Abstract:
The present disclosure describes aspects of a vehicle-based beacon mode for wireless electric vehicle charging. In some aspects, a circuit for receiving wirelessly transferred power includes a coil connected to boost circuitry configured to convert received power to a form suitable for storage. The circuit also includes beacon circuitry connected to a voltage source that, in combination with portions of the boost circuitry, enables current to be driven into the coil to generate a beacon signal. Based on this beacon signal, a base charging unit can detect the presence of the circuit and initiate the wireless transmission of power to the circuit without additional out-of-band communication. Further, the beacon circuitry may be compatible with, or protected from, current of the received power such that the circuit can seamlessly transition from generating the beacon signal to converting the received power without active reconfiguration, synchronization, or state control.
Abstract:
One aspect provides a wireless power transmitter. The wireless power transmitter includes a transmit antenna configured to generate a field for wireless transmit power in both a first and second configuration. The wireless power transmitter further includes a first capacitor. The wireless power transmitter further includes at least one switch configured to selectively connect the first capacitor in one of the first and second configuration, the first capacitor being in parallel with the transmit antenna in the first configuration and in series with the transmit antenna in the second configuration. The wireless power transmitter further includes a second capacitor in parallel with the transmit antenna and a transformer configured to operate at a first turns-ratio in the first configuration and a second turns-ratio in the second configuration, the first turns-ratio being lower than the second turns-ratio.
Abstract:
An apparatus for transmitting charging power wirelessly to a vehicle is provided. The apparatus comprises a first coupler having a first reactance at an operating frequency and configured to wirelessly receive power from a power source, the first coupler wound on a ferromagnetic core. The apparatus comprises a first capacitor having a second reactance at the operating frequency and electrically connected in series with the first coupler, the second reactance having a magnitude equal to a magnitude of the first reactance. The apparatus comprises a second capacitor electrically connected in parallel across the first coupler and the first capacitor. The apparatus comprises a first base coupler configured to be electrically connected in parallel across the second capacitor via a first switch. A magnitude of a peak voltage across the second capacitor is proportional to a magnitude of a peak voltage induced in the first coupler at the operating frequency.
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. The layout and design of the charging base pads, the current flow through the charging base pads, and the sequencing of charging base pad activation and current flow implemented may dramatically affect the power transfers and practicality of such dynamic systems. The sequencing and control of these coils may need to be capable of managing the individual coils with minimal infrastructure as well as be capable of distributing the required power from the power grid to these pads efficiently and safely, and may comprise charging base pads, controllers to control the power flow to, activation of, and current flow direction within the base pads.
Abstract:
Systems and methods in accordance with particular embodiments provide for alignment of an electric vehicle induction coil with a base system induction coil through a determination of the phase of a base system induction coil current signal. In certain embodiments, an electric vehicle induction coil that receives a transmission signal can be determined to be in greater alignment with a base system induction coil that transmits the transmission signal as the phases of the current signals at the base system induction coil and the electric vehicle induction coil converge. One embodiment includes a method of receiving wireless power, including detecting a transmission signal in a wireless power transmission, the transmission signal comprising periodic variations between a first frequency and a second frequency. The method further includes determining a phase of a base system induction coil signal based on the detected transmission signal.
Abstract:
One aspect provides a wireless power transmitter. The wireless power transmitter includes a transmit antenna configured to generate a field for wireless transmit power in both a first and second configuration. The wireless power transmitter further includes a first capacitor. The wireless power transmitter further includes at least one switch configured to selectively connect the first capacitor in one of the first and second configuration. The first capacitor can be in series with the transmit antenna in the first configuration and in parallel with the transmit antenna in the second configuration.
Abstract:
A power receiver is configured to supply current to a load and to be wirelessly operatively coupled to a power transmitter and includes a plurality of inductive elements. The power receiver further includes a circuit operatively coupled to the plurality of inductive elements and is configured to be selectively switched among a plurality of coupling states. The circuit is further configured to be selectively switched such that each inductive element has a reactance state of a plurality of reactance states. The power receiver further includes a controller configured to select the coupling state and to select the reactance state of each inductive element based on one or more signals indicative of one or more operating parameters of at least one of the power receiver and the power transmitter.
Abstract:
Systems, methods, and apparatuses utilizing a bipolar double D vehicle coupler in wireless power transfer applications are described herein. Some implementations may include an apparatus for wireless power transfer. The apparatus comprises a first coil and a second coil connected in series to form a first circuit. The first coil does not overlap the second coil. The apparatus comprises a third coil and a fourth coil electrically connected in series to form a second circuit. The third coil does not overlap the fourth coil. At least a portion of the first circuit overlaps at least a portion of the second circuit. The first circuit is substantially magnetically decoupled from the second circuit.
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:
Systems, methods, and apparatuses for receiving charging power wirelessly are described herein. One implementation may include an apparatus for receiving charging power wirelessly from a charging transmitter having a transmit coil. The apparatus comprises a receiver communication circuit, coupled to a receive coil and to a load. The receiver communication circuit is configured to receive information associated with at least one characteristic of the charging transmitter. The apparatus further comprises a sensor circuit configured to measure a value of a short circuit current or an open circuit voltage associated with the receive coil. The apparatus further comprises a controller configured to compare the value of the short circuit current or the open circuit voltage to a threshold charging parameter set at a level that provides charging power sufficient to charge the load. The controller may be further configured to initiate receiving the charging power from the charging transmitter when the short circuit current or the open circuit voltage associated with the receive coil is greater than or equal to the threshold charging parameter.