Metasurface Wireless Power Transfer for Long-Range Efficient Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless power transfer technologies face limitations in power transfer efficiency and distance, particularly in near-field and far-field wireless power transfer, with near-field systems experiencing decreased efficiency at extended distances and far-field systems suffering from substantial path losses.
Innovation Solution
A metasurface-based multi-scale wireless power transfer system that incorporates 2×2 spiral unit cells, operating at both 6.78 MHz for near-field and 433 MHz for far-field, enhances power transfer efficiency by using metasurface slabs with electromagnetic beam-focusing properties, allowing for seamless operation across multiple scales and reducing system size by approximately 50%.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If magnetic resonant coupling is used to extend power transfer distance, then power transfer distance is improved, but power transfer efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a metasurface as an intermediary component positioned between the transmitter and receiver coils. This metasurface acts as a mediator that manipulates electromagnetic fields to enhance coupling between the coils while maintaining extended power transfer distance, thereby resolving the contradiction between distance extension and efficiency maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs metasurfaces with tunable electromagnetic parameters (permittivity and permeability) that can be adjusted to optimize both the power transfer distance and efficiency. By changing the effective parameters of the metasurface material, the system achieves improved coupling at extended distances without the efficiency degradation typical of conventional magnetic resonant coupling
2Length of stationary object
If microwave power transfer is used for far-distance transmission, then power transfer distance is improved, but power transfer efficiency deteriorates due to path losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies metasurfaces with spatially varying electromagnetic properties to locally enhance the electromagnetic field distribution along the power transfer path. By creating regions of enhanced field concentration and reduced path losses through local parameter optimization, the system achieves both far-distance transmission and maintained efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes composite metasurface materials combining different electromagnetic properties to simultaneously address far-distance transmission requirements and efficiency maintenance. The composite structure enables tailored electromagnetic response that reduces path losses while extending the operational distance
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional wireless power transfer systems operate at multiple scales, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal wireless power transfer system using metasurfaces that can operate across multiple frequency bands and scales (near-field, mid-field, and far-field) with a single integrated architecture. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate systems for different scales, achieving versatility without proportional increases in complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates dynamically adjustable metasurface parameters that can be tuned in real-time to optimize performance across different operating scales and frequencies. This dynamic adaptability allows a single system to seamlessly transition between near-field, mid-field, and far-field operations without requiring multiple fixed-configuration systems
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 achieves a 9.3 times improvement in power transfer efficiency at 50 cm for near-field and a 4.1 times improvement at 140 cm for far-field, maintaining efficiency even in misaligned conditions, and operates efficiently across both near-field and far-field scales, outperforming previous metasurface-based systems.
Implementation Method 1
metasurface slabs with electromagnetic beam-focusing properties
Implementation Method 2
inductive coupling-based WPT
Implementation Method 3
magnetic resonant coupling (MRC)-based WPT
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides wireless power transfer systems and methods. One such system includes a transmitter comprising a transmitter coil coupled to a power source and a transmitter metasurface slab positioned on a front side of the transmitter coil that is configured to amplify and focus a magnetic field generated by the transmitter coil towards a receiver in a non-contact manner. In such a system, the receiver comprises a receiver coil coupled to a load and a receiver metasurface slab positioned on a front side of the receiver coil configured to amplify and focus a magnetic field generated by the transmitter coil towards the receiver coil in a non-contact manner. Other systems and methods are also provided.