-assembly with drive mechanisms and sensor assemblies to align circular charging coils, allowing for maximum field strength and verification of coil placement, regardless of the secondary coil's location, and enabling efficient magnetic resonance technology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If inductive charging systems are used to eliminate cables and improve convenience, then ease of operation is improved, but charging efficiency deteriorates due to lower efficiency and increased resistive heating
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional inductive charging to magnetic resonance wireless charging, changing the fundamental operating parameters including resonance frequency matching between transmitter and receiver coils. This parameter change enables higher efficiency power transfer while maintaining the cable-free convenience of wireless charging.
2Ease of operation
If coil alignment is not precisely controlled, then ease of operation is improved as vehicles can park more freely, but charging efficiency deteriorates due to misalignment between coils
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic alignment system using movable support structures that can adjust the position of the transmitter coil in real-time. Sensors detect the receiver coil position and the support structure dynamically moves the transmitter coil to maintain optimal alignment, enabling both parking flexibility and high charging efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms through sensors that detect the position and alignment status of the coils. This feedback information is used to control the movable support structure, creating a closed-loop system that maintains optimal alignment while allowing flexible vehicle parking.
3Loss of energy
If magnetic resonance technology is implemented to improve charging efficiency, then energy transfer efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to drive electronics and coils
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal magnetic resonance wireless charging system that can serve multiple vehicle types and power requirements. The standardized transmitter unit with adjustable positioning and resonance frequency can efficiently charge different electric vehicle models, reducing overall system complexity through multi-functionality.
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 solution ensures proper alignment and optimization of charging coils, enhancing efficiency and safety, and allowing for seamless integration with various vehicle models, while minimizing infrastructure changes and maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
Inductive charging uses an alternating electromagnetic field generated by the charging coils to send and receive energy. A magnetic coil in a charging base station creates an alternating electromagnetic field
Implementation Method 2
a second induction coil in a portable device having a battery receives power from the electromagnetic field and converts it into electrical current to charge the battery
Implementation Method 3
a sensor sub-assembly for locating the position of the coil units relative to each other and for detecting any disruption or deteriorization in the field strength created by the aligned coils
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a method and apparatus and method for the alignment, verification and optimization of wireless charging systems manufactured for use and used with electric vehicles. With some minimal modifications the same apparatus may be used to align a charging coil mounted on a vehicle with a charging coil, mounted on or in an electric vehicle charging bay or parking space, or to verify and optimize manufactured wireless vehicle charging system elements before they are installed.