Segmented Wireless Power Supply Fault Detection for Moving Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless power transfer systems, such as those disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-70181, are inadequate for determining malfunctions in power supply systems designed to wirelessly supply power to traveling vehicles, as they do not effectively address the unique requirements of such systems.
Innovation Solution
A moving-object power supply system that includes multiple power transmission sections with segments connected in parallel, each comprising an inverter, filter, and resonance circuit, where a control unit selects a power transmission segment, generates a magnetic field, and determines malfunctions by measuring electrical characteristics of both the power transmission and non-transmission segments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If wireless power supply segments are operated in parallel to increase power supply capacity, then power supply capability is improved, but malfunction detection difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is divided into multiple independent segments that can be individually controlled and detected. Each segment has its own power transmission coil and control circuitry, allowing the system to isolate and identify malfunctioning segments without affecting the entire system. This segmentation enables parallel operation for increased capacity while maintaining individual detectability of each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the control unit continuously monitors electrical characteristics (voltage, current, impedance) of each segment and compares them against expected values. When deviations indicate potential malfunctions, the system provides feedback to adjust operation or isolate the problematic segment, enabling real-time detection and response in parallel-operated segments.
2Reliability
If multiple segments are operated simultaneously to improve power supply reliability, then system reliability is improved, but malfunction identification complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the system into independently controllable segments with individual control units, the system can activate only the segments needed for reliable power supply rather than operating all segments simultaneously. This reduces the complexity of monitoring and identifying malfunctions while maintaining the reliability benefits of having multiple segments available.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit performs preliminary detection and assessment of segment status before activating them for power supply. This preliminary action identifies potentially malfunctioning segments in advance, allowing the system to avoid activating faulty segments and thereby simplifying malfunction identification while maintaining reliability through selective activation of healthy segments.
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
Enables efficient determination of malfunctions in power transmission and non-transmission segments, ensuring reliable power supply to traveling vehicles by identifying and isolating faulty segments within the system.
Implementation Method 1
a control unit supplies, through a power supply circuit, power to the power transmission segment to thereby generate a magnetic field through a power transmission coil of the power transmission segment
Data Source
AI summary
In a moving-object power supply system, a control unit selects, as a power transmission segment, one of segments included in at least one power transmission section. The control unit supplies, through a power supply circuit, power to the power transmission segment to thereby generate a magnetic field through a power transmission coil of the power transmission segment. The control unit determines, based on an ascertained first electrical characteristic of the power transmission segment and an ascertained second electrical characteristic of at least one power non-transmission segment, whether there is a malfunction in each of the power transmission segment and the at least one power non-transmission segment.