Wireless Energy Transfer Phase Synchronization for Combined Power

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless energy transfer systems face challenges in synchronizing energy transfer between multiple inductive wireless energy transfer apparatuses to efficiently provide power to a load, particularly in varying orientations and configurations.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that control the frequency and phase of a magnetic field generated by a wireless energy transfer apparatus to synchronize energy transfer with other apparatuses, using current and schedule signals to adjust and steer energy transfer, allowing for simultaneous energy delivery to a load in any orientation and enabling stacking configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple wireless energy transfer apparatuses operate independently without synchronization, then each apparatus can function autonomously, but energy transfer efficiency decreases and apparatuses cannot provide combined power to a load

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy transfer efficiencyVSAvoidsynchronization control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple independent wireless energy transfer apparatuses into a synchronized system that operates as a unified power source. The controller coordinates the operation of multiple apparatuses to transfer energy simultaneously and coherently to a common load, enabling their combined power output to be effectively utilized.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback control where the controller monitors the operation status of multiple wireless energy transfer apparatuses and adjusts their parameters to maintain synchronization. This feedback mechanism ensures that all apparatuses operate in coordination, optimizing energy transfer efficiency while managing the complexity through intelligent control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If wireless energy transfer apparatuses are designed with fixed orientation requirements, then the magnetic field generation and energy transfer can be optimized, but the apparatus cannot adapt to varying orientations and configurations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveorientation adaptabilityVSAvoidenergy transfer reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the wireless energy transfer apparatus adaptable to varying orientations through controlled magnetic field generation. The system can dynamically adjust its operation to maintain effective energy transfer regardless of the relative positions and orientations of the apparatuses, while the controller ensures reliable coordinated operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Speed

If multiple wireless energy transfer apparatuses transfer energy simultaneously without coordination, then energy delivery speed increases, but phase interference occurs and reduces overall efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy delivery speedVSAvoidenergy loss due to phase interference
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic action through synchronized oscillating magnetic field generation at coordinated frequencies. The controller ensures that multiple apparatuses generate magnetic fields with matched phases and frequencies, creating constructive interference that enhances energy transfer speed while minimizing energy loss through phase coordination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 enhances energy delivery efficiency, allowing multiple wireless energy transfer apparatuses to provide combined power to a load, increasing overall energy output and battery life, while enabling flexible orientation and stacking for shared ferromagnetic cores.

Implementation Method 1

energy may be transferred from/to a wireless battery inductively using a magnetic field generated by, for example, a wireless battery

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

controlling a frequency and/or phase of an electrical current passing through at least one magnetic field generator to generate at least one magnetic field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3157124B1Apparatuses, methods and computer programs for wireless energy transfer control
Publication Date: 2023.11.29 NOKIA TECHNOLOGIES OY
  • EP3157124B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3157124B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3157124B1 patent drawingFigure 4A

AI summary

A method comprising: controlling a wireless energy transfer apparatus to synchronize energy transfer with at least one further wireless energy transfer apparatus to wirelessly transfer energy to at least one load in combination with the at least one further wireless energy transfer apparatus.