Wireless Energy Transfer Using Coupled Resonators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless energy transfer technologies are inefficient for transferring useful amounts of electrical power over mid-range distances and alignment offsets, and they pose risks due to the need for line-of-sight and potential hazards from directed radiation schemes, while traditional induction methods are limited by short range and small offset tolerances.
Innovation Solution
The use of coupled electromagnetic resonators with long-lived oscillatory resonant modes to mediate energy exchange primarily through magnetic or electric near-fields, enabling efficient wireless energy transfer over mid-range distances and orientations, utilizing high-Q resonators with low intrinsic-loss rates and sub-wavelength resonators with extended near-fields for improved efficiency and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If radiative wireless energy transfer is used, then power can be transmitted over long distances, but transfer efficiency is very low because most power is radiated away in all directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies directional antennas to confine and preferentially direct radiated energy towards the receiver. This creates localized high-energy-density regions in specific directions rather than uniform omnidirectional radiation, improving transfer efficiency while maintaining long-distance capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines both radiative and non-radiative wireless energy transfer mechanisms to create a universal power transmission system that can operate effectively across different distance ranges and application scenarios, selecting the appropriate mode based on requirements
2Loss of energy
If directional antennas are used to confine and direct radiated energy, then transfer efficiency is improved, but the system requires line-of-sight and complicated tracking and steering mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adaptive beam forming and electronic steering mechanisms that dynamically adjust antenna element phases and amplitudes to maintain optimal energy transfer without requiring mechanical tracking components, reducing system complexity while preserving efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor received power levels and automatically adjust transmission parameters to optimize efficiency, eliminating the need for complex open-loop tracking and steering mechanisms
3Power
If directed radiation schemes transmit modest to high amounts of power, then useful energy transfer is achieved, but hazards are posed to objects or people that cross or intersect the beam
Solution Approach 1:
The patent concentrates electromagnetic energy into tightly focused beams with well-defined spatial boundaries, creating localized high-power regions that minimize exposure to surrounding areas and reduce hazards to objects or people outside the beam path
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses microwave lenses and waveguide structures as intermediaries to control and contain high-power electromagnetic energy, directing it precisely to the receiver while preventing stray radiation and reducing safety hazards
4Power
If traditional induction schemes are used, then modest to large amounts of power can be transmitted, but only over very short distances with very small offset tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from near-field induction to far-field radiative transfer, utilizing the wave nature of electromagnetic energy to achieve power transmission over distances much larger than the physical dimensions of the antennas, effectively adding the dimension of wavelength-scale separation
5Power
If traditional induction schemes are used, then power transfer is achieved, but alignment offsets between primary and secondary units must be very small
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adaptive beam forming and electronic steering mechanisms that dynamically adjust antenna element phases and amplitudes to maintain optimal energy transfer without requiring mechanical tracking components, reducing system complexity while preserving efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines both radiative and non-radiative wireless energy transfer mechanisms to create a universal power transmission system that can operate effectively across different distance ranges and application scenarios, selecting the appropriate mode based on requirements
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 allows for efficient power delivery from picowatts to kilowatts over distances much larger than traditional induction techniques, with improved efficiency and offset tolerances, and the ability to power or charge a variety of devices without the limitations and risks of radiative transmission schemes.
Implementation Method 1
uses an oscillating current passing through a primary coil, to generate an oscillating magnetic near-field that induces currents in a near-by receiving or secondary coil
Implementation Method 2
the energy stored by the magnetic field is primarily in the region surrounding the resonator. Then, the energy exchange is mediated primarily by the resonant magnetic near-field
Implementation Method 3
coupled electromagnetic resonators with long-lived oscillatory resonant modes to transfer power from a power supply to a power drain
Implementation Method 4
at least one device magnetic resonators coupled to one or more device heating elements. The magnetic energy transferred by the source to the device may be converted into electrical energy by one or more device resonators and converted into thermal energy by one or more device heating elements
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are improved capabilities for a source resonator having a Q-factor Q1>100 and a characteristic size x1 coupled to an energy source, and a second resonator having a Q-factor Q2>100 and a characteristic size x2 coupled to an energy drain located a distance D from the source resonator, where the source resonator and the second resonator are coupled to exchange energy wirelessly among the source resonator and the second resonator.