Wireless Power Inverter Duty Cycle Control for Low-Load Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless power transfer systems face inefficiencies due to high power consumption in controlling switching elements, especially at low power loads, leading to inefficient power transfer from the transmitter to the receiver.
Innovation Solution
A controller is implemented in the transmitter control circuitry to vary the duty cycle of the inverter based on the detection of a load signal, allowing the inverter to operate only when a receiver is present, thereby reducing power consumption and improving efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the inverter operates continuously to maintain readiness for power transfer, then the system is ready to transfer power immediately, but the power consumption is high especially at low power loads
Solution Approach 1:
The inverter switches between active and standby modes periodically based on receiver detection. When no receiver is detected, the inverter enters standby mode with reduced operation. When a receiver is detected, the inverter activates fully for power transfer. This periodic switching resolves the contradiction by maintaining readiness only when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the inverter's operating state based on real-time detection of receiver presence. The controller monitors for receivers and dynamically transitions the inverter between full operation and reduced operation modes, optimizing the balance between readiness and power consumption.
2Power
If the transmitter operates at high power levels to meet peak demand, then sufficient power is available when needed, but the efficiency is poor at low power loads
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitter dynamically adjusts its power output level based on the actual power needs of the receiver. The controller monitors load conditions and adjusts the inverter's duty cycle accordingly, maintaining high efficiency across varying power levels while ensuring sufficient power availability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (duty cycle, switching frequency) of the inverter based on detected power requirements. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system maintains optimal efficiency across different power load conditions while ensuring adequate power delivery capability.
3Reliability
If the inverter switching elements are controlled with high power to ensure reliable switching, then the switching is reliable, but the overall system efficiency decreases at low power loads
Solution Approach 1:
The high-power switching control is applied periodically only when a receiver is detected and power transfer is needed. During standby periods when no receiver is present, the switching elements operate at reduced power levels or remain inactive, maintaining reliability when needed while reducing energy loss during idle periods.
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 enhances the power transfer efficiency and reduces wear on electrical components by minimizing unnecessary operation of the transmitter, particularly at low power loads.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitter generates a field for transferring power to a receiver. The field is generated by driving a transmit element of the transmitter with an alternating current (AC) voltage
Data Source
AI summary
Method and circuitry for controlling a transmitter and a receiver of a wireless power transfer system. There is provided transmitter control circuitry for controlling a duty cycle of an inverter of a transmitter of a wireless power transfer system based on detection of a load signal at the transmitter. There is further provided receiver control circuitry for controlling operation of a receiver of a wireless power transfer system, the circuitry modifying of the load at the input or output of a rectifier of a receiver of a wireless power transfer system to vary a load signal at the receiver. The transmitter control circuitry may control the duty cycle of the inverter based on detection of the load signal from the receiver.