System for inductive power transfer, pavement slab assembly and method of operating a system for inductive power transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Winter contaminants such as snow, slush, or ice on pavement surfaces can reduce the efficiency of inductive power transfer to vehicles by blocking or misaligning the primary and secondary winding structures, and existing solutions like mechanical removal and chemical treatments have drawbacks such as inefficiency, environmental concerns, and high costs.
Innovation Solution
Integrating a non-metallic heating system within the field volume of the primary winding structure for inductive power transfer, which generates thermal energy to melt winter contaminants, ensuring a clear and efficient power transfer surface without electromagnetic interference, and using a combination of hydronic and electric heating systems to maintain the surface temperature above freezing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If mechanical methods (snowplows, brooms, snow sweepers) are used to remove winter contaminants, then the pavement surface is cleared, but the removal speed is slow and traffic is interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical snow removal systems with an electromagnetic heating system embedded in the pavement. The primary winding structure generates an electromagnetic field that heats the pavement surface, melting snow and ice automatically without mechanical intervention, thus eliminating traffic interruptions while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating system activates before snow and ice accumulate to critical levels, maintaining the pavement surface temperature above freezing point proactively. This preliminary action prevents contaminant bonding in the first place, eliminating the need for reactive removal operations and avoiding traffic disruptions.
2Reliability
If chemical treatments (de-icing chemicals) are applied to prevent contaminant bonding, then the pavement surface remains clear, but environmental restrictions and remediation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes chemical de-icing treatments with an electromagnetic heating system. The heating elements embedded in the pavement melt snow and ice through thermal energy generated by electromagnetic fields, providing a reliable contaminant removal method that eliminates chemical substances and their associated environmental harm.
3Reliability
If heated pavement systems are used to melt snow and prevent bonding, then safety is enhanced and environmental impacts are reduced, but initial costs and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heating function with the existing pavement structure by embedding electromagnetic windings within the pavement layers. This merging of functions eliminates the need for separate heating system installations, reducing overall complexity while maintaining enhanced safety and environmental benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic heating system serves multiple functions: it heats the pavement to melt snow and ice, it provides inductive power transfer capability, and it can be integrated with existing road infrastructure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems and lowers overall installation complexity and cost.
4Use of energy by moving object
If winter contaminants accumulate on the pavement surface, then power transfer efficiency is reduced due to blocking and misalignment, but clearing the surface requires additional systems
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic heating system serves dual purposes: it generates thermal energy to melt snow and ice maintaining power transfer efficiency, and simultaneously provides the electromagnetic field for inductive power transfer. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate surface maintenance systems, reducing complexity while preserving energy transfer efficiency.
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 effectively maintains a clear and efficient power transfer surface by melting winter contaminants, reducing power transfer inefficiencies and environmental impacts while minimizing electromagnetic interference and operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
A primary winding structure (2) for generating an alternating electromagnetic field
Implementation Method 2
Integrating a non-metallic heating system within the field volume of the primary winding structure for inductive power transfer, which generates thermal energy to melt winter contaminants
Implementation Method 3
using a combination of hydronic and electric heating systems to maintain the surface temperature above freezing
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for inductive power transfer to vehicles driving or standing on a surface of a route, in particular to road automobiles, wherein the system includes a primary winding structure for generating an alternating electromagnetic field, wherein a field volume (FV) is assigned to the primary winding structure, wherein the system includes at least a part of a first heating system, wherein elements of the first heating system which are arranged within the field volume (FV) are non-metallic elements. Further, the invention relates to a pavement slab assembly and a method of operating a system for inductive power transfer.