Magnetizable Concrete Composition for Low-Loss Inductive Charging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing concrete compositions do not adequately address the need for increased electromagnetic permeability and reduced energy dissipation, which is crucial for efficient inductive charging applications.

Innovation Solution

A fresh concrete composition comprising at least 60 vol.% aggregates with magnetizable particles, particularly sand, and a low paste volume, along with specific cement and mineral additions, enhances electromagnetic permeability and compressive strength.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If the aggregates volume is increased to ≥60 vol.-% to improve electromagnetic permeability, then the electromagnetic permeability increases, but the workability and pumpability of the fresh concrete deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic energy lossVSAvoidworkability and pumpability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the water-to-binder ratio parameter to a low range (0.15-0.35) to reduce the paste volume and increase aggregates volume to ≥60 vol.-%. This parameter change improves electromagnetic permeability while the use of superplasticizers compensates for the workability reduction, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite material composition with specific combinations of cement, mineral additions (silica fume, fly ash, slag), and superplasticizers to create a concrete mix that achieves both high aggregates content for electromagnetic permeability and sufficient workability through chemical admixtures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Loss of energy

If the aggregates volume is increased to ≥60 vol.-% to improve electromagnetic permeability, then the electromagnetic permeability increases, but the fresh concrete becomes difficult to place and compact

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic energy lossVSAvoidplacement and compaction
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adjusts the water-to-binder ratio to a low range (0.15-0.35) and uses superplasticizers to modify the rheological properties of the fresh concrete, enabling proper placement and compaction despite the high aggregates volume of ≥60 vol.-% that is necessary for achieving the required electromagnetic permeability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

Superplasticizers act as intermediary chemical admixtures that facilitate the flow and compaction of fresh concrete with high aggregates content, mediating between the conflicting requirements of high electromagnetic permeability and ease of placement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of energy

If the paste volume is reduced to increase aggregates volume, then the electromagnetic permeability increases, but the compressive strength may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromagnetic energy lossVSAvoidcompressive strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite material strategy by combining cement with multiple mineral additions (silica fume, fly ash, slag) in specific proportions. This composite binder system maintains compressive strength despite reduced paste volume, while allowing aggregates volume to reach ≥60 vol.-% for improved electromagnetic permeability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the binder system by incorporating mineral additions and adjusting the water-to-binder ratio, which enables the paste to provide sufficient strength development even at reduced volumes, thereby supporting the high aggregates content needed for electromagnetic performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 composition achieves electromagnetic permeability greater than 40 and compressive strength above 100 MPa, enabling efficient inductive charging with reduced energy loss.

Implementation Method 1

One element affecting the performance of inductive chargers is the electromagnetic permeability of the concrete composition, which characterizes the capacity of a material to transmit electromagnetic energy generated by an electric coil.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic permeability: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

Magnetizable concrete compositions often comprise ferrite aggregates, which provides the material the desired electromagnetic properties.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFerromagnetism: Ferromagnetism

Implementation Method 3

The transmitter unit comprises a molded body made of magnetizable concrete, which partially surrounds a primary coil. This provides an alternating magnetic field during operation, which interacts with the receiver unit.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS20250313509A1Magnetizable concrete composition
Publication Date: 2025.10.09 AMRIZE TECHNOLOGY SWITZERLAND LLC

AI summary

A fresh concrete composition for producing a magnetizable concrete, including 250-450 kg/m3 of cement, 50-150 kg/m3 of a mineral addition, 2900-3500 kg/m3 of aggregates containing magnetizable particles, and 100-150 kg/m3 water, wherein the sand volume is ≥60 vol.-%.