Wireless Power Transfer Load Decoupling for Overvoltage Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wireless power transfer systems face challenges in protecting components from sudden increases in output voltage, which can lead to system failure and damage due to variations in electric load, particularly in contactless power transfer systems where timely voltage regulation is hindered by communication delays.
Innovation Solution
A wireless power transfer system incorporating a switching unit that decouples the electric load from the contactless power transfer unit if the second DC voltage exceeds a threshold value, using a controller and switches to regulate the output voltage and prevent overvoltage damage, while also maintaining normal operation by adjusting switching signals based on voltage and current sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If contactless power transfer is used to avoid physical connection issues, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to power converter requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary protection by detecting voltage threshold conditions before overvoltage damage can occur. The controller continuously monitors the second DC voltage and activates switches to decouple the load when voltage approaches dangerous levels, preventing system failure before it happens.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces switching units with controllers as intermediary components between the power converter and the load. These intermediaries provide overvoltage protection by detecting voltage conditions and selectively decoupling the load, thereby protecting the power transfer system without requiring fundamental changes to the contactless power transfer architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If switching frequency is adjusted to regulate output voltage, then adaptability is improved, but reliability deteriorates when load is disconnected causing sudden voltage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of voltage threshold conditions before overvoltage damage can occur. When the second DC voltage exceeds the threshold, the controller proactively activates the switching units to decouple the load, preventing the harmful effect of sudden voltage spikes that would otherwise damage components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the controller continuously monitors the second DC voltage output and adjusts the switching signals accordingly. This closed-loop feedback ensures that voltage regulation maintains system stability even when load conditions change suddenly, as the controller responds to voltage deviations by adjusting switch activation.
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 effectively protects components from overvoltage by decoupling the electric load when voltage exceeds a critical threshold, ensuring the second converting unit and other components are safeguarded from damage, and regulates output voltage to maintain stable operation even with varying electric loads.
Implementation Method 1
a contactless power transfer unit communicatively coupled to the first converting unit and configured to receive the input power having the AC voltage from the first converting unit and transmit the input power having the AC voltage
Implementation Method 2
a second converting unit communicatively coupled to the contactless power transfer unit and configured to receive the input power having the AC voltage from the contactless power transfer unit, convert the AC voltage of the input power to a second DC voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless power transfer system is disclosed. The wireless power transfer system includes a first converting unit configured to convert a first DC voltage of an input power to an AC voltage. Further, the wireless power transfer system includes a contactless power transfer unit configured to transmit the input power having the AC voltage. Also, the wireless power transfer system includes a second converting unit configured to convert the AC voltage to a second DC voltage and transmit the input power having the second DC voltage to an electric load. Additionally, the wireless power transfer system includes a switching unit configured to decouple the electric load from the contactless power transfer unit if the second DC voltage across the electric load is greater than a first threshold value.