Wireless Charging Coil Control Using Photovoltaic Shadow Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Qi wireless charging systems face inefficiencies due to constant energy consumption for foreign object detection, limited charging surface area, and not all systems can reject metallic elements, leading to potential overheating and suboptimal energy management.
Innovation Solution
A system that integrates a photovoltaic panel acting as both an energy source and sensor, using shadow detection to activate charging only when a Qi-compatible device is present, with multiple coils and zoned detection to optimize energy use and prevent metallic object charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If constant detection is performed to detect foreign objects, then foreign object detection reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs foreign object detection periodically rather than continuously. The control unit activates detection only at specific intervals or when triggered by certain conditions, reducing energy consumption while maintaining adequate detection reliability. This is implemented through the control unit managing the timing and frequency of detection cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing magnetic field and coil infrastructure to perform self-detection of foreign objects. The same coils used for wireless power transfer are utilized for detection purposes, eliminating the need for separate dedicated detection hardware and reducing overall system energy consumption while maintaining detection capability.
2Loss of energy
If photovoltaic panel is used as energy source, then renewable energy utilization is improved, but system activation control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The photovoltaic panel serves multiple functions: it acts as both the energy source for the system and as a sensor for detecting the presence of devices. When a device is placed on the panel, it shadows portions of the panel, reducing power generation in those areas. The control unit detects these power variations to determine device presence, eliminating the need for separate detection hardware and simplifying overall system control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the power output of the photovoltaic panel. When shadowing is detected (indicating device presence), the control unit receives feedback and automatically activates or deactivates the wireless charging system accordingly. This closed-loop control simplifies system management while optimizing renewable energy utilization.
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
Reduces energy consumption by only activating the system when a device is detected, expands the charging surface area, and ensures efficient energy management by using renewable energy and precise coil activation.
Implementation Method 1
an electric source (1), such as a photovoltaic panel (1)
Implementation Method 2
a charging layer (3), such as e.g. a Qi electronical induction layer, which transmits energy to portable electronic devices (6)
Implementation Method 3
using shadow detection to activate charging only when a Qi-compatible device is present
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The system for charging electronic devices comprises an electric source (1); a charging layer (3), which charges wirelessly electronic devices (6); wherein the system also comprises an electronic control unit (5) able to make work several coils on the same system, and to detect if an electronic device (6) to be charged is placed on the electric source (1), detecting time relative variations of the light received by the electric source (1) and if a signal from the electronic device (6) is received. The method comprises detecting a voltage change on an electric source (1) by an electronic control unit (5); searching an electronic device (6) to be charged; sending a request signal to said electronic device (6) by said electronic control unit (5); and if a response signal to said request signal is received, power on at least a part of a charging layer (3), charging the electronic device.