Wireless Inductive Charging Waveforms for Faster Battery Charging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery charging methods are inefficient, causing battery degradation, heat generation, and requiring extended charging times, with constant current or voltage charging not effectively managing battery health and charging speed.
Innovation Solution
A wireless charging system that uses a processor-controlled switch and inductive elements to generate a shaped charge waveform, adjusting based on a circuit model to optimize energy transfer and reduce degradation, incorporating a feed-forward technique for efficient charging without extensive feedback systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional constant current or voltage charging is used, then charging can be performed with simple control, but charging time is extended and battery degradation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic pulse charging instead of continuous constant current/voltage charging. The controller generates periodic charge pulses with optimized width and frequency that adapt to battery state, enabling faster charging while reducing degradation. The periodic nature allows brief high-current pulses that charge quickly without causing thermal runaway or excessive heat buildup.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging system transitions from static constant current/voltage control to dynamic adaptive control. The controller continuously monitors battery parameters (voltage, current, temperature) and dynamically adjusts pulse width, frequency, and amplitude in real-time. This dynamic adaptation optimizes charging speed at each state of charge while preventing degradation mechanisms.
2Reliability
If conventional charging methods are used, then the charging system is simple, but battery degradation and heat generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-parameter feedback control where the controller continuously monitors battery voltage, current, and temperature. Based on this feedback, the controller adjusts charging pulse parameters to maintain optimal charging conditions. The feedback mechanism prevents excessive heat generation by reducing pulse amplitude when temperature rises and prevents degradation by avoiding overcharging conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging system dynamically changes multiple parameters including pulse width, pulse frequency, and current amplitude based on battery state. These parameter changes allow the system to operate in different charging phases (bulk charge, absorption charge, maintenance charge) optimizing for speed when battery is low and preventing degradation when battery is full, thereby extending battery life while minimizing heat.
3Productivity
If shaped charge waveform is generated using circuit modeling, then charging efficiency is optimized, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates and stores optimal charging pulse waveforms for different battery states and conditions using circuit modeling. During actual charging, the controller simply retrieves and applies the pre-computed waveform from lookup tables or memory, avoiding real-time complex calculations. This preliminary action transfers complexity from runtime operation to offline computation, maintaining high charging efficiency while keeping the runtime system simple.
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
The system enables faster charging with reduced battery degradation, lower energy consumption, and extended battery life by generating a controllably shaped charge signal that adapts to battery conditions, optimizing charging efficiency and minimizing heat generation.
Implementation Method 1
a first inductive element, which may be an inductor, inductors coupled in series or parallel or combinations thereof, a transformer or inductive portion of a transformer
Data Source
AI summary
A system for wirelessly charging a battery comprising a switch operably coupled with a power supply. An inductor element, which may be part of a transformer element, which may be a part of filter, is in operable communication with the switch. The transformer is formed when two inductive elements are proximately positioned and provide a wireless charging interface. The system includes a processor in communication with the switch and in communication with a model of the inductor, which may include the transformer. The processor is configured to execute instructions to control the switch to generate a sequence of pulses at the inductor to produce a shaped charge waveform responsive to running the model to generate the shaped charge waveform.