Contactless Optical Energy Transfer for Moving Platforms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy transfer systems for moving platforms, such as trains and rotary systems, face limitations due to wear and limited life from direct contact methods, and there is a need for a contactless solution that can efficiently transfer power without physical contact, especially at high speeds.
Innovation Solution
A contactless energy transfer system utilizing high-intensity optical light sources mounted on a stationary platform to direct light towards photovoltaic modules on a moving platform, converting light into electrical energy stored in an energy storage system, with activation and deactivation controls to optimize energy transfer efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If direct contact methods (third rail, overhead catenary wire, slip ring) are used to transfer power to moving platforms, then power transfer is achieved, but wear occurs and system life is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical direct contact system (third rail, overhead wire, slip ring) with an optical energy transfer system using light sources and photodetectors. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear and contact degradation, resolving the contradiction between achieving power transfer and avoiding wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light (electromagnetic radiation) as an intermediary medium to transfer energy between the stationary power source and the moving platform. This intermediary enables contactless power transfer, eliminating the harmful mechanical contact while maintaining energy transfer functionality.
2Speed
If direct contact energy transfer systems are used for high-speed moving platforms like maglev trains, then power can be transferred, but the system is subject to limited life due to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact system with an optical system that can operate at high speeds without mechanical wear. The light-based energy transfer has no moving contact parts, allowing the system to maintain reliability even at high platform speeds where traditional contact systems would fail due to wear.
3Reliability
If optical energy transfer is used to move energy to a moving platform, then contactless power transfer is achieved, but energy transfer efficiency may be reduced without proper timing control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses sensors to detect the approach of the moving platform and activates the light source in advance before the platform reaches the optimal position. This preliminary action ensures that energy transfer begins at the precise moment for maximum efficiency, preventing energy loss while maintaining contactless operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs sensors to detect the position and movement of the platform, providing feedback to the control system. This feedback enables real-time adjustment of the light source activation and intensity, optimizing energy transfer efficiency while maintaining reliable contactless operation throughout the platform's movement.
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
Enables efficient power transfer to moving platforms without physical contact, reducing wear and extending system life, and is applicable to both linear and rotary movements, with the ability to transmit energy and data through optical means.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one photovoltaic module is coupled to an energy storage system mounted on the second platform such that any light received at the photovoltaic module is converted to electrical energy stored in the energy storage system
Data Source
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AI summary
A contactless energy transfer system has a first stationary platform (115, 310, 510, 610) and a second movable platform (100, 300, 500, 600). The first platform has at least one light source (120, 320, 520, 615, 650) coupled to a power source (210). The second separate platform has at least one photovoltaic module (130, 330, 530) mounted thereon. The at least one photovoltaic module is coupled to an energy storage system (140) mounted on the second platform such that any light received at the photovoltaic module is converted to electrical energy stored in the energy storage system. The second platform is configured to move in close proximity to the first platform along a predetermined pathway. The predetermined pathway may be linear or rotary. The light sources are positioned and configured to direct light at the photovoltaic modules during a predetermined interval when the second platform is in close proximity to the first platform (for the linear pathway) or constantly or at predetermined intervals.