High-Power Field-Focusing Circuit for Dynamic Wireless Power Transfer Systems

A self-regulating system that utilizes field-focusing techniques to maximize efficient dynamic wireless power transfer (DWPT), primarily for electric vehicles. The technology has been tested in laboratory conditions and data acquisition shows that the maximum output power of this technology is higher than conventional technology by 102%.

Problem

A primary concern with dynamic wireless power transfer systems is the efficiency of their power transfer. Because the transmission and receiver coils move in and out of alignment as the vehicle drives over the charging surface, there is a large stray field of electric energy that is not received by the receiver coil in the car.

Solution

This technology utilizes field-focusing techniques to create a self-regulating system that maximizes power transfer in the aligned states, and quickly drops power transfer to near zero in the misaligned states. By so doing, this technology increases the efficiency of power transfer while decreasing the stray field of electric energy.

Benefits

This technology requires fewer inverter and receiver position sensors, and offers a less complex system topology than previous DWPT systems. The simplified DWPT technology saves costs for manufacturing, implementation, and upkeep of the system because there are fewer parts required. Further, the increased energy efficiency of the system saves electricity costs, because less stray field energy is lost to the environment.

Applications

As more people switch to electric vehicles, the demand for dynamic wireless charging systems will increase. This technology can be utilized for designated bus routes to increase the energy efficiency of public transit. Further, this technology can be expanded to entire roadways, allowing electric vehicles to be charged as they are operated daily and thereby providing a huge convenience for electric vehicle owners. The advantages of this technology in increasing the energy efficiency of power transfer will be a sought after characteristic in dynamic wireless power transfer systems.

 

Contact

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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

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USU ID C22022