Modular Charging Roadway Control for Untethered EV Power Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles face impracticality due to the need for tethered charging, which limits their adoption due to inconvenience and the requirement for significant charging time, and existing wireless charging systems are inefficient and costly to implement.
Innovation Solution
A system for precision charging control of untethered vehicles using opportunistic connections between vehicle and roadway antennas via authentication and dynamic seek operations, allowing for modular installation over existing roads, enabling efficient and adaptable wireless charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If tethered charging connections are used, then reliable power transfer is achieved, but vehicle convenience and charging accessibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical tethered connection system with a wireless electromagnetic field-based power transfer system. The roadway contains embedded transmitting antennas that create electromagnetic fields, and vehicles equipped with receiving antennas can wirelessly receive power through these fields, eliminating the need for physical plug connections and significantly improving charging convenience while maintaining reliable power transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic fields as an intermediary medium between the power source (roadway antennas) and the vehicle battery. This intermediary enables indirect power transfer without direct mechanical contact, allowing the vehicle to be charged while in motion or stationary without requiring physical connection to charging infrastructure.
2Ease of operation
If wireless charging systems are implemented, then charging convenience is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the roadway infrastructure to serve multiple functions: it acts as both the transportation surface and the wireless power transmission medium. The embedded antennas in the roadway can simultaneously charge multiple vehicles of different types and sizes, reducing the need for dedicated charging stations and simplifying the overall system architecture compared to traditional wireless charging systems that require separate charging pads or towers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables vehicles to charge themselves automatically while driving or parked on the roadway without requiring driver intervention. The authentication system automatically verifies vehicle credentials, and the power transfer is initiated and managed by the control system based on vehicle presence and charging needs, eliminating the need for manual connection or monitoring.
3Measurement precision
If authentication and dynamic seek operations are implemented, then charging precision and control are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback-based control system where the roadway control unit continuously monitors vehicle position, authentication status, and power transfer efficiency. The system dynamically adjusts power transmission levels based on real-time conditions, such as vehicle speed, location over specific roadway segments, and battery charge state, ensuring precise and safe charging while managing system complexity through automated control algorithms.
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 provides efficient and adaptable wireless charging for electric vehicles, reducing installation costs and enhancing convenience by allowing charging on the go, addressing the inefficiencies and high costs of current wireless charging systems.
Implementation Method 1
transferring a quantity of electrical energy between the first wireless charging antenna and the one of the plurality of second wireless charging antennae
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for precision charging control of an untethered vehicle include at least a wireless charging antenna carried by a vehicle and in electrical communication with a vehicle propulsion system. A plurality of wireless charging antennae is positioned on or within a roadway and are in communication with at least a roadway control system and a power source. An authentication connection is established between the vehicle wireless charging antenna and the roadway control system. A dynamic seek operation is triggered between the first wireless charging antenna and the one of the plurality of second wireless charging antennae to pair the first wireless charging antenna with the one of the plurality of second wireless charging antennae. A quantity of electrical energy is transferred between the first wireless charging antenna and the one of the plurality of second wireless charging antennae.