Hybrid Inductive Power Transfer System Misalignment Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional bidirectional inductive power transfer (BD-IPT) systems face instability and efficiency issues due to variations in self-inductance, leakage inductance, and mutual inductance caused by physical displacement, leading to fluctuations in power transfer and unreliable operations under spatial misalignment.

Innovation Solution

A hybrid IPT system employing two compensation networks with different power transfer characteristics, such as a series tuned and parallel tuned network, to maintain a constant power throughput by compensating for changes in mutual coupling and displacement, using phase modulation and angular frequency to adapt impedance and phase angles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If traditional BD-IPT systems employ single compensation networks (LCL or CL), then the VA rating of converters is minimized, but the system experiences instability and efficiency issues under spatial misalignment due to detuning from parameter variations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconverter VA ratingVSAvoidsystem stability under misalignment
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines two different compensation networks (LCL and CL) into a hybrid configuration. The LCL network provides reactive power compensation while the CL network provides active power transfer, creating a complementary system that maintains stability under spatial misalignment while keeping converter VA ratings minimized.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite compensation system by integrating two different network topologies (LCL and CL) with distinct power transfer characteristics. This composite structure leverages the strengths of each network type to achieve improved spatial tolerance and system reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If complicated control schemes and circuit topologies are employed to improve performance under spatial misalignment, then power transfer stability is improved, but system complexity and controller delay increase reducing reliability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transfer stabilityVSAvoidcontrol scheme complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves improved power transfer stability under spatial misalignment by utilizing the natural complementary parameter characteristics of LCL and CL networks. The system leverages inherent differences in their power transfer characteristics rather than introducing complex control schemes, thereby maintaining simplicity while achieving reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If modulation schemes are employed to regulate output under spatial misalignment, then power transfer is maintained, but efficiency is reduced due to extra switching losses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transfer maintenanceVSAvoidswitching losses
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The hybrid compensation system maintains power transfer under spatial misalignment through the self-regulating complementary characteristics of the LCL and CL networks. The system automatically compensates for misalignment effects without requiring additional active modulation control, thereby avoiding extra switching losses and maintaining high efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Power

If magnetic coupler design is optimized to maintain near constant flux density, then power throughput is maintained within limited horizontal displacement, but spatial tolerance remains narrow

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower throughputVSAvoidspatial tolerance range
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the system universally adaptable to various displacement conditions by combining two compensation networks with different power transfer characteristics. The LCL network handles certain displacement scenarios while the CL network handles others, creating a multi-functional system that maintains power throughput across a wide range of horizontal and vertical displacements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (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 hybrid system maintains a substantially constant power transfer over a wide range of horizontal and vertical displacements, improving efficiency and reliability by minimizing the impact of coupler misalignment and variations in inductance, while reducing the VA rating of converters.

Implementation Method 1

inductive power transfer (IPT), which is also known as wireless power transfer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

traditional BD-IPT systems employ compensation networks in both the primary and pick-up circuits, which are either parallel tuned inductor-capacitor-inductor (LCL) networks or series tuned capacitor-inductor (CL) networks

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentEP3332469A1Hybrid inductive power transfer system
Publication Date: 2018.06.13 AUCKLAND UNISERVICES LTD

AI summary

An inductive power transfer system (1) primary (20) or secondary circuit (21) has a first compensation network (6, 12) and second compensation network (7, 13). The compensation networks each have a different power transfer characteristic with respect to relative movement of the primary or secondary magnetic flux coupling structures (8, 9). The power transfer characteristics are such that one compensates for the other to allow a smooth or constant overall power transfer is despite the relative movement.