Wireless Battery Charging Regulator Using Switched Capacitor Topology
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery charging systems face challenges in reducing size due to bulky inductors in buck regulators and inefficiencies at high voltage conversion ratios, particularly in high-speed charging applications, where heat dissipation issues arise from low efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A voltage regulator system incorporating a switched capacitor regulator with a controller that adjusts the input voltage to maintain a high efficiency at high input-to-output conversion ratios by controlling the conversion ratio to be close to an integer multiple, using wireless charging signals to dynamically adjust the power signal's amplitude and frequency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a buck regulator is used to deliver power efficiently, then power delivery capability is improved, but device size increases due to bulky inductors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the inductor component from the power delivery system by using a switched capacitor regulator instead of a buck regulator. The inductor is extracted and replaced with capacitor-based switching circuitry, eliminating the need for bulky magnetic components while maintaining power delivery capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the magnetic field-based inductor with an electric field-based switched capacitor system. This replacement uses capacitors and switching transistors to achieve power conversion without relying on magnetic components, thereby reducing device size.
2Speed
If a high input voltage is used for high-speed charging, then charging speed is improved, but heat dissipation increases due to low efficiency at high voltage conversion ratios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the switched capacitor regulator dynamically. The controller adjusts the switching frequency and capacitor configuration based on the battery charge state and required conversion ratio, optimizing efficiency across different operating conditions including high voltage conversion ratios required for fast charging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic control system that continuously monitors battery voltage and adjusts the regulator's operation accordingly. The controller modifies switching patterns and capacitor connections in real-time to maintain optimal efficiency as the battery charges and voltage changes.
3Loss of energy
If a switched capacitor regulator is used to maintain high efficiency at high voltage conversion ratios, then energy efficiency is improved, but the system requires precise control to maintain integer conversion ratios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a feedback control system where the controller monitors the battery voltage and regulator output to determine the required conversion ratio. Based on this feedback, the controller dynamically configures the switched capacitor network to maintain an integer conversion ratio, ensuring high efficiency while adapting to changing battery conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the switched capacitor regulator to perform multiple functions through a single integrated circuit. The same capacitor array and switching network handle various conversion ratios by reconfiguring connections, eliminating the need for separate regulator circuits for different charging stages.
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 enables high-speed battery charging with reduced size and heat dissipation, maintaining high efficiency across varying conversion ratios and battery charge states.
Implementation Method 1
a wireless charging receiver having an output coupled to the input of the regulator and having an input that receives a power signal from a wireless charging transmitter
Implementation Method 2
A buck regulator transfers charge from a power source to an output load using an inductor
Data Source
AI summary
Systems for charging a battery are provided, the systems comprising: a regulator having an output coupled to the battery and having an input; a wireless charging receiver having an output coupled to the input of the regulator and having an input that receives a power signal from a wireless charging transmitter; a controller having a first input coupled to the input of the regulator, having a second input coupled to the output of the regulator, and having a first output coupled to the wireless charging transmitter, wherein the controller is configured to send, using the first output of the controller, a control signal to the wireless charging transmitter that causes the wireless charging transmitter to change the power signal provided to the wireless charging receiver.