Wireless Power Transfer Alignment Using Inverter Current Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless power transfer (WPT) systems for electric vehicles suffer from inefficiencies due to suboptimal transmitter-receiver alignment, leading to lower power transfer efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system and method that automatically or semi-automatically aligns a charge transmitter with a charge receiver for maximum and/or most efficient power transfer, without the need for dedicated positioning sensors, by incrementally shifting the position of the mobile power unit or the electric vehicle relative to the other component, while measuring the inverter output current to determine the coupling coefficient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If wireless power transfer systems use fixed transmitter-receiver positioning, then system complexity is reduced, but power transfer efficiency deteriorates due to suboptimal alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing inverter output current measurement capability to automatically determine coupling coefficient and guide alignment, making the system self-aligning without external positioning sensors. The current measurement that already exists for power control is repurposed for alignment optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the relative position between transmitter and receiver based on real-time coupling coefficient measurements, changing spatial parameters to optimize power transfer efficiency while maintaining simple fixed positioning infrastructure.
2Loss of energy
If positioning sensors are added to achieve optimal alignment, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system leverages existing inverter current measurements to determine coupling coefficient, eliminating the need for separate positioning sensors. The alignment function is achieved through self-measurement using components already present in the power transfer system.
Solution Approach 2:
The inverter output current measurement serves dual purposes: controlling power transfer and determining coupling coefficient for alignment optimization. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated positioning sensors.
3Device complexity
If manual alignment adjustment is used, then device complexity is minimized, but alignment precision and power transfer efficiency are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously measures coupling coefficient through inverter output current and uses this feedback to automatically adjust transmitter-receiver alignment, achieving precise alignment without complex manual adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical alignment adjustment with automated electronic control based on electrical measurements (inverter current), substituting mechanical precision with electronic measurement and control.
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 enables improved alignment between wireless couplers, resulting in maximum and/or most efficient power transfer, with the system capable of determining optimal alignment positions in various directions and orientations.
Implementation Method 1
WPT charging technique may be based on inductive charging, where an alternating current in charge transmitter coil induces an alternating current in charge receiver coil
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless power transmission (WPT) system may include: a charge transmitter; a charge receiver configured to receive wireless power from the charge transmitter, wherein the charge receiver includes a short circuit assembly configured, when activated, to short circuit a rectifier of the charge receiver; and a controller configured to activate the short circuit assembly, and to determine based on an inverter output current of the charge transmitter that an optimal alignment between the charge transmitter and charge receiver has been achieved.