Wireless Energy Transfer Using Segmented Resonant Couplers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless power technologies are limited by short transfer distance and low efficiency at longer ranges, hindering their widespread adoption for applications like battery-less devices and sensor networks.
Innovation Solution
A wireless energy transfer system utilizing a hybrid mesh of active and passive couplers with synchronized resonant frequencies, enabling efficient energy distribution over extended areas through a magnetic resonant phased array and intermediary couplers, which enhance transfer efficiency beyond traditional point-to-point systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If traditional point-to-point wireless power systems are used, then energy transfer is achieved, but transfer distance is limited and efficiency drops significantly at longer ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the energy transfer path into multiple segments using intermediary couplers. Instead of a single direct link between source and load, the patent introduces intermediate resonant couplers that create multiple shorter transfer hops (e.g., source→coupler1→coupler2→load), where each hop maintains high efficiency while extending the overall transfer distance beyond what a single point-to-point system could achieve.
Solution Approach 2:
Passive and active intermediary couplers are introduced as mediator elements between the power source and the load. These couplers resonate at the same frequency as the source and load, creating efficient magnetic coupling pathways that extend the effective transfer distance while maintaining high efficiency, solving the fundamental limitation of traditional wireless power systems.
2Ease of operation
If wireless power technology is developed for battery-less devices, then device portability and convenience improve, but the technology remains limited by short transfer range
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-coupler segmented architecture enables battery-less devices to operate wirelessly over extended ranges by breaking the transfer path into efficient segments, allowing devices to be powered anywhere within the extended coverage area of the mesh network without being constrained by short single-hop limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a universal wireless power mesh network where multiple active and passive couplers work together to provide coverage throughout a space, enabling any device within the network area to receive power wirelessly, thus making the technology universally applicable for battery-less operations across extended areas.
3Loss of energy
If a mesh network of active and passive couplers is implemented, then energy transfer efficiency is improved over long distances, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
While segmentation into multiple couplers does increase system complexity, it resolves the efficiency-distance tradeoff by creating manageable modular units that can be independently optimized. Each coupler segment operates at resonant frequency with simple coil structures, making the complexity manageable and the efficiency gains worthwhile for long-distance transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The system optimizes the resonant frequency parameter across all couplers to ensure maximum efficiency. By tuning all active and passive couplers to operate at the same resonant frequency, the system achieves high efficiency transfer across the mesh network while keeping each individual coupler relatively simple in design.
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 achieves high transfer efficiency over long distances, such as up to 4 meters, with approximately 87.5% efficiency for two-hop energy transfer, compared to 16% for single-hop systems, and supports battery-less operations in various applications without the need for line-of-sight or infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
Each coil has an inductance, a resistance, and a capacitance based on the materials, the dimensions, and other parameters of the coil, and consequently, each has a particular resonant frequency. Energy is transferred among the coils by an oscillating magnetic field.
Implementation Method 2
The first passive energy transfer coil is magnetically coupled at a desired distance from the active energy transfer coil to receive electromagnetic energy from the active energy transfer coil
Implementation Method 3
A wireless energy transfer system utilizing a hybrid mesh of active and passive couplers with synchronized resonant frequencies, enabling efficient energy distribution over extended areas through a magnetic resonant phased array
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes at least one active energy transfer coil and a first passive energy transfer coil. The active energy transfer coil is configured to couple with a power supply. The at least one active energy transfer coil has an active coupling range. The first passive energy transfer coil is magnetically coupled to the active energy transfer coil and is located within the active coupling range. The first passive energy transfer coil has a passive coupling range. The first passive energy transfer coil is configured to provide energy to a first device located within the passive coupling range and based on energy received from the at least one active energy transfer coil.