Wireless Power Transfer Coil Alignment Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless power transfer systems for electrified vehicles face inefficiencies due to misalignment of coils during charging, which affects magnetic mutual inductance and overall charging efficiency, as they rely on static coil alignment assumptions rather than real-time adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A wireless power transfer system that uses a three-phase representation of power to estimate coil alignment parameters in real-time and adjust power transfer characteristics, such as switching frequency and phase shift angle, to maintain optimal alignment and efficiency during charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If static coil alignment assumptions are used in wireless power transfer systems, then device complexity is reduced, but charging efficiency deteriorates due to coil misalignment during charging
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static coil alignment assumptions to dynamic real-time alignment estimation and adjustment. The controller continuously estimates coil alignment parameters and adjusts inverter switching frequency and phase shift angle dynamically during charging to maintain optimal magnetic mutual inductance despite vehicle movement or positioning variations
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by measuring power characteristics, estimating coil alignment parameters in real-time, and using this information to adjust inverter control parameters. This closed-loop approach maintains charging efficiency by compensating for alignment changes during the charging process
2Loss of energy
If real-time coil alignment estimation and adjustment is implemented, then charging efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensing and control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses existing power measurement capabilities to estimate coil alignment parameters without requiring additional dedicated sensors. The controller leverages available power characteristic data to self-determine alignment status and perform necessary adjustments, avoiding the need for complex external sensing systems
3Loss of energy
If inverter switching frequency and phase shift angle are adjusted dynamically, then power transfer efficiency is maintained under varying alignment conditions, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system adjusts inverter operating parameters (switching frequency and phase shift angle) based on estimated coil alignment parameters. By changing these control parameters in response to alignment variations, the system maintains optimal magnetic coupling and power transfer efficiency across different operating conditions
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 ensures real-time adjustments to maintain efficient power transfer by dynamically accounting for coil misalignment, enhancing charging efficiency and stability without being influenced by system dynamics.
Implementation Method 1
The coil is adapted to receive power wirelessly in single-phase form from an external coil
Implementation Method 2
The sensor is adapted to measure a characteristic of the power
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle is provided with a coil and a sensor. The coil is adapted to receive power wirelessly in single-phase form from an external coil. The sensor is adapted to measure a characteristic of the power. The vehicle is also provided with a controller that is programmed to estimate a parameter indicative of coil alignment using a three-phase representation of the power based on the characteristic, and to adjust the power received by the coil based on the parameter.