Wireless Power Transfer Coil Control Using Voltage-Based Position Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inductive power transfer systems for mobile systems, such as rail vehicles, lack efficient control mechanisms to activate and deactivate transmitter coils in response to the position of the receiver coil, leading to potential disruptions and oscillations during power transfer.
Innovation Solution
The system monitors voltage changes in transmitter units to determine the position of the receiver coil relative to the transmitter units, activating and deactivating coils accordingly, using a controller and voltage sensors to manage the subset of active transmitter units and minimize oscillations by adding or removing coils as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If transmitter coils are continuously activated to ensure uninterrupted power transfer, then power delivery stability is improved, but energy consumption increases and system efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the activation state of transmitter coils based on real-time receiver position detection. Voltage sensors monitor the state of each transmitter coil and the controller activates only those coils where the receiver is currently positioned, transitioning from a static all-coils-on approach to a dynamic selective activation approach that adapts to changing operational conditions
Solution Approach 2:
Each transmitter coil is equipped with voltage sensors that autonomously monitor its own state and the receiver's position relative to it. The system uses this self-generated voltage information to determine which coils should be activated, eliminating the need for external control mechanisms or additional sensors while reducing overall system energy consumption
2Measurement precision
If additional sensors are added to detect receiver position for precise transmitter control, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitter coils themselves serve as the sensing mechanism through their voltage state. When the receiver approaches or is positioned over a transmitter coil, it induces a detectable voltage change in that coil. The system repurposes this inherent electromagnetic interaction as the sensing mechanism, eliminating the need for separate position detection sensors and reducing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The transmitter coils perform dual functions: they both generate the magnetic field for power transfer and simultaneously serve as position sensors through their voltage state. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve precise receiver positioning detection without adding dedicated sensing components, thereby maintaining system simplicity while improving measurement capability
3Speed
If transmitter coils are activated in advance before receiver arrival, then power transfer responsiveness is improved, but energy waste increases due to premature activation
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the voltage state of each transmitter coil through integrated sensors and uses this feedback information to determine when to activate adjacent coils. When voltage changes indicate the receiver is approaching a new transmitter coil, the system responds by activating that coil in real-time, achieving responsive power transfer without premature activation or energy waste
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares for upcoming power transfer needs by monitoring voltage changes that indicate receiver approach. When voltage sensors detect that the receiver is moving toward an adjacent transmitter coil, the system proactively activates that coil in anticipation of the upcoming power transfer requirement, ensuring seamless power delivery without waiting for the receiver to fully arrive
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 allows for dynamic and efficient wireless power transfer by smoothly activating and deactivating transmitter coils, reducing system disruptions and maintaining stable power delivery without the need for additional sensors or hardware.
Implementation Method 1
inductive power transfer for mobile systems
Implementation Method 2
wireless power transfer (WPT) system determines the position of the receiver relative to the transmitter units
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless power transfer system for a vehicle traveling along a surface is provided. The wireless power transfer system includes a receiver coil mounted to the vehicle; a plurality of transmitter units connected in series and positioned on the surface; and a controller in communication with voltage sensors of each transmitter unit. The transmitter units include inactive and active transmitter units, and the inactive transmitter units include a leading transmitter unit and a trailing transmitter unit adjacent to the active transmitter units. The controller is configured to receive voltages of the leading and trailing transmitter units, compare the voltages with data in the database, and determine a position of the receiver relative to the transmitter units in order to activate and deactivate transmitter units as needed to dynamically modify the subset of active transmitter units to provide an efficient and smooth power supply to the receiver.