Wireless Charging Coil Alignment via Precision Rectifier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless charging systems for electric vehicles face challenges in accurately aligning primary and secondary coils to maximize energy transfer efficiency, particularly in varying spatial configurations and distances.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle system with a controller that disables the power rectifier during alignment and enables a precision rectifier to adjust the secondary coil's position based on induced voltage, switching to a power rectifier once the voltage exceeds a threshold, ensuring optimal alignment and energy transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a power rectifier is used to transfer charge between the secondary coil and battery, then energy transfer efficiency is improved, but alignment precision deteriorates due to inability to detect low voltage signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the rectification function into two separate systems: a precision rectifier for alignment detection and a power rectifier for energy transfer. The precision rectifier handles low-voltage alignment signals, while the power rectifier handles high-power charging, allowing each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromise
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between precision rectifier mode and power rectifier mode based on alignment status. During alignment, the precision rectifier is active; once aligned, the power rectifier takes over for efficient energy transfer, creating a dynamic operational sequence that optimizes both precision and efficiency
2Productivity
If the distance between primary and secondary coils is reduced to enhance coupling coefficient, then energy transfer efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases due to alignment control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The precision rectifier provides real-time feedback on the voltage induced in the secondary coil, which the controller uses to adjust the position of the secondary coil. This closed-loop feedback system automatically achieves optimal alignment without requiring complex manual adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the induced voltage itself as the alignment signal, eliminating the need for separate sensors or detection mechanisms. The secondary coil's own electrical response provides the alignment information, simplifying the overall system architecture
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 method ensures precise alignment and efficient energy transfer between the primary and secondary coils, enhancing the coupling coefficient and reducing the distance between coils, thereby improving charging efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
passing alternating current through the primary coil may cause the primary coil to emit energy such as electromagnetic energy. Energy emitted by the primary coil may induce current in a secondary coil
Implementation Method 2
enabling a precision rectifier to output a voltage responsive to current induced in the secondary coil
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle system includes a controller configured to, responsive to an alignment mode, disable a power rectifier configured to transfer charge between a secondary coil and battery, and enable a precision rectifier to output a voltage responsive to current induced in the secondary coil resulting from current through a corresponding primary coil, and responsive to the voltage exceeding a threshold, enable the power rectifier and disable the precision rectifier.