Inductive EV Charging Pad for Fast Charging Without Battery Degradation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric vehicles face limitations such as limited range, inconvenient charging, and rapid battery degradation, which restrict their widespread acceptance as a viable transportation option, especially when compared to hybrid vehicles that can travel long distances on fossil fuels.
Innovation Solution
The development of an Inductive Power Transfer (IPT) pad system that allows for selective charging of electric vehicle batteries using either high or low power sources, utilizing a coil with ferromagnetic slabs and a shield member to efficiently channel electromagnetic flux, enabling both rapid and opportunistic charging without the need for manual cable connection, and integrating with conventional household power supplies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If conventional charging methods are used, then the vehicle can be charged, but the charging time is too long and battery capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between single-phase and three-phase power delivery modes based on charging requirements. The charger can operate in conventional single-phase mode for standard charging or switch to three-phase mode for rapid charging, allowing flexible adaptation to different power availability scenarios and time constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the electrical parameters by implementing a three-phase power delivery capability in addition to single-phase. This allows the system to deliver up to three times the power capacity when three-phase supply is available, dramatically reducing charging time while maintaining compatibility with standard single-phase installations.
2Loss of time
If the vehicle is charged at high power rates, then charging time is reduced, but battery degradation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system dynamically adjusts power delivery based on real-time conditions including battery state of charge, temperature, and charge acceptance rate. The controller monitors battery parameters and modulates the charging power accordingly, enabling high-power charging when the battery can accept it and reducing power when degradation risks increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback control through the charger controller that continuously monitors battery voltage, current, and temperature. Based on this feedback, the controller adjusts the charging parameters to optimize the balance between charging speed and battery health, preventing excessive degradation while maintaining efficient charging.
3Productivity
If multiple chargers are connected to the utility network, then more vehicles can be charged, but power supply quality degrades
Solution Approach 1:
The charger is designed with universal compatibility to operate from both single-phase and three-phase power supplies. This multi-functionality allows the same device to serve in various power infrastructure scenarios without degrading performance or power quality, as the controller adapts to the available supply type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its operational parameters based on the power supply type detected. When three-phase power is available, it utilizes the higher capacity for faster charging; when single-phase is available, it operates in a mode compatible with lower capacity supplies, thereby maintaining power quality while enabling scalable deployment.
4Ease of operation
If manual cable connection is required for charging, then charging can be controlled, but ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system enables self-service operation where the vehicle simply needs to be positioned over the inductive charging pad. The system automatically detects the presence of the vehicle, establishes the magnetic coupling, and begins power transfer without requiring manual plugging or configuration. The user interface provides simple guidance while the technical operations are fully automated.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical cable connection system with an inductive power transfer system using magnetic coupling between coils. This eliminates the need for physical plug-and-play operations, reducing mechanical wear and improving ease of operation while maintaining full control over the charging process through electronic regulation of the magnetic field coupling.
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 IPT pad system enhances charging efficiency and flexibility, maintaining vehicle functionality while reducing battery degradation, allowing electric vehicles to operate effectively for short trips and longer journeys, and supports the integration of renewable energy sources into the power network by optimizing load demand.
Implementation Method 1
Inductive Power Transfer (IPT) provides a useful alternative to more conventional charging
Implementation Method 2
one or more ferromagnetic slabs
Implementation Method 3
a shield member arranged around both said coil and said ferromagnetic slabs for channelling electromagnetic flux when in use
Data Source
AI summary
A method of charging a battery includes coupling an electricity network or subnetwork to the battery using inductive power transfer, transferring electrical energy to the battery from the electricity network or subnetwork and varying the inductive power transfer using a controller of the electricity network or subnetwork according to at least one predetermined criteria of the electricity network or subnetwork.