Wireless Power Transmitter Module With Selective Coil Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless power transfer systems face inefficiencies due to alignment issues and movement, as the range and efficiency of power transfer are limited by the coupling factor and alignment of transmitter and receiver coils, with multiple active transmitter elements creating sub-optimal combined fields that reduce power transfer efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A transmitter module with multiple offset layers of transmitter elements, where only one element is actively generating a field at a time, selected based on optimal alignment and communication with the receiver to ensure efficient power transfer, and a method to detect and communicate with the receiver to deactivate unnecessary transmitter elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple transmitter elements are activated simultaneously to increase power transfer capability, then the power transfer capacity is improved, but the power transfer efficiency deteriorates due to sub-optimal combined fields
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitter array is segmented into multiple independent transmitter elements that can be individually controlled. The controller selectively activates only the optimally aligned transmitter element based on receiver position feedback, rather than activating all elements simultaneously. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high power transfer efficiency by using a single well-aligned element while still providing the capacity to scale power output by activating additional elements when needed.
2Loss of energy
If transmitter and receiver elements are tightly coupled to achieve efficient power transfer, then the power transfer efficiency is improved, but the system range is limited and alignment requirements become more stringent
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a single-planar arrangement to a three-dimensional configuration with transmitter elements distributed across multiple layers at different heights. This dimensional expansion allows the receiver to be optimally coupled with whichever transmitter element is closest in the vertical dimension, effectively increasing the system's operational range while maintaining efficient coupling. The multi-layer architecture provides spatial redundancy that accommodates greater separation distances.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the transmitter or receiver moves to adapt to changing positions, then the adaptability is improved, but misalignment between elements increases and reduces power transfer efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the receiver detects and communicates its position to the controller. The controller uses this feedback information to dynamically determine which transmitter element should be activated to maintain optimal alignment. This closed-loop control allows the system to adapt to receiver movement while preserving power transfer efficiency by continuously selecting the best-aligned transmitter element.
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 maximizes power transfer efficiency by ensuring only the best-aligned transmitter element is active, reducing the impact of misalignment and movement, and preventing sub-optimal combined fields, thereby enhancing the range and stability of wireless power transfer.
Implementation Method 1
Power is then transferred from the transmit element 222 to the receive element 229 via resonant or non-resonant electric or magnetic field coupling
Implementation Method 2
Power transfer occurs due to coupling of magnetic fields between the coils or inductors of the transmitter and receiver
Implementation Method 3
Power transfer occurs due to coupling of electric fields between the capacitive electrodes of the transmitter and receiver
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a method of operating at least one transmitter module of a wireless power transfer system. Each transmitter module comprises a plurality of transmitter elements arranged in a plurality of offset layers with one transmitter element per layer. The method comprises detecting a receiver at at least one transmitter element of the transmitter module. The method further comprises, in response to the detecting, generating a power signal to transfer power from a first transmitter element of the transmitter module to the detected receiver. The method further comprises causing a second transmitter element of the transmitter module to remain inactive during the transferring. Controller and further methods are also provided.