Tunable Wireless Energy Transfer Systems with Dynamic Impedance Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless energy transfer systems face challenges with user safety, low energy transfer efficiencies, and restrictive physical proximity/alignment tolerances due to fluctuations in resonator parameters caused by extraneous objects and temperature changes, which affect impedance and resonant frequency, necessitating methods for tuning components to maintain efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a wireless energy transfer system with tunable resonators and impedance matching networks, including switching amplifiers with variable duty cycles and capacitors, to dynamically adjust parameters and maintain zero voltage and zero current switching, allowing for efficient power transfer over varying load conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If resonator parameters are fixed, then system design is simpler, but energy transfer efficiency decreases due to parameter fluctuations from extraneous objects and temperature changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic tuning of resonator parameters through variable capacitors and inductors that can be adjusted in real-time to compensate for parameter fluctuations caused by extraneous objects and temperature changes, thereby maintaining optimal energy transfer efficiency without requiring a completely complex redesign of the system
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes physical parameters of the resonators (capacitance, inductance, resonant frequency) dynamically to adapt to environmental conditions and maintain impedance matching, resolving the contradiction between fixed design simplicity and variable performance requirements
2Loss of energy
If resonator parameters are tuned dynamically, then energy transfer efficiency is maintained, but device complexity increases due to additional tuning components and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs automatic tuning mechanisms where the resonator network self-adjusts its parameters through feedback control, reducing the need for complex external control systems and manual intervention, thereby maintaining efficiency while limiting the increase in overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback control systems that monitor resonator parameters and automatically adjust tuning elements to maintain optimal performance, resolving the contradiction by implementing intelligent control that manages complexity while preserving efficiency
3Power
If physical proximity and alignment tolerances are restrictive, then coupling between resonators is stronger, but system adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic parameter adjustment that allows the system to adapt to varying physical conditions and alignment tolerances, enabling the resonators to maintain effective coupling even when physical proximity or alignment varies, thus resolving the contradiction between strong coupling and system adaptability
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 approach enhances energy transfer efficiency by dynamically matching impedance and adjusting resonant frequencies, enabling reliable and efficient wireless power transfer over distances, even with varying load conditions and extraneous objects, while ensuring user safety.
Implementation Method 1
Energy or power may be transferred wirelessly using a variety of techniques
Implementation Method 2
tunable resonant amplifier circuit for driving an inductive load
Data Source
AI summary
This application includes a source for a wireless power transfer system including: sensing and measurement circuitry configured to process signals associated with a source resonator and a source impedance matching network including a tunable component; a PWM generator coupled with power transistors of an amplifier coupled with the source impedance matching network, wherein the PWM generator is configured to control a driving signal to drive the source resonator using the power transistors; and a controller coupled with the sensing and measurement circuitry to receive measured signals, wherein the controller is configured to control a component value or an operating point of at least one of the tunable component(s), and the controller is configured to modify operation of the PWM generator based on the measured signals to modify at least a phase of the driving signal while changing power delivered to the source resonator.