Inductive Power Transfer System for Rotating Machinery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power transfer methods, such as slip rings, are prone to wear and are unsuitable for applications where physical barriers or visual aesthetics are concerns, necessitating a contactless power transfer system that can adapt to varying hull thicknesses and material compositions.
Innovation Solution
An inductive power transfer system comprising a primary side unit with a switched mode power supply (SMPS), transmission coil, and controller, and a secondary side unit with a receiver coil and controller, where the secondary side controller adjusts power transmission by communicating voltage feedback to the primary side to set the operating frequency and power levels, enabling adaptive power delivery and control of loads like LED lights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If slip rings are used for power transfer in rotating machinery, then power connection is achieved, but wear occurs and maintenance is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical slip ring system with an inductive power transfer system using electromagnetic fields. The primary coil on the stationary side generates a magnetic field that couples with the secondary coil on the rotating side, transferring power without physical contact. This eliminates mechanical wear while maintaining reliable power connection for rotating machinery applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary medium for power transfer. Instead of direct electrical contact through slip rings, power is transferred through magnetically coupled coils separated by an air gap. This intermediary field-based approach eliminates the need for sliding contacts and their associated wear problems.
2Power
If cables are passed through the hull for underwater lighting, then power supply is achieved, but the integrity of the hull is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical cable penetration through the hull with inductive power transfer. A primary coil inside the hull and a secondary coil outside the hull are magnetically coupled across the hull material, transferring power without creating openings or compromising the hull's structural integrity and waterproofing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the hull material itself as part of the magnetic coupling path. The electromagnetic field penetrates the hull material non-destructively, using the hull as an intermediary that allows power transfer while maintaining its barrier function. This avoids the need to drill holes or create cable penetrations.
3Power
If external cables are run down the side of the hull, then power supply is achieved, but visual aesthetics are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visible external cable routing with invisible inductive power transfer. The magnetic field extends through the hull material without requiring external cable runs, eliminating unsightly cables while maintaining power supply to externally mounted lighting.
4Ease of operation
If inductive power transfer is used through the hull, then contactless power transfer is achieved, but control of external lights becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements bidirectional communication between the primary and secondary controllers to enable closed-loop control. The secondary controller monitors light operation and transmits status information back to the primary controller, which adjusts power delivery accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables easy control of external lights while maintaining contactless power transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple functions into the controller system, including power management, communication, and light control. The controllers handle both power transfer and operational control through a unified system, simplifying the user interface while managing the complexity of inductive power transfer and light control internally.
5Productivity
If the operating frequency is set too high during start-up, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but the secondary voltage may exceed the desired voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic frequency adjustment during the start-up sequence. The primary controller gradually increases the operating frequency from a low initial value to the optimal high value, allowing the secondary voltage to ramp up smoothly. This dynamic approach prevents voltage overshoot while ultimately achieving high power transfer efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary frequency setting at a low value before full power transfer begins. This preliminary action allows the system to establish magnetic coupling and gradually build up voltage without exceeding safe levels, preparing the system for efficient operation in a controlled manner.
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 system ensures efficient and adaptive power transfer across different installations, reducing maintenance needs and allowing for continuous variable color output, while maintaining the integrity of non-conductive hulls and avoiding visual cable exposure.
Implementation Method 1
A contactless power transfer system using inductive coupling between a primary coil and a secondary coil
Implementation Method 2
inductive power transfer system, comprising a primary side unit and a secondary side unit... a transmission coil and a controller, and the secondary side unit having a receiver coil
Data Source
Figure 1~7
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An inductive power transfer system comprises a primary side unit (1) and a secondary side unit (6) with a non-conductive barrier (5) therebetween, the primary side unit having a power supply (2), a transmission coil (4) and a controller (12). The secondary side unit has a receiver coil (7), a controller (8) and a load (9). The secondary side controller (8) is configured to detect the voltage in the receiver coil (7) and to transmit to the primary side controller (12) a control signal requesting an increase or decrease in the power transmitted from the primary side according to whether the voltage in the receiver coil (7) is above or below a predetermined value.