Wireless RF Power Combining for Solar Energy Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solar power generation systems face high installation costs, reliability issues due to numerous connections, and maintenance challenges, especially at high altitudes, and suffer from low output voltage requiring many cells in series, which decreases system performance and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A power generation system utilizing magnetic resonant coupling for wireless energy transfer between power generating units, combining RF outputs to maintain high output power and efficiency, and reducing the need for series connections by phase control and reactance adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If many solar cells are connected in series to increase output voltage, then the output voltage becomes sufficiently high to operate electronic devices, but the reliability decreases due to numerous connection points
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the power generation function into multiple independent wireless power transmission units, each operating at low voltage. These units transmit power wirelessly to a receiving end where the power is combined, eliminating the need for series connections of solar cells while maintaining high output voltage capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical connection system (series connections of cells) with a wireless energy transmission system. Magnetic resonant coupling enables energy transfer without physical connections, thereby eliminating connection points and improving reliability while achieving the required output voltage through power combination at the receiving end.
2Adaptability or versatility
If solar cells are installed on the roof or walls of buildings, then the system can generate power at the location of use, but the installation cost increases especially at high altitudes
Solution Approach 1:
The power generation system is divided into multiple small-scale wireless transmission units that can be independently installed. These modular units can be placed on building roofs or walls without requiring complex wiring infrastructure, reducing installation complexity and cost while maintaining flexibility in installation locations.
Solution Approach 2:
Wireless power transmission eliminates the need for complex wiring and connection infrastructure that would be required for traditional solar cell installations. This substitution reduces installation complexity and cost, especially for high-altitude installations where wiring would be particularly difficult and expensive.
3Power
If many solar cells are connected in series, then the output voltage is sufficient for electronic devices, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of manufacturing and connecting many individual solar cells in series, the system uses multiple low-voltage wireless transmission units. Each unit is simpler and cheaper to manufacture, and the high voltage is achieved through wireless power combination at the receiving end rather than series connection of cells.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless power transmission system replaces the need for manufacturing and connecting numerous solar cells in series. Magnetic resonant coupling enables efficient energy transfer, allowing power combination without the complex manufacturing and assembly processes required for series-connected solar cell arrays.
4Productivity
If solar cells are installed in a wide area to generate large amounts of power, then the power generation capacity increases, but the installation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves large power generation capacity by deploying multiple small-scale wireless transmission units rather than one large solar cell array. Each unit is simple to install, and the modular approach reduces overall installation complexity while scaling power generation capacity through additive combination of multiple units.
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 reduces installation costs, simplifies maintenance, and achieves high output power and efficiency by wirelessly combining RF energies from multiple units, stabilizing energy output even with deteriorated units, and increasing voltage without the need for extensive series connections.
Implementation Method 1
an oscillator, which converts the DC energy supplied from the power generating device into RF energy having a frequency f0
Implementation Method 2
a power transmitting antenna, which transmits the RF energy supplied from the oscillator; and a power receiving antenna, which receives at least a part of the RF energy that has been transmitted by the power transmitting antenna. The resonant frequencies of the power transmitting and power receiving antennas are set to be equal to the frequency f0
Data Source
AI summary
The power generation system includes first and second power generating units, each of which converts DC energy into RF energy and transmits the power wirelessly, a combining section, which combines the respective outputs of the power generating units together, and an oscillation phase control section, which reduces the phase difference between the RF energies supplied from the two power generating units and. The oscillation phase control section controls a phase difference between the RF energies supplied from the oscillators and belonging to the first and second power generating units and, respectively, so that first and second RF energies supplied from the first and second power generating units and are in phase with each other when combined together by the combining section.