Polyphase Coil Assembly With Resonant Balancing for EV Charging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Polyphase wireless power transfer systems face limitations in power transfer capability due to non-zero interphase mutual-inductance and unbalanced phases, which restricts high-power charging for electric vehicles and requires improvements in power density and specific power.

Innovation Solution

A three-phase inductive power transfer system with independent bipolar or unipolar phases, featuring a coil assembly with coils of opposite polarities on different layers and a compensating network that allows for balanced self and mutual inductance, along with a controller that adjusts switching pairs based on receiver type and alignment for optimized power transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single phase coil system is used for wireless power transfer, then the system design is simpler, but power transfer capability is limited by electromagnetic field emissions requirements and foreign object heating limits

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem design complexityVSAvoidpower transfer capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single-phase system into multiple independent phases (three-phase system). Each phase has its own coil assembly with separate control, allowing power to be distributed across multiple channels. This segmentation enables higher total power transfer while maintaining simpler individual phase designs that meet emissions and safety limits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Power

If polyphase wireless transfer systems are designed to increase power transfer for electric vehicles, then power transfer capability increases, but non-zero interphase mutual-inductance causes unbalance between phases which compromises power transfer capability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transfer capabilityVSAvoidphase balance
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies different compensation characteristics to different phases based on their specific needs. Each phase can have independently tuned compensation networks that account for local variations in mutual inductance and coupling conditions. This localized optimization ensures each phase operates at its optimal performance point despite variations in the polyphase system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent adjusts key parameters including compensating capacitance values, switching frequencies, and coil configurations for each phase to achieve balanced operation. By dynamically tuning these parameters, the system compensates for non-zero mutual inductance effects and maintains phase balance, enabling reliable high-power transfer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If there is non-zero interphase mutual-inductance in polyphase systems, then phase coupling occurs, but unbalance between phases reduces power transfer capability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower transfer efficiencyVSAvoidphase balance
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates control systems that monitor phase balance and mutual inductance effects in real-time. Based on feedback signals, the controller adjusts switching patterns and compensation parameters to maintain balanced operation. This closed-loop control ensures high power transfer efficiency while compensating for mutual inductance-induced imbalances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 balanced inductance and efficient power transfer, enabling higher power density and specific power, and is compatible with various receivers, enhancing charging speed and efficiency while meeting electromagnetic field emission and safety standards.

Implementation Method 1

Single phase designs work by pulsing the flux produced by the primary coil with time. Part of this time-varying flux couples with the secondary coil and induces a voltage.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The coil assembly may comprise one or more layers of coils stacked on a ferrite.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFerromagnetism: Ferromagnetism

Implementation Method 3

The compensating network may have an LCC configuration. The value of the compensating capacitance determined, for each phase, such that the receiver has at least two independently excitable resonant modes at the resonant frequency.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentEP3906605B1Polyphase wireless power transfer systems, coil assemblies and resonant networks
Publication Date: 2024.10.30 UT BATTELLE LLC
  • EP3906605B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3906605B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~3B
  • EP3906605B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4B

AI summary

Polyphase wireless power transfer systems are provided. The transfer system may be used for charging hybrid and electric vehicles. The systems are capable of transferring over 50KW over an air gap of 15 cm. The systems use a rotating magnetic field to transfer power. The system may comprise transmitter coil assembly. The coil assembly may be one or more layers. The system may employ either unipolar or bipolar coils. The transmitter also comprises compensating capacitance connected in series with at least one coil for each phase. A value of the compensating capacitance for each phase is determined such that the transmitter has at least two independently excitable resonant modes at a resonant frequency. The transmitter is compatible with a plurality of different receivers including three-phase, single phase with a circular coil and single phase with DD coils.