Wireless Energy Transfer Using Coupled Resonators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless energy transfer methods are inefficient for transferring useful amounts of electrical power over mid-range distances and alignment offsets, as they either require line-of-sight and complex tracking mechanisms or pose hazards due to directional radiation, and traditional induction schemes are limited to short distances with small offset tolerances.
Innovation Solution
The use of coupled electromagnetic resonators with long-lived oscillatory resonant modes to mediate energy transfer through magnetic or electric near-fields, allowing for efficient wireless energy transfer over mid-range distances and varied orientations without the limitations of radiative schemes, using high-Q resonators with low intrinsic-loss rates and sub-wavelength resonators with extended near-fields.
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, concentrating power in specific directions rather than radiating uniformly in all directions. This improves transfer efficiency while maintaining long-distance transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from omnidirectional radiation (3D spherical distribution) to directional radiation (concentrated beam), effectively changing the spatial dimensionality of energy distribution from isotropic to anisotropic, thereby reducing energy loss in unwanted directions.
2Loss of energy
If directional antennas are used to improve transfer efficiency, then power transfer efficiency improves, but the system requires line-of-sight and complex tracking and steering mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses electromagnetic resonance between transmitter and receiver antennas at specific resonant frequencies to enhance coupling and power transfer efficiency, eliminating the need for complex mechanical tracking and steering mechanisms while maintaining directional energy transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent exploits resonant frequency matching between transmitter and receiver as a key parameter to achieve efficient power transfer over mid-range distances without requiring line-of-sight or complex tracking, thereby improving efficiency while reducing system complexity.
3Loss of energy
If directional radiation schemes are used, then power transfer efficiency improves, but hazards are posed to objects or people that cross or intersect the beam
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses resonant frequency matching to achieve efficient power transfer through evanescent wave coupling rather than high-power directional radiation, significantly reducing the intensity of electromagnetic fields in the surrounding environment and eliminating safety hazards to objects or people near the transmission path.
4Loss of energy
If traditional induction schemes are used, then power can be transferred wirelessly, but only over very short distances with very small offset tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses high-Q resonant oscillators operating at specific resonant frequencies to extend the effective range of wireless power transfer from millimeter-scale traditional induction to mid-range distances, while maintaining high transfer efficiency and increasing tolerance to alignment offsets between transmitter and receiver.
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
Enables efficient power delivery from picowatts to kilowatts over distances much larger than traditional induction techniques, with improved efficiency and offset tolerances, facilitating a wide range of applications including consumer electronics, industrial, and medical devices.
Implementation Method 1
a source resonator and a device resonator coupled to exchange energy wirelessly among themselves
Implementation Method 2
coupled electromagnetic resonators with long-lived oscillatory resonant modes to mediate energy transfer
Data Source
AI summary
In embodiments of the present invention improved capabilities are described for a method and system comprising a source resonator optionally coupled to an energy source and a second resonator located a distance from the source resonator, where the source resonator and the second resonator are coupled to provide near-field wireless energy transfer among the source resonator and the second resonator, and where a loss inducing object is positioned to increase the coupling the coupling factor among the resonators.