WPT Floor Unit DC Input Scalability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing inductive charging systems for vehicles face challenges in reducing the dimensions of the WPT floor unit and simplifying the specifications for the connecting cable between the floor unit and the charging unit, due to limited underbody space and complex high-frequency signal transmission requirements.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a WPT floor unit that generates an electromagnetic charging field using a direct current input, eliminating the need for components that convert AC to DC and Power Factor Correction, and integrates a high-frequency generator within the floor unit, allowing direct current transmission via a connecting cable, along with a communication unit for wireless data transfer, reducing cable complexity and enabling multiple floor units to be connected in series or cascade configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If AC to DC conversion components and Power Factor Correction components are integrated into the floor unit, then the floor unit can process power independently, but the dimensions and complexity of the floor unit increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the AC to DC conversion components and Power Factor Correction components from the floor unit and relocates them to the charging unit. This extraction reduces the volume and complexity of the floor unit while maintaining the system's overall power processing capability through the connecting cable interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the power processing functions by separating them into two locations: the charging unit handles AC to DC conversion and Power Factor Correction, while the floor unit handles electromagnetic field generation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function.
2Power
If high-frequency alternating current is transmitted via the connecting cable, then the floor unit can generate the electromagnetic charging field, but the cable specifications become complex and stringent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by converting AC to DC and performing Power Factor Correction in advance at the charging unit, before power transmission through the connecting cable. This preliminary processing simplifies the cable requirements since DC transmission has less stringent specifications compared to high-frequency AC transmission.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple floor units are connected to a single charging unit, then system scalability improves, but the connecting cable must handle increased power loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables segmentation of the charging system into multiple independent floor units that can be connected in parallel to a single charging unit. Each floor unit operates as an independent electromagnetic field generation module, allowing the system to scale by adding more floor units without increasing the complexity of individual components.
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 solution allows for a compact and cost-effective charging station with reduced cable specifications, enabling flexible installation and simultaneous charging of multiple vehicles, while simplifying the installation process and reducing the need for dedicated signal lines, thus enhancing the efficiency and scalability of the charging system.
Implementation Method 1
The primary coil is connected to a power supply 110 (in the present document, designated as a charging unit 110). The power supply 110 can include a radio-frequency generator, which generates an AC (alternating current) in the primary coil of the WPT floor unit 111, whereby a magnetic field is induced.
Implementation Method 2
The charging field frequency range may lie within a frequency range of e.g. 80-90 kHz (specifically 85 kHz). In the event of adequate magnetic coupling between the primary coil of the WPT floor unit 111 and the secondary coil of the WPT vehicle unit 102, the magnetic field induces a corresponding voltage, and thus a current, in the secondary coil
Data Source
AI summary
An inductive charging system is provided for a vehicle. A floor unit is designed to generate an electromagnetic charging field for transmitting electrical energy to the vehicle. The floor unit has a first interface which is designed to receive electrical energy in the form of a direct current at the floor unit. The floor unit further has an alternating current generator which is designed to convert the direct current into an alternating current. The floor unit also has a primary coil which is designed to generate the electromagnetic charging field on the basis of the alternating current.