Vehicle Wireless Charging Antenna Alignment Using Magnetic Field Vectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless power transfer systems for electric vehicles face challenges in efficient energy transfer due to alignment issues between transmit and receive antennas, which require precise positioning and can interfere with other systems, and are less efficient than wired transfer.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing magnetic coupled resonance with loop antennas and ferrite backing for near-field energy transfer, combined with guidance systems for precise antenna alignment, including mechanical and electrical adjustments, to enhance coupling efficiency and reduce interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If plane wave radiation coupling is used for wireless power transfer, then power can be transmitted over distance, but power coupling efficiency drops quickly with distance and unintentional radiation interference occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of electromagnetic wave propagation by transitioning from plane wave (far-field) radiation to evanescent wave (near-field) coupling. This parameter change enables efficient power transfer at distances of 1-2 meters or more while maintaining high coupling efficiency through resonant electromagnetic coupling between transmit and receive antennas of comparable size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the transition between different electromagnetic field regimes - specifically operating in the near-field evanescent wave region rather than far-field radiation region. By tuning the resonant frequency of both transmit and receive antennas to match, the system maintains strong coupling in the near-field region, enabling efficient wireless power transfer over extended distances without the rapid efficiency drop characteristic of plane wave radiation.
2Productivity
If inductive coupling between transmit and receive antennas is used, then multiple devices can be charged simultaneously, but the spacing between antennas must be very close (within millimeters)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters from traditional inductive coupling (which requires millimeter-scale spacing) to resonant electromagnetic coupling at tuned frequencies. This parameter change allows the system to maintain strong coupling at distances of 1-2 meters or more, enabling multiple devices to be charged simultaneously across a much larger area while maintaining high transfer efficiency.
3Loss of energy
If transmit and receive antennas are aligned for wireless power transfer, then efficient power transfer is achieved, but precise positioning and fine tuning of antenna locations are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic alignment systems that can adjust antenna positions in real-time to maintain optimal coupling. This includes mechanical adjustment mechanisms for fine-tuning antenna locations and electronic tuning of resonant frequencies to compensate for misalignment, thereby maintaining high power transfer efficiency without requiring extremely precise initial positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the coupling efficiency between transmit and receive antennas and automatically adjust antenna positions or resonant frequencies to optimize power transfer. This feedback control reduces the need for manual precise positioning and maintains efficient operation despite variations in vehicle placement or antenna drift.
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
Enables efficient, safe, and reliable wireless charging of electric vehicles with minimal mechanical wear, reduced interference, and increased availability by allowing automatic alignment and integration into various charging environments.
Implementation Method 1
A system utilizing magnetic coupled resonance with loop antennas and ferrite backing for near-field energy transfer
Implementation Method 2
Other approaches to wireless energy transmission techniques are based on inductive coupling between a transmit antenna embedded, for example, in a 'charging' mat or surface and a receive antenna (plus a rectifying circuit) embedded in the electronic device to be charged
Implementation Method 3
A system utilizing magnetic coupled resonance with loop antennas and ferrite backing for near-field energy transfer
Implementation Method 4
Adequate alignment of transmit and receive antennas within an electric vehicle wireless charging system may require proper positioning of an electric vehicle within a parking space, as well as fine tuning of antenna locations after the electric vehicle has been positioned within the parking space
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary embodiments are directed to wireless charging and wireless power alignment of wireless power antennas associated with a vehicle. A wireless power charging apparatus includes an antenna including first and second orthogonal magnetic elements for detecting a horizontal component of a magnetic field generated from a second charging base antenna. A processor determines a directional vector between the antennas.