Wireless Charging Thermal Control With Thermoelectric Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless power transfer systems are limited by thermal performance, which affects power delivery, and existing solutions do not effectively manage heat generated during high-power operations.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an auxiliary thermal system with thermoelectric transfer components that are controlled based on temperature measurements from both the power transmitter and receiver, using a thermoelectric cooler to manage heat transfer and enable higher power delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If higher power delivery is achieved in a wireless power transfer system, then power transfer rate is improved, but thermal performance deteriorates due to excessive heat generation
Solution Approach 1:
A thermoelectric cooler is introduced as an intermediary component between the power transmitter and the ambient environment. This cooler actively mediates heat transfer by converting electrical energy into a temperature gradient, pulling heat away from the power transmitter and dissipating it to the surroundings, thereby enabling higher power delivery without thermal overload
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters by adjusting the power delivery level based on real-time temperature measurements. When temperature exceeds thresholds, the system reduces power delivery; when temperature is within acceptable ranges, the system increases power delivery. This dynamic parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between maintaining high power output and preventing thermal damage
2Temperature
If thermal management is enhanced through active cooling systems, then temperature control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring temperature through sensors and adjusting the cooling system's operation accordingly. Temperature measurements feed back to the control logic, which modulates the thermoelectric cooler's power consumption to maintain temperatures within safe operating ranges, achieving effective thermal management without requiring overly complex systems
Solution Approach 2:
The thermoelectric cooler operates autonomously based on temperature feedback, self-regulating its cooling activity without requiring complex external control mechanisms. The system serves its own thermal management needs by automatically adjusting cooling intensity according to real-time thermal conditions, reducing the need for additional complex control infrastructure
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 solution enhances power delivery and thermal management, allowing for higher power transfer rates and improved efficiency by actively controlling heat dissipation, thus overcoming thermal limitations in wireless power transfer systems.
Implementation Method 1
an auxiliary cooler and associated control circuitry that operates the auxiliary cooler responsive to one or more temperature measurements to transfer heat from the wireless power transmitter to an ambient environment. The auxiliary cooler can be a thermoelectric cooler
Implementation Method 2
The thermal link can be a heat pipe that employs phase change of a coolant contained within the heat pipe to transfer heat from the auxiliary cooler to the radiating element
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device can include a wireless power transfer coil, an inverter having an input coupled to an input power source and an output coupled to the wireless power transfer coil, control circuitry that operates the inverter to deliver power from the input power source to a wireless power receiver coupled to the wireless power transfer coil, communication circuitry that allows communication with the wireless power receiver, and an auxiliary cooler and associated control circuitry that operates the auxiliary cooler, responsive to one or more temperature measurements, to transfer heat from the electronic device to an ambient environment.