Wireless Power Transfer Control Using Dual Communication Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless power transfer systems face limitations in communication capacity and reliability, especially at higher power levels, leading to potential errors and inefficiencies when power receivers are moved, removed, or replaced, and separate communication systems can result in suboptimal operation.
Innovation Solution
Implementing dual communication channels for wireless power transfer, where a low data rate in-band communication link uses the power transfer signal as a carrier for proximity detection and a high data rate out-of-band communication link provides robust control data, ensuring reliable operation and error detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single in-band communication channel using power transfer signal modulation is used, then communication is integrated with power transfer, but communication data rate is limited and reliability deteriorates at higher power levels
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system is segmented into two independent channels: an in-band communication channel that uses power transfer signal modulation for presence detection and basic control, and an out-of-band communication channel that provides high-speed data transfer. This segmentation allows each channel to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between integration and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The out-of-band communication channel acts as an intermediary that handles high-speed data transfer independently from the power transfer signal. This mediator channel relieves the in-band channel from carrying heavy data loads, allowing the in-band channel to maintain reliable presence detection and control functions even at higher power levels.
2Adaptability or versatility
If power transfer signal modulation is used for communication, then communication and power transfer are combined, but communication data rate becomes insufficient for high-speed control data
Solution Approach 1:
The communication functionality is divided into two segments: in-band communication for presence detection and basic control signals, and out-of-band communication for high-speed data transfer. This segmentation enables the system to achieve both communication integration and high data rates simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication system achieves multi-functionality by implementing both in-band and out-of-band channels, allowing it to perform presence detection, basic control, and high-speed data transfer through different communication paths, thereby satisfying diverse communication requirements.
3Reliability
If presence detection is performed continuously, then operational safety is improved, but energy consumption and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Presence detection is performed periodically through structured communication sequences rather than continuously. The system uses periodic exchange of presence detection messages over the in-band channel, which maintains adequate detection accuracy while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The presence detection mechanism leverages the existing communication infrastructure to perform detection as a byproduct of normal operation. By using the same in-band communication channel for both control and presence detection, the system achieves safety monitoring without requiring additional dedicated detection hardware or energy-intensive separate detection protocols.
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
Enhances communication reliability and flexibility, reduces errors by detecting the presence of power receivers within the operational volume, and prevents undesired magnetic field generation during power transfer.
Implementation Method 1
power transfer coil for transferring power with a complementary power transfer coil of a complementary power transfer apparatus via a power transfer signal
Implementation Method 2
communicating first data with the complementary power transfer apparatus via a first communication channel using modulation of the power transfer signal
Data Source
AI summary
A power transfer apparatus being a power transmitter (101) or power receiver (103) of a power transfer via a power transfer signal comprises a power coil (103, 107) for transferring power with a complementary power transfer coil (107, 103) being the other apparatus of the power transfer operation. A first communicator (205, 305) communicates data with the complementary power transfer apparatus using modulation of the power transfer signal. A second communicator (207, 307) communicates power transfer control data via a second communication channel that is independent of the power transfer signal and has a communication data rate at least ten times higher. A presence detector (209, 309) determines whether the complementary power transfer apparatus is present in a proximity of the power transfer coil (103, 107) in response to the first data; and a power transfer controller (201, 301) restricts the wireless power transfer from the power transmitter (101) to the power receiver (103) in response to a detection of an absence of the complementary power transfer apparatus.