Autonomous Under-Vehicle Chargers for Wireless Power Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless charging systems for electric vehicles are inefficient due to suboptimal alignment and high costs associated with installing and maintaining infrastructure, particularly inductive charging systems which waste energy and require precise alignment under normal traffic conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system of autonomous mobile platforms that navigate to and charge electric vehicles, equipped with rechargeable power storage units, drive mechanisms, and sensors to optimize power transfer efficiency and alignment, using near-field inductive or capacitive wireless power transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless power transmission is used for vehicle battery charging, then physical coupling is eliminated and charging convenience is improved, but energy transfer efficiency deteriorates due to suboptimal alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adjustable and movable charging platforms that can dynamically reposition themselves to achieve optimal alignment with the vehicle battery. The system includes platforms with adjustable height, position, and orientation capabilities, allowing real-time optimization of the magnetic field coupling between transmitter and receiver coils during the charging process.
2Productivity
If inductive charging systems are installed at roadway surface, then continuous charging during travel is enabled, but installation and maintenance cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of installing charging infrastructure in the environment (roadway surface), the patent inverts the approach by bringing the charging system to the vehicle. Mobile charging units equipped with power storage and transmission capabilities autonomously navigate to vehicles and perform charging, eliminating the need for expensive roadway installation and maintenance infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging system is divided into independent mobile units that can operate separately and autonomously. Each charging unit contains its own power storage, transmission equipment, and navigation capabilities, allowing the system to scale flexibly without requiring continuous roadway installation.
3Loss of energy
If transmitting and receiving plates are aligned for optimal power transfer, then energy efficiency is improved, but alignment difficulty increases under normal traffic conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The charging platforms are equipped with autonomous navigation and alignment capabilities using sensors, processors, and control systems. The platforms automatically detect the vehicle position, calculate optimal alignment parameters, and adjust their own position and orientation without external intervention, making the alignment process self-service and eliminating manual intervention requirements.
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 provides maximum power transfer efficiency, reduces installation and maintenance costs, and offers a convenient charging method by autonomously navigating and aligning with the vehicle's battery, enhancing the range and usability of electric vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
A changing magnetic field that is generated by the transmit antenna is picked up by the receive antenna which, in turn, induces an electromotive force in the receive antenna. The generated electromotive force creates an oscillating current which is then used to charge the vehicle battery.
Implementation Method 2
using near-field inductive or capacitive wireless power transmission
Implementation Method 3
A second WPT charging method is based on capacitive electric field coupling between a pair of conductive plates
Data Source
AI summary
Presented herein is a system and method for wireless power transmission (WPT) charging of a battery of a stationary electric vehicle (EV). The system comprises a plurality of autonomous mobile platforms adapted to charge the battery, wherein: the autonomous mobile platforms are configured to fit under the EV; and one or more autonomous mobile platforms are assigned in succession by the central control system to fully supply the charging requirements of the EV. Also presented is a method for maximizing inductive WPT charging of a battery of a stationary EV.