Wireless Power Transfer Speed Control for AGV Battery Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limited length of power transfer lanes in wireless power transfer methods restricts the charging time for vehicles, leading to insufficient battery charging and reduced operating efficiency of automated guided vehicles (AGVs), necessitating high-capacity batteries to maintain operation.
Innovation Solution
A wireless power transfer system with power transmission apparatuses and traveling-path segments that include both power-transfer and non-power transfer segments, utilizing a power-transfer management unit to control power transmission based on battery capacity and available power, adjusting traveling speeds to optimize charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the power transfer lane length is limited, then the system complexity is reduced, but the charging amount of the battery becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the traveling speed of the mobile object variable rather than constant. The control unit dynamically adjusts the traveling speed based on real-time power reception status and battery charge level, allowing the object to slow down when charging is needed and speed up when battery is sufficient, thereby achieving sufficient charging within the limited power transfer lane length without extending the lane.
2Quantity of substance
If the vehicle travels on the power transfer lane to secure charging, then the battery charging amount increases, but the operating ratio of the vehicle decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts traveling speed based on battery state and power reception efficiency. When the mobile object enters the power transfer lane, it automatically reduces speed to maximize power reception, then resumes normal speed after charging, minimizing the time spent on charging and maintaining high operating ratio.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile object autonomously monitors its own battery charge level and power reception status, and self-regulates its traveling speed without external intervention. The control unit automatically determines when to slow down for charging and when to resume normal operation, enabling the vehicle to service itself and maintain high productivity.
3Reliability
If the AGV is charged in a stopped state, then the battery charging is stable, but the work performance during charging is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static charging (stopped state) to dynamic charging (moving state). The mobile object continues to move on the power transfer lane while receiving power wirelessly, with speed dynamically adjusted to optimize charging. This eliminates the need to stop for charging, allowing continuous operation and maintaining work performance.
4Duration of action of moving object
If a high-capacity battery is installed to increase operating time, then the operating time increases, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the charging function from the battery itself and implements it externally through the power transfer lane system. Instead of relying solely on a large-capacity battery, the system provides continuous power supplementation during operation, effectively extending operating time without increasing battery capacity or related complexity.
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
Prevents stoppages due to battery shortages by dynamically adjusting traveling speeds to ensure sufficient charging, thereby maintaining the operating efficiency of mobile objects like AGVs.
Implementation Method 1
a power transmission apparatus configured to perform power transmission... at least one power transmission coil provided on each of the one or more power-transfer path segments, and a power supply unit configured to output, to the at least one mobile object through the at least one power transmission coil, the suppliable power output
Data Source
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AI summary
A wireless power transfer system (10c) includes a power transmission apparatus (200), traveling-path segments (300c) including a power-transfer path segment (310) and a non-power transfer path segment (320), and a power-transfer management unit (400c). A mobile object, which travels on the one or more power-transfer path segments, includes a power reception unit, a battery, a battery sensor, and a first control unit. The power-transfer management unit includes a first controller that generates power transfer information. The power transfer information includes a first traveling speed for a predetermined route that includes (i) at least one selected power-transfer path segment included in the one or more power-transfer path segments, or (ii) a combination of at least one selected non-power transfer path segment included in the one or more non-power transfer path segments and the at least one selected power-transfer path segment. The mobile object, which travels at a second traveling speed (V2) on the at least one non-power transfer path segment, is controlled to travel at the first traveling speed on the at least one power-transfer path segment. The first controller calculates, as the first traveling speed, a third traveling speed required to charge the battery of the mobile object traveling on the route, and transmits the third traveling speed to the mobile object.