Hybrid Multi-Level PRU Regulation for Wide-Range Wireless Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless power transmission (WPT) systems face challenges in regulating output power and impedance matching, particularly in dynamic applications with varying power levels and spatial freedom, as conventional methods like passive regulation, active rectification, and post-regulation stages suffer from inefficiencies and complexity, especially under extreme misalignments and medium variations.
Innovation Solution
A power-regulation method for wireless Power Receiving Units (PRUs) using Hybrid Multi-Level (HML) post-regulators, which includes an ML post-regulation stage integrated into the PRU, determining target values, calculating equivalent reflected impedance, and adjusting duty-cycle to maintain stable output power and wide impedance matching, even under varying conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional post-regulation stages (LDO or DC-DC) are used, then precise voltage regulation is achieved, but significant losses occur under extreme misalignments and medium variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic impedance matching by continuously adjusting the equivalent impedance of the post-regulation stage based on real-time detection of coupling coefficient variations. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain optimal power transfer efficiency across varying misalignment conditions while preserving precise voltage regulation capability. The controller modifies operating parameters such as duty cycle and switching frequency to dynamically optimize both regulation precision and efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If resonant-based WPT methods are used, then spatial freedom and distance are improved, but output power regulation becomes insufficient under medium variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a closed-loop feedback control system that continuously monitors output power and medium characteristics. The controller uses this feedback information to adjust the post-regulation stage parameters in real-time, compensating for variations in the power transfer medium. This feedback mechanism enables the system to maintain precise output power regulation while preserving the spatial freedom benefits of resonant-based WPT methods.
3Measurement precision
If active rectification with high-performance WBG devices is used, then power regulation capability is improved, but system cost and design complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the post-regulation stage, specifically adjusting duty cycle and switching frequency, to achieve effective power regulation without requiring complex high-performance WBG devices. By optimizing these parameters dynamically, the system achieves adequate regulation capability using more conventional and cost-effective components, thereby reducing both device complexity and system cost.
4Stability of the object's composition
If passive regulation based on resonant network configuration is used, then constant voltage or current is obtained, but adaptability to load transitions and medium variations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static passive regulation approach into a dynamic system by continuously adjusting the post-regulation stage parameters in response to load transitions and medium variations. The controller dynamically modifies duty cycle, switching frequency, and equivalent impedance to maintain constant voltage output while adapting to changing conditions, thereby combining the stability of passive regulation with the adaptability of active control.
Data Source
AI summary
A power-regulated Power Receiving Unit (PRU) of an RWPT system, comprising an ML post-regulation stage via which a load is connected to the PRU; a controller circuit, being adapted to: determine target/predicted values for voltage and current of the a Power Transmit Unit (PTU) of the RWPT system; determine the wireless medium characteristics and resonant frequency of the RWPT system; generate an overall system model by using First Harmonic Approximation (FHA); determine a desired output power; calculate the voltage VS1 of the first harmonic; use VS1 to calculate the equivalent reflected impedance Zo of the load; and calculate the duty-cycle d using the predicted values of the efficiency n the conversion ratio M(D) and the calculated equivalent reflected impedance Zo.