Wireless Power Transmitter Fault Detection for Receiver Open Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless power systems face challenges in detecting faults in the power reception apparatus, particularly open circuit faults and thermostat failures, which can lead to overheating and potential fires due to continued power transfer despite communication failures.
Innovation Solution
The wireless power transmission apparatus employs a transmission controller to detect faults by measuring voltage and current, calculating power transfer amounts, and adjusting operating parameters to identify when power transfer falls below a threshold, thereby protecting against receiver faults.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the Power Transmitter continues to transmit power without fault detection, then power transfer efficiency is maintained, but the receiving apparatus may overheat or be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by monitoring power transfer amounts from the transmitter side and using this information to detect receiver faults. The transmitter measures the power transfer amount during power transfer periods and compares it against expected values to determine if a fault condition exists, enabling the system to respond appropriately without adding complex receiver-side detection hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmitter performs self-diagnosis by monitoring its own power transfer characteristics to detect receiver faults. Instead of requiring the receiver to detect and report its own faults, the transmitter uses its measurements of voltage, current, and power transfer amount to infer receiver status, allowing the receiver to serve itself without dedicated fault detection hardware.
2Measurement precision
If the Power Transmitter monitors power transfer amounts continuously, then fault detection accuracy is improved, but system complexity and computational load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial monitoring by measuring power transfer amounts at specific intervals (during power transfer periods) rather than continuously. This approach achieves sufficient fault detection accuracy by sampling at critical moments while avoiding the excessive computational burden of continuous monitoring, implementing just enough measurement to detect faults effectively.
3Reliability
If the Power Transmitter uses multiple measurements and calculations to detect faults, then detection reliability is improved, but response time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calculations by establishing expected power transfer amounts and thresholds before fault detection is needed. During operation, the system compares real-time measurements against these pre-established criteria, enabling rapid fault detection without requiring complex real-time analysis. The transmitter is prepared in advance with the knowledge needed for quick decision-making.
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 method enables effective fault detection and prevention of overheating or fires by ceasing power transfer when receiver faults are detected, enhancing system safety.
Implementation Method 1
The wireless power transmission apparatus may include a primary coil that produces an electromagnetic field that may induce a voltage in a secondary coil of the wireless power reception apparatus when the secondary coil is placed in proximity to the primary coil. In this configuration, the electromagnetic field may wirelessly transfer power to the secondary coil. The power may be transferred using inductive coupling or resonant coupling between the primary coil and the secondary coil.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatuses for a wireless power transmission apparatus to detect a fault of the wireless power reception apparatus. Various implementations relate generally to fault detection and mitigation in a wireless power system. In some aspects, a transmission (TX) controller of the wireless power transmission apparatus can detect a fault in the wireless power reception apparatus based on power transfer measurements or calculations in the wireless power transmission apparatus. The techniques may enable the wireless power transmission apparatus to detect faults such as an open circuit in the wireless power reception apparatus or a thermostat failure, among other examples. During the transmission of wireless power, the wireless power transmission apparatus may detect the fault and cease the transmission of wireless power.