Modular Inductive Power Supply Topology for Wireless Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-performance wireless power transfer applications are limited by the device ratings of components, particularly IGBTs, which are costly and difficult to parallel, and traditional designs fail if a component fails, leading to inefficiencies and reliability issues.
Innovation Solution
A power supply topology that allows paralleling of multiple modules with reduced load, maintaining tuning and performance while increasing robustness, by using a conductive structure driven by multiple sources to generate a magnetic field and disconnecting sources to maintain constant current and resonant frequency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple IGBTs are paralleled in each leg of an inverter to handle high power, then the power handling capability is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of parallel operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inverter is divided into multiple independent modules (first inverter module, second inverter module, etc.), each capable of operating autonomously. This segmentation allows the system to handle high power through parallel operation of modules while reducing the complexity within each individual module, as each module only needs to handle a portion of the total power.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects and operates only the necessary number of inverter modules based on the current power requirements and operational conditions. Controllers can enable or disable specific modules as needed, optimizing the balance between power handling capability and system complexity.
2Device complexity
If traditional supply designs are used where all components must function for power transfer, then the system is simpler, but the reliability decreases as any component failure stops power transfer
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the inverter into multiple independent modules with separate power paths, the system achieves redundancy. If one module or component fails, other modules can continue operating independently, maintaining power transfer capability and thus improving reliability without significantly increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular architecture provides built-in redundancy that cushions against component failures. The system is designed in advance to tolerate failures of individual components or modules, ensuring continuous operation and improving reliability before failures occur.
3Productivity
If high-frequency operation is used for wireless power transfer, then the power transfer efficiency is improved, but the stress on components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The high-frequency power transfer task is distributed across multiple inverter modules operating in parallel. Each module handles a portion of the total power at high frequency, reducing the stress on individual components while maintaining the overall high-frequency operation needed for efficient wireless power transfer.
4Power
If IGBTs are used for high-current, high-voltage, high-frequency applications, then the power handling capability is improved, but the cost and device rating limitations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple IGBT modules in parallel, each handling a portion of the total high current and voltage. This segmentation allows the use of IGBTs with more manageable individual ratings while achieving the required overall power handling capability, potentially reducing cost and complexity compared to using a single high-rated IGBT.
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 enhances the reliability and efficiency of wireless power transfer by allowing continued operation even if one source is disconnected, with reduced component stress and improved scalability.
Implementation Method 1
a conductive structure configured to generate a field
Implementation Method 2
by wireless using a magnetic field resonance phenomenon between the feeding coil and receiving coil
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for connecting and operating an AC source to a load. In one aspect a power supply topology is provided which may be of particular use in the area of wireless power transfer. The topology allows for multiple sources to be operatively connected to a single conductive structure configured to generate a field, maintaining overall system power while lowering the power output of each source.