Inductive Power Transfer Array for Extended Region Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inductive power transfer systems face challenges in adapting to varying intercoil distances and maintaining efficient energy transfer over extended regions, as the range and strength of the induced voltage depend on the oscillating frequency and alignment of primary and secondary coils.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates a plurality of modes, including an alignment mechanism, resonance tuner, and auxiliary coil arrangement, which allows for flexible operation by aligning coils, matching resonant frequencies, and using auxiliary coils in conductor, repeater, or transmission modes to enhance power transfer efficiency over varying distances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single primary coil is used for inductive power transfer, then the system structure is simple, but the power transfer efficiency decreases over extended regions and with coil misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single large primary coil into multiple smaller primary coils arranged in an array. Each primary coil can be independently controlled and optimized for specific regions. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high power transfer efficiency across extended regions by selecting and activating only the primary coils that are optimally positioned relative to the secondary coil, thereby reducing energy losses from misalignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects and activates specific primary coils from the array based on the real-time position and orientation of the secondary coil. This dynamic adaptation ensures that the active primary coil is always optimally aligned with the secondary coil, maintaining high power transfer efficiency across extended regions while managing system complexity through selective activation.
2Length of stationary object
If the oscillating frequency is increased to extend the power transfer range, then the transmission range increases, but the induced voltage strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes resonant frequency matching between primary and secondary coils to overcome the trade-off between transmission range and induced voltage strength. By operating at the resonant frequency of the coupled coil system, the patent achieves both extended power transfer range and maintained induced voltage strength. The resonant frequency is determined by the inductance and capacitance of the coils, and the system is designed to operate at this optimized frequency point.
3Loss of energy
If the primary and secondary coils are kept close for efficient power transfer, then the energy transfer efficiency is high, but the system cannot operate over extended regions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an array of multiple primary coils instead of a single large coil. This segmentation allows the system to maintain a compact effective transmission distance for each active primary coil-secondary coil pair (ensuring high energy transfer efficiency) while the overall array spans an extended operating region. Only the primary coil closest to or best aligned with the secondary coil is activated at any given time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically identifies and activates the optimal primary coil from the array based on the secondary coil's position, ensuring that the active pair is always at an optimal distance for efficient energy transfer. This self-adjusting capability allows the system to maintain high energy transfer efficiency across an extended operating region without manual intervention.
4Loss of energy
If resonance tuning is implemented to match frequencies, then the power transfer efficiency improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the primary and secondary coils with inherent resonant characteristics that can be tuned to match frequencies. The resonance tuning mechanism is integrated into the coil design itself, allowing a single component to serve multiple functions: power transfer and frequency matching. This reduces overall system complexity compared to adding separate frequency conversion devices.
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
This approach enables efficient inductive power transfer over extended regions with improved tolerance to coil misalignment and distance variations, maintaining high energy transfer efficiency and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
A power supply is wired to a primary coil and an oscillating electric potential is applied across the primary coil, thereby inducing an oscillating magnetic field. The oscillating magnetic field may induce an oscillating electrical current in a secondary coil placed close to the primary coil.
Implementation Method 2
The oscillating magnetic field may induce an oscillating electrical current in a secondary coil placed close to the primary coil. In this way, electrical energy may be transmitted from the primary coil to the secondary coil by electromagnetic induction without the two coils being conductively connected.
Implementation Method 3
The induced voltage is strongest when the oscillating frequency equals the resonant frequency of the system. The resonant frequency fR depends upon the inductance L and the capacitance C of the system according to the equation: fR = 1/(2π√(LC))
Data Source
AI summary
An inductive power transfer system operable in a plurality of modes comprising an inductive power transmitter capable of providing power to the inductive power receiver over an extended region. The system may be switchable between the various modes by means of a mode selector operable to activate various features as required, such as: an alignment mechanism a resonance tuner, an auxiliary coil arrangement or a resonance seeking arrangement. Associated methods are taught.