Static Heat Exchanger for Wireless Power Transfer Power

Static heat exchanger for wireless power transfer power is a patent-pending technology commercialized through Advancing Sustainability through Powered Infrastructure Roadway Electrification

Problem

In-motion (dynamic) wireless charging has the potential to greatly expand the use of electric vehicles. However, pavements with integrated wireless charging are prone to overheating. Current thermal management techniques require frequent maintenance and are thus not suitable for infrastructure such as roads.

Solution

USU researchers have developed a simple, passive thermal management system that submerges parts of the wireless power transfer coil within phase-change materials. When placed near heat-generating components, these phase-change materials absorb heat at a constant temperature, changing the thermal time constant of the system and allowing for the absorption of a significant quantity of energy without exceeding the maximum operating temperatures of any of the components (approximately 100 degrees Celsius).

Benefits

This thermal management system requires no maintenance throughout a typical lifetime of a roadway and wireless charging components (over ten years).

Applications

This system has the potential to lower the maintenance requirements of wireless charging components, thus lowering the required investments of time and finances. It may also convey similar benefits for other power electronic devices and structures.

Diagram of Static Heat Exchanger for Wireless Power Transfer Pad, including a charging coil, a heat spreader, electroincs, a heat source, a two-phase cooler, and a concrete module.

Contact

Questions about this technology including licensing availability can be directed to:

Alan Edwards, MA, JD
Manager, Technology Transfer Services
(435) 797-2328 alan.edwards@usu.edu


USU ID C20011

Inventors


Nicholas Roberts, Ph.D., 
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

James Mullen, Undergraduate Researcher, 
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Regan Zane, Ph.D.,
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering 

Abhilash Kamineni, Ph.D.,
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Benny Varghese, Graduate Research Assistant,
Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Marvin Halling, Ph.D.,
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Development Stage


TRL 5

Patent Status


Patent Applied For

Publications


U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
US-2021-0082613-A1