Wireless Power Resonator Q Factor Control for Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wireless power transfer systems with resonators face efficiency issues when the primary and secondary coils are close, leading to excessive power relay, higher voltages, and heating, especially in mid-range systems where resonators can reduce efficiency and cause unwanted power transfer.
Innovation Solution
A selectively adjustable resonator circuit that configures based on feedback from secondary circuits or external sensors to control the Q factor, allowing for regulation of power transfer by shunting the resonator capacitor or providing resistance, thereby managing power relay and preventing excessive voltage and heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a resonator circuit is used in a mid-range wireless power transfer system, then the power transfer distance is extended and efficiency is improved, but when the primary and secondary coils are too close, the resonator relays excessive power leading to higher voltages, heating, and reduced efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the resonator circuit configurable between different states (enabled and disabled) based on operating conditions. The control circuit dynamically adjusts the resonator's participation in power transfer by detecting coil proximity and switching the resonator configuration accordingly, allowing the system to adapt to varying distances between primary and secondary coils.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through a control circuit that monitors the distance or coupling condition between primary and secondary coils. Based on this feedback, the control circuit automatically configures the resonator circuit to be enabled when coils are farther apart and disabled when coils are too close, preventing excessive power relay and associated problems.
2Power
If the resonator circuit is configured to relay maximum power, then power transfer capability is enhanced, but excessive voltages and circulating currents are generated at the receiver
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit uses feedback about the operating conditions (coil distance, power transfer level) to automatically adjust the resonator configuration. When the system detects conditions that would lead to excessive voltages or circulating currents, it disables the resonator or reduces its Q-factor, thereby preventing harmful effects while maintaining optimal power transfer when conditions are appropriate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the resonator circuit parameters (specifically the Q-factor) dynamically based on operating conditions. By adjusting the resonator's quality factor or disabling it entirely when coils are too close, the system prevents excessive voltage and circulating current generation while maintaining high power transfer capability when coils are at optimal distances.
3Productivity
If the resonator circuit operates with high Q factor to maximize power relay, then power transfer efficiency is improved at distance, but when coils are close, it causes overheating and voltage spikes
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the resonator's Q-factor based on real-time detection of coil proximity. When coils are close together, the control circuit reduces the resonator's Q-factor or disables it, preventing overheating and voltage spikes. When coils are farther apart, the resonator operates at high Q-factor to maintain efficient power transfer, thus adapting the thermal and electrical characteristics to match operating conditions.
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 solution enables efficient power transfer by dynamically adjusting the resonator circuit's Q factor to match the power needs of the receiver, preventing overheating and voltage spikes, and maintaining optimal efficiency across varying distances and load conditions.
Implementation Method 1
Each resonator is configured to include an inductor and a capacitor... maximizes the resonating current between the capacitor and inductor. The current in the inductor, in turn, amplifies the wireless power signal induced within the resonator.
Implementation Method 2
the primary coil generates an electromagnetic field that induces power in the first resonator, the first resonator generates an amplified electromagnetic field that induces power in the second resonator and the second resonator generates an amplified electromagnetic field that induces power in the secondary coil.
Implementation Method 3
A control subcircuit is connected to the resonator inductor in parallel to the resonator capacitor and selectively shunts the resonator capacitor or selectively provides a resistance that is parallel to the resonator capacitor.
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless power transfer component with a selectively adjustable resonator circuit having a Q control subcircuit that varies the Q factor of the resonator circuit to control the amount of power relayed by the resonator circuit. The resonator circuit may be in the wireless power supply, the wireless power receiver, an intermediate resonator or any combination thereof. The resonator circuit may be actively configured based on a feedback circuit. The feedback circuit may sense a characteristic in the secondary circuit or elsewhere and actively operate the control subcircuit based on the sensed characteristic. The feedback circuit may cause the Q control subcircuit to change (reduce or increase) the Q factor when the sensed characteristic crosses a threshold value. The Q control subcircuit may include a variable resistor having a value that can be varied to adjust the Q factor of the resonator circuit.