Wireless Power Transfer Cross Connection Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods fail to detect and mitigate cross connections in wireless power transfer networks, leading to decreased power efficiency and poor user experience due to the inability to address cross connections once they occur.
Innovation Solution
A transmission gateway is used to generate a topology mapping of multiple connected power transmitting units (PTUs) and power receiving units (PRUs), employing cross connection detection protocols such as voltage measurement, power measurement, time set, and value set detection to identify and mitigate cross connections by establishing a virtual communication connection between the correct PTU and PRU.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple wireless charging stations are deployed to maximize charging area, then the wireless power transfer network coverage is improved, but cross connection occurs between different charging stations causing power transfer failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transmission gateway as an intermediary component that mediates communication between multiple PTUs and the central controller. The gateway receives topology information from PTUs, processes cross-connection detection data, and coordinates power transfer decisions, thereby enabling reliable power transfer across extended network coverage without direct PTU-to-controller communication.
2Reliability
If cross connection detection protocols are implemented to identify cross connections, then power transfer reliability is improved, but system complexity increases due to additional detection mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where PTUs continuously monitor voltage, power, and time parameters during power transfer, and report measurements to the transmission gateway. The gateway processes this feedback data to detect cross-connections and adjusts power transfer parameters accordingly, enabling reliable detection without requiring complex dedicated detection hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables PTUs to autonomously perform cross-connection detection by measuring voltage and power parameters during normal operation. The detection functionality is integrated into the existing power transfer process, allowing the system to self-diagnose cross-connections without external intervention or separate detection systems.
3Reliability
If communication protocols are established between PTU and PRU to prevent cross connection, then power transfer reliability is improved, but communication overhead and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the communication infrastructure multi-functional by using the existing PTU-to-controller and controller-to-PRU communication channels for both power transfer coordination and cross-connection detection purposes. The transmission gateway processes multiple types of information (topology data, power measurements, communication logs) through a unified communication protocol, eliminating the need for separate dedicated detection communication channels.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for cross connection detection and mitigation in wireless power transfer networks are disclosed. An example method includes receiving communication data from the second PTU, the communication data being generated by the PRU, wherein the first PTU and the second PTU are capable of providing wireless power to power receiving units; determining that the communication data is intended for the first PTU based on the connected device mapping; and transmitting the communication data to the first PTU.