Insulator String Embedded Resonator Coils Wireless Power Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless power transfer systems for high voltage power transmission lines face inefficiencies, particularly in long-distance transmission where traditional methods achieve less than 15% energy efficiency, and are unreliable due to intermittency of solar power sources used in monitoring systems on power transmission towers.

Innovation Solution

The development of insulator devices with embedded resonator coils that enable near-field magnetic coupling and resonance, forming a series of relay resonators for efficient wireless power transfer over long distances, providing both high-voltage insulation and wireless power capabilities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If traditional wireless power transfer methods are used for long-distance transmission, then power can be transmitted wirelessly to monitoring systems, but energy efficiency deteriorates to less than 15%

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidtransmission distance
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces intermediate resonator coils embedded in insulator strings that act as mediators to relay power wirelessly from the transmitting coil to the receiving coil over long distances. Each resonator coil couples magnetically with adjacent coils, creating a chain of intermediate transfer points that maintain high energy efficiency throughout the transmission path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the long-distance transmission path into multiple segments, each handled by a resonator coil embedded in an insulator string. This segmentation allows the total transmission distance to be broken down into shorter, more efficient magnetic coupling segments, thereby maintaining high overall energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If solar panel units are used to power monitoring systems on power transmission towers, then power supply is provided, but reliability deteriorates due to intermittency of solar energy during inclement weather

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply reliabilityVSAvoidenergy source intermittency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables monitoring systems to harvest power directly from the high-voltage transmission lines they monitor using resonant wireless power transfer. The system draws power from the same transmission lines, making it self-sufficient and independent of external weather-dependent power sources like solar panels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of energy

If resonator coils are embedded in insulator strings for wireless power transfer, then energy efficiency improves to higher than 50%, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidinsulator structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the wireless power transfer function with the existing insulator string structure by embedding resonator coils within the insulators. This integration allows the insulator to simultaneously perform its traditional electrical insulation function and serve as a component of the wireless power transfer system, thereby reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The insulator strings are designed to perform multiple functions: providing electrical insulation between conductors and serving as carriers for resonator coils that enable wireless power transfer. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate wireless power transfer devices, reducing system complexity.

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

This solution achieves energy efficiency higher than 50% for wireless power transfer over extended distances, ensuring reliable power supply to monitoring systems on power transmission towers, independent of solar panel intermittency, and supports both unidirectional and bidirectional energy transmission.

Implementation Method 1

a resonator coil located within said cavity, said coil being configured for resonant inductive coupling with a similar such coil when placed in the vicinity of the similar such coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNear-field magnetic coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The plurality of insulator devices having a resonator coil are arranged within the series of devices so as to enable the near field transmission of electrical energy from a first end of the series to a second end of the series

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic resonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentEP3378076B1A wireless power transfer system
Publication Date: 2020.12.23 THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG
  • EP3378076B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3378076B1 patent drawingFigure 4(a)~5(b)
  • EP3378076B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

Novel and advantageous insulator discs with embedded resonator coils are provided. By linking the insulator discs in a series using an appropriate mechanical mechanism, the insulator discs form an insulator or insulator string for a high power transmission line system. The resonator coils embedded inside the insulator discs therefore form a series of relay resonators that can be used for wireless power transfer through the principle of near-field magnetic coupling and resonance. The insulator string can provide the simultaneous functions of voltage insulation and wireless power transfer over the length of the string. Applications include, but not limited to, wireless power transfer in a high-voltage environment such as that encountered in high-voltage power transmission line systems.