Automotive Wireless Charger Thermal Management via Thermoelectric Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless chargers face inefficiencies and overheating issues when charging newer devices at higher power levels, leading to decreased charging speed and user dissatisfaction, as they often limit charge rates or deactivate charging to prevent overheating.
Innovation Solution
A wireless charger system with a thermoelectric device and processor that measures and controls the temperature of the charging pad to maintain optimal charging conditions, using sensors to detect device and ambient temperatures and adjust the thermoelectric device to cool or warm the charging surface accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If wireless charging power is increased to 10W-15W for faster charging, then charging speed is improved, but device temperature increases causing overheating
Solution Approach 1:
A thermoelectric device is introduced as an intermediary between the wireless charging pad and the device being charged. This device actively manages heat transfer, allowing high-power charging (10W-15W) to proceed while preventing excessive temperature buildup in the device through controlled thermal exchange.
Solution Approach 2:
Temperature sensors continuously monitor the device temperature and provide feedback to a control system. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically adjusts the wireless charging power output and thermoelectric device operation to maintain safe operating temperatures while maximizing charging speed when conditions permit.
2Reliability
If charging is limited or deactivated when temperature reaches threshold, then overheating is prevented, but charging efficiency decreases and charging time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermoelectric device serves as a thermal intermediary that actively removes excess heat from the charging system. This allows the wireless charger to maintain higher power output levels without exceeding safe temperature thresholds, thereby preventing the need to limit or deactivate charging that would otherwise be required for overheating prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters including wireless charging power level and thermoelectric device activation state based on real-time temperature conditions. This enables continuous charging operation across a wider range of power levels without triggering thermal shutdowns, improving overall charging efficiency while maintaining safety.
3Duration of action of moving object
If devices are left charging for extended periods (2+ hours), then battery is fully charged, but excessive heat buildup occurs in both charger and device
Solution Approach 1:
The thermoelectric device operates continuously during extended charging sessions to actively manage heat removal. This enables prolonged charging duration (2+ hours) to be maintained without the temperature buildup that would normally force charging termination, allowing complete battery charging while preventing excessive heat accumulation in both the charger and device.
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 system maintains the optimal temperature range for wireless devices, improving charging efficiency, preventing overheating, and enhancing user satisfaction by allowing faster and more efficient charging without thermal shutdowns.
Implementation Method 1
The wireless charger includes a thermoelectric device. The thermoelectric device is configured to adjust the temperature of the electronic device or a surface of the charging pad.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, devices and apparatuses for a wireless charger for charging an electronic device within a vehicle. The wireless charger includes a first sensor. The first sensor is configured to measure or detect a temperature of the electronic device. The wireless charger includes a thermoelectric device. The thermoelectric device is configured to adjust the temperature of the electronic device or a surface of the charging pad. The wireless charger includes a processor coupled to the first sensor and the thermoelectric device. The processor is configured to determine that the temperature of the electronic device exceeds a first threshold temperature and control the thermoelectric device to increase or decrease the temperature of the electronic device or the surface of the charging pad.