Abstract:
This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for wireless power transfer and particularly wireless power transfer to remote system such as electric vehicles. In one aspect an apparatus for use with a wireless power transfer transmitter device comprising a first inductive element for generating a magnetic field, is provided. The apparatus comprises a direct current (DC) power source having an adjustable output voltage. The apparatus also comprises an inverter configured to convert the adjustable output voltage of the DC power source to alternating current. The apparatus also comprises at least one controller configured to receive an indication of current in the first inductive element and control the output voltage of the DC power source in response to the indication of current in the first inductive element. The apparatus reduces distortion signals in the alternating current output of the inverter while maintaining current in the inductive element substantially constant.
Abstract:
According to some implementations, an apparatus for transmitting charging power wirelessly to a load is provided. The apparatus comprises at least one ferrite structure comprising a first ferrite portion, a second ferrite portion comprising at least a first ferrite leg, a second ferrite leg, and a third ferrite leg, each physically separated from the first ferrite portion by a first distance, and a third ferrite portion positioned between the second ferrite leg and the first ferrite portion and physically contacting the second ferrite leg. The at least one ferrite structure further comprises a coil wound around the second ferrite leg and configured to generate an alternating current under influence of an alternating magnetic field.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for dynamically tuning reactive power in an inductive power transfer system are disclosed. The system comprises a first plurality of coils operably coupled to a respective ferromagnetic material, configured to receive wireless power via the ferromagnetic material from a power source. The system further comprises a plurality of switches configured to selectively control power received by certain of the first plurality of coils. The system further comprises a second plurality of coils configured to receive current from respective ones of the first plurality of coils and deliver wireless power to a wireless power receiver. The system further comprises at least one control unit configured to selectively activate the switches. The switches may be set to provide power from the power source to a portion of the plurality of the second coils or selectively increase or decrease the reactive power load of the power source.
Abstract:
This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for wireless power transfer and particularly wireless power transfer to remote systems such as electric vehicles. In one aspect, a wireless power transfer system includes a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter includes a first inductive element and a current generator. The current generator supplies a current to the first inductive element to generate an electromagnetic field. The receiver includes a second inductive element, a tuning circuit, and a controller. The second inductive element receives wireless power from the electromagnetic field. The tuning circuit has a reactance and includes a plurality of capacitive elements connected to the second inductive element. The plurality of capacitive elements supply an output current to a load. The controller selectively connects the plurality of capacitive elements in a plurality of configurations. The tuning circuit has substantially the same reactance in each of the plurality of configurations.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatuses for thermal dissipation in vehicle pads for wireless power transfer applications are provided. In some implementations, an apparatus for wirelessly receiving charging power is provided. The apparatus comprises at least one receive coil configured to wirelessly receive the charging power. The apparatus further comprises a plurality of electrical components configured to convert the charging power to a direct current. The apparatus further comprises a primary heat sink comprising a plurality of fins configured to dissipate heat generated by the plurality of electrical components. The plurality of fins are disposed adjacent to the plurality of electrical components. The apparatus further comprises at least one thermally conductive structure configured to physically connect at least some of the plurality of electrical components to the primary heat sink.
Abstract:
One aspect provides an apparatus configured to receive wireless charging power and wired charging power. The apparatus includes a first rectifier configured to receive wired charging power and to provide a first rectified output. The apparatus further includes a second rectifier configured to receive wireless charging power and to provide a second rectified output. The apparatus further includes a power-factor correction (PFC) module configured to receive the first and second rectified outputs, and further configured to provide a power-factor corrected output. The apparatus further includes an isolated DC-DC converter configured to receive the power-factor corrected output and to provide an isolated DC output. The apparatus further includes and a battery configured to receive the isolated DC output.
Abstract:
Dynamic wireless charging systems may involve coordinating multiple charging base pads to provide coordinated, continuous power transfers to a moving receiver along the distance in which the dynamic wireless charging system is installed. These dynamic systems may require a large number of coils (base pads) which may be components in base array networks (BAN modules). The BAN modules may provide for simplified installation and system design wherein the BAN modules may be preassembled and self-contained, drop-in-place units. The layout and design of the BAN modules may be such that they may contain charging base pads, local controllers, distribution circuitry, and switching controls. The sizing of the BAN modules may dramatically affect the usability and practicality of such dynamic systems. The sizing of the BAN modules may be dependent upon the pitch between vehicle pads on electric vehicles and base pad pitch within the BAN modules.
Abstract:
Dynamic systems may require a large number of coils (charging pads) which may be installed into the roadway to wirelessly provide power to electric vehicles as they are traveling along the roadway. The current in each of these coils may need to be turned on and off as a vehicle drives over the coils in order to efficiently utilize power and properly convey power to the passing vehicles. The supply network behind these coils may need to be capable of managing the individual coils with minimal infrastructure and cost as well as be capable of distributing the required power from the power grid to these pads efficiently and safely. The supply network may include charging coils, switches, local controllers, and distribution circuitry within a modular element, which may receive power from external sources and may be controlled by a central controller.
Abstract:
One aspect provides an apparatus configured to receive wireless charging power and wired charging power. The apparatus includes a first rectifier configured to receive wired charging power and to provide a first rectified output. The apparatus further includes a second rectifier configured to receive wireless charging power and to provide a second rectified output. The apparatus further includes a power-factor correction (PFC) module configured to receive the first and second rectified outputs, and further configured to provide a power-factor corrected output. The apparatus further includes an isolated DC-DC converter configured to receive the power-factor corrected output and to provide an isolated DC output. The apparatus further includes and a battery configured to receive the isolated DC output.
Abstract:
This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for connecting and operating an AC source to a load. In one aspect a power supply topology is provided which may be of particular use in the area of wireless power transfer. The topology allows for multiple sources to be operatively connected to a single conductive structure configured to generate a field, maintaining overall system power while lowering the power output of each source.