U.S. patent application number 15/391434 was filed with the patent office on 2017-05-18 for self-charging electric vehicles and aircraft, and wireless energy distribution system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Governing Dynamics Investment, LLC. Invention is credited to Alex Mashinsky.
Application Number | 20170136899 15/391434 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40511761 |
Filed Date | 2017-05-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170136899 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mashinsky; Alex |
May 18, 2017 |
SELF-CHARGING ELECTRIC VEHICLES AND AIRCRAFT, AND WIRELESS ENERGY
DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
Abstract
A method and system for efficient distribution of power using
wireless means, and a system and method for wireless power
distribution to provide electric devices, such as vehicles with a
way to continuously and wirelessly collect, use and charge their
power systems and thereby use the transmitted power for operation.
The system and method allows a hybrid, simplified and less costly
way to charge devices, such as vehicles so that the devices
continuously operate while charging/recharging.
Inventors: |
Mashinsky; Alex; (New York,
NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Governing Dynamics Investment, LLC |
New York |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
40511761 |
Appl. No.: |
15/391434 |
Filed: |
December 27, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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14512413 |
Oct 11, 2014 |
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15391434 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60L 53/12 20190201;
B60L 2200/10 20130101; H02J 50/12 20160201; B60L 8/003 20130101;
B60L 53/11 20190201; B60L 53/39 20190201; Y02T 90/14 20130101; B60L
55/00 20190201; B60L 58/15 20190201; B60L 53/52 20190201; B60L
53/51 20190201; Y02T 10/7072 20130101; B60L 11/182 20130101; Y02T
10/70 20130101; B60L 53/665 20190201; B60L 58/21 20190201; H02J
7/0027 20130101; Y02T 90/12 20130101; H02J 50/40 20160201; B60L
53/66 20190201; H02J 50/90 20160201; B60L 7/12 20130101; B60L 50/53
20190201; Y02T 90/16 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60L 11/18 20060101
B60L011/18; B60L 7/12 20060101 B60L007/12; B60L 8/00 20060101
B60L008/00 |
Claims
1-20. (canceled)
21. An electric device charging system, comprising: a coupling to a
power source which provides electric power; a first electrical
storage device which includes a member of the group consisting of a
super capacitor (SC) and a high speed charging battery (HSCB); a
second electrical storage device which includes a member of the
group consisting of a second high speed charging battery (HSCB) and
a slow speed charging battery (SSCB); a power management system
(PMS) which includes a processor and software, wherein the
software, when executed by the processor, causes the PMS to:
control a power transfer from the first electrical storage device
to the second electrical storage device; wherein the PMS controls
the power transfer based upon at least one characteristic of the
second electrical storage device and a charge stored on the second
electrical storage device to reduce the number of charge cycles
needed by the second electrical storage device to thereby extend
the usable life of the second electrical storage device.
22. The electric device charging system of claim 21, wherein the
power transfer is controlled to cause a larger amount of power to
be transferred in a fixed amount of time from the power source to
electric charge stored on the second electrical storage device than
would be possible by transferring the electric power directly from
the power source to the second electrical storage device, to
thereby increase the amount of electric charge that can be added to
the second electrical storage device in the fixed amount of
time.
23. The electric device charging system of claim 21, wherein the
PMS controls the power transfer to manage a charging cycle of the
second electrical storage device.
24. The electric device charging system of claim 23, wherein the
PMS manages the charging cycle to maximize a rate of charging of
the second electrical storage device.
25. The electric device charging system of claim 21, wherein the
power transfer is controlled based upon at least one charge level
associated with the second electrical storage device.
26. The electric device charging system of claim 21, wherein the
power transfer is controlled based upon at least one charge
transfer rate associated with the second electrical storage
device.
27. The electric device charging system of claim 21, wherein the
power transfer is controlled to regulate a rate of transfer of
charge from the first electrical storage device to the second
electrical storage device.
28. The electric device charging system of claim 21, wherein the
PMS further controls a second power transfer via the coupling to
the first electrical storage device.
29. The electric device charging system of claim 21, wherein the
software, when executed by the processor, further causes the PMS
to: discharge into a load a first electric power from the first
electrical storage device; and control a transfer of a second
electric power from the second electrical storage device to the
first electrical storage device; wherein respective quantities of
the first electric power and the second electric power are
determined based upon a present loading requirement associated with
the load and respective characteristics of and current charge
levels in at least one of the first electrical storage device and
the second electrical storage device.
30. The electric device charging system of claim 29, wherein the
PMS controls the transfer of the second electric power based upon
at least one characteristic of the second electrical storage device
and a charge stored on the second electrical storage device to
reduce the number of discharge cycles needed by the second
electrical storage device to thereby extend the usable life of the
second electrical storage device.
31. The electric device charging system of claim 29, wherein the
power source comprises a solar panel.
32. The electric device charging system of claim 29, wherein the
power source comprises a wind power turbine.
33. The electric device charging system of claim 21, wherein the
software, when executed by the processor, further causes the PMS to
discharge electric power into an electrical grid from the first
electrical storage device; wherein the quantity of the discharged
electric power is determined based upon a present loading
requirement associated with the load and respective characteristics
of and current charge levels in at least one of the first
electrical storage device and the second electrical storage
device.
34. The electric device charging system of claim 33, wherein the
electric power transferred to the electric grid is sold for
economic compensation.
35. The electric device charging system of claim 21, wherein the
first electrical storage device includes the SC and the second
electrical storage device includes the second HSCB.
36. The electric device charging system of claim 21, wherein the
first electrical storage device includes the SC and the second
electrical storage device includes the SSCB.
37. The electric device charging system of claim 21, wherein the
first electrical storage device includes the HSCB and the second
electrical storage device includes the SSCB.
38. The electric device charging system of claim 21, wherein the
second electrical storage device includes both the second HSCB and
the SSCB, and wherein the software, when executed by the processor,
further causes the PMS to: control a second power transfer from the
second HSCB to the SSCB; wherein the PMS controls the second power
transfer based upon at least one characteristic of the SSCB and a
charge stored on the SSCB to reduce the number of charge and
discharge cycles needed by the SSCB to thereby extend the usable
life of the SSCB.
39. The electric device charging system of claim 38, wherein the
power transfer and the second power transfer are controlled to
cause a larger amount of electric charge to be transferred in a
fixed amount of time from the power source to the SSCB than would
be possible by transferring the electric power directly from the
power source to the SSCB.
40. The electric device charging system of claim 38, wherein the
third power transfer is controlled to regulate a rate of transfer
of charge from the second HSCB to the SSCB.
41. The electric device charging system of claim 38, wherein the
software, when executed by the processor, further causes the PMS
to: discharge into a load a first electric power from the first
electrical storage device; and control a transfer of a second
electric power from the second HSCB to the first electrical storage
device; control a transfer of a third electric power from the SSCB
to the second HSCB; wherein the respective quantities of the first
electric power, the second electric power and the third electric
power are determined based upon a present loading requirement
associated with the load and respective characteristics of and
current charge levels in the first electric storage device, the
second HSCB and the SSCB.
42. The electric device charging system of claim 21, wherein the
software, when executed by the processor, further causes the PMS
to: perform measurement and dynamic tuning of a parameter
associated with the second power transfer.
43. The electric device charging system of claim 42, wherein the
parameter corresponds to an electric voltage.
44. The electric device charging system of claim 42, wherein the
parameter corresponds to amperage of electric current.
45. The electric device charging system of claim 42, wherein the
parameter corresponds to a cycle rate.
46. The electric device charging system of claim 21, wherein the
source of power comprises a primary resonant coil and the coupling
includes a secondary resonant coil which is tuned to have a
resonant frequency that is substantially the same as a resonant
frequency of a primary resonant coil, wherein the primary resonant
coil is operatively connected to a source of electrical power and
the secondary resonant coil is coupled via a wireless coupling to
receive the electric power from the primary resonant coil.
47. The electric device charging system of claim 46, wherein the
quantity of electric power that is transferred is controlled based
at least partially upon a distance between the primary resonant
coil and the secondary resonant coil.
48. The electric device charging system of claim 46, wherein the
quantity of electric power that is transferred is controlled to
regulate a rate of transfer of charge from the secondary resonant
coil to the first electric storage device.
49. The electric device charging system of claim 46, wherein the
secondary resonant coil is configured using ferrite and movable
physical elements to create directional electric and magnetic
fields (EMF) to optimize the reception of the EMF based an
allowable time for a transfer of electric power to occur from the
primary resonant coil to the secondary resonant coil.
50. The electric device charging system of claim 46, wherein the
electric device charging system is an electric vehicle charging
system.
51. The electric device charging system of claim 50, wherein the
software, when executed by the processor, further causes the PMS
to: wirelessly communicate control information to a charging
station PMS that is associated with the primary resonant coil.
52. The electric device charging system of claim 50, wherein the
software, when executed by the processor, further causes the PMS
to: discharge into a load a first electric power from the first
electrical storage device; and control a transfer of a second
electric power from the second electrical storage device to the
first electrical storage device; wherein respective quantities of
the first electric power and the second electric power are
determined based upon a present loading requirement associated with
the load and respective characteristics of and current charge
levels in at least one of the first electrical storage device and
the second electrical storage device.
53. The electric device charging system of claim 52, wherein the
load includes an electric motor.
54. The electric device charging system of claim 52, wherein power
source includes a solar panel.
55. The electric device charging system of claim 52, wherein power
source includes a regenerative breaking power source.
56. The electric device charging system of claim 52, wherein the
secondary resonant coil is configured using ferrite and movable
physical elements to create directional electric and magnetic
fields (EMF) to optimize the reception of the EMF based upon a
distance and a direction between the primary and secondary resonant
coils at the time of transfer.
57. An electric device charging system, comprising: a coupling to a
power source which provides electric power; a first electrical
storage device which includes a member of the group consisting of a
super capacitor (SC) and a high speed charging battery (HSCB); a
second electrical storage device which includes a member of the
group consisting of a second high speed charging battery (HSCB) and
a slow speed charging battery (SSCB); a power management system
(PMS) which includes a processor and software, wherein the
software, when executed by the processor, causes the PMS to:
control a power transfer from the first electrical storage device
to the second electrical storage device; wherein the power
transfers is controlled to cause a larger amount of power to be
transferred in a fixed amount of time from the power source to
electric charge stored on the second electrical storage device than
would be possible by transferring the electric power directly from
the power source to the second electrical storage device, to
thereby increase the amount of electric charge that can be added to
the second electrical storage device in the fixed amount of
time.
58. The electric device charging system of claim 57, wherein the
PMS controls the power transfer to manage a charging cycle of the
second electrical storage device.
59. The electric device charging system of claim 58, wherein the
PMS manages the charging cycle to maximize a rate of charging of
the second electrical storage device.
60. The electric device charging system of claim 57, wherein the
power transfer is controlled based upon at least one charge level
associated with the second electrical storage device.
61. The electric device charging system of claim 57, wherein the
power transfer is controlled based upon at least one charge
transfer rate associated with the second electrical storage
device.
62. The electric device charging system of claim 57, wherein the
power transfer is controlled to regulate a rate of transfer of
charge from the first electrical storage device to the second
electrical storage device.
63. The electric device charging system of claim 57, wherein the
PMS further controls a second power transfer via the coupling to
the first electrical storage device.
64. The electric device charging system of claim 57, wherein the
software, when executed by the processor, further causes the PMS
to: discharge into a load a first electric power from the first
electrical storage device; and control a transfer of a second
electric power from the second electrical storage device to the
first electrical storage device; wherein respective quantities of
the first electric power and the second electric power are
determined based upon a present loading requirement associated with
the load and respective characteristics of and current charge
levels in at least one of the first electrical storage device and
the second electrical storage device.
65. The electric device charging system of claim 64, wherein the
PMS controls the transfer of the second electric power based upon
at least one characteristic of the second electrical storage device
and a charge stored on the second electrical storage device to
reduce the number of discharge cycles needed by the second
electrical storage device to thereby extend the usable life of the
second electrical storage device.
66. The electric device charging system of claim 64, wherein power
source comprises a solar panel.
67. The electric device charging system of claim 64, wherein power
source comprises a wind power turbine.
68. The electric device charging system of claim 57, wherein the
software, when executed by the processor, further causes the PMS to
discharge electric power into an electrical grid from the first
electrical storage device; wherein respective quantity of the
electric power is determined based upon a present loading
requirement associated with the load and respective characteristics
of and current charge levels in at least one of the first
electrical storage device and the second electrical storage
device.
69. The electric device charging system of claim 68, wherein the
electric power transferred to the electric grid is sold for
economic compensation.
70. The electric device charging system of claim 57, wherein the
first electrical storage device includes the SC and the second
electrical storage device includes the second HSCB.
71. The electric device charging system of claim 57, wherein the
first electrical storage device includes the SC and the second
electrical storage device includes the SSCB.
72. The electric device charging system of claim 57, wherein the
first electrical storage device includes the HSCB and the second
electrical storage device includes the SSCB.
73. The electric device charging system of claim 57, wherein the
second electrical storage device includes both the second HSCB and
the SSCB, and wherein the software, when executed by the processor,
further causes the PMS to: control a second power transfer from the
second HSCB to the SSCB; wherein the PMS controls the second power
transfer based upon at least one characteristic of the SSCB and a
charge stored on the SSCB to reduce the number of charge and
discharge cycles needed by the SSCB to thereby extend the usable
life of the SSCB.
74. The electric device charging system of claim 73, wherein the
power transfer and the second power transfer are controlled to
cause a larger amount of electric charge to be transferred in a
fixed amount of time from the power source to the SSCB than would
be possible by transferring the electric power directly from the
power source to the SSCB.
75. The electric device charging system of claim 73, wherein the
second power transfer is controlled to regulate a rate of transfer
of charge from the second HSCB to the SSCB.
76. The electric device charging system of claim 73, wherein the
software, when executed by the processor, further causes the PMS
to: discharge into a load a first electric power from the first
electrical storage device; and control a transfer of a second
electric power from the second HSCB to the first electrical storage
device; control a transfer of a third electric power from the SSCB
to the second HSCB; wherein the respective quantities of the first
electric power, the second electric power and the third electric
power are determined based upon a present loading requirement
associated with the load and respective characteristics of and
current charge levels in the first electric storage device, the
second HSCB and the SSCB.
77. The electric device charging system of claim 57, wherein the
software, when executed by the processor, further causes the PMS
to: perform measurement and dynamic tuning of a parameter
associated with the second power transfer.
78. The electric device charging system of claim 77, wherein the
parameter corresponds to an electric voltage.
79. The electric device charging system of claim 77, wherein the
parameter corresponds to amperage of electric current.
80. The electric device charging system of claim 77, wherein the
parameter corresponds to a cycle rate.
81. The electric device charging system of claim 57, wherein the
source of power comprises a primary resonant coil and the coupling
includes a secondary resonant coil which is tuned to have a
resonant frequency that is substantially the same as a resonant
frequency of a primary resonant coil, wherein the primary resonant
coil is operatively connected to a source of electric power and the
secondary resonant coil is coupled via a wireless coupling to
receive the electric power from the primary resonant coil.
82. The electric device charging system of claim 81, wherein the
quantity of electric power that is transferred is controlled based
at least partially upon a distance between the primary resonant
coil and the secondary resonant coil.
83. The electric device charging system of claim 81, wherein the
quantity of electric power that is transferred is controlled to
regulate a rate of transfer of charge from the secondary resonant
coil to the first electric storage device.
84. The electric device charging system of claim 81, wherein the
secondary resonant coil is configured using ferrite and movable
physical elements to create directional electric and magnetic
fields (EMF) to optimize the reception of the EMF based an
allowable time for a transfer of electric power to occur from the
primary resonant coil to the secondary resonant coil.
85. The electric device charging system of claim 81, wherein the
electric device charging system is an electric vehicle charging
system.
86. The electric device charging system of claim 85, wherein the
software, when executed by the processor, further causes the PMS
to: wirelessly communicate control information to a charging
station PMS that is associated with the primary resonant coil.
87. The electric device charging system of claim 85, wherein the
software, when executed by the processor, further causes the PMS
to: discharge into a load a first electric power from the first
electrical storage device; and control a transfer of a second
electric power from the second electrical storage device to the
first electrical storage device; wherein respective quantities of
the first electric power and the second electric power are
determined based upon a present loading requirement associated with
the load and respective characteristics of and current charge
levels in at least one of the first electrical storage device and
the second electrical storage device.
88. The electric device charging system of claim 87, wherein the
load includes an electric motor.
89. The electric device charging system of claim 87, wherein the
power source includes a solar panel.
90. The electric device charging system of claim 87, wherein the
power source includes a regenerative breaking power source.
91. The electric device charging system of claim 87, wherein the
secondary resonant coil is configured using ferrite and movable
physical elements to create directional electric and magnetic
fields (EMF) to optimize the reception of the EMF based upon a
distance and a direction between the primary and secondary resonant
coils at the time of transfer.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 14/512,413, filed Oct. 11, 2014, which is a continuation
of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/679,060, filed on Mar. 19,
2010, which is the National Stage of International Application
Serial Number PCT/US08/11204 filed on Sep. 26, 2008, which claims
the benefit under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 60/995,396 filed on Sep. 26, 2007 and U.S.
Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/998,064 filed on Oct. 5, 2007,
the details of which are incorporated herein in their entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention generally relates to the field of
power transmission and, more particularly, to a method and system
for efficient distribution of power using wireless means, and a
system and method for wirelessly distributing power to provide
electrical vehicles with a way to continuously, wirelessly charge
their power systems and thereby use the transmitted power for
motion.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] The amount of energy a battery can store per unit volume is
presently increasing by about 8% a year. Yet, the needs of ever
more powerful electronic devices are increasing at a rate more than
three times that amount. One way to obtain energy is to `harvest`
energy from the environment by converting heat, wind, light or
vibrations that occur naturally. For example, sensors in a
skyscraper could generate energy by sensing the normal sway of the
skyscraper. Certain materials are `piezoelectric`, i.e., they
naturally become deformed by heat or vibrations, generating an
electrical current that can be captured and stored. Such technology
is at an emerging stage, but advancing rapidly. Commercial products
are available from a host of companies such as Perpetuum in
Britain, and Ferro Solutions, Mide Technology, KCF, TPL and
MicroStrain in America. The constraint here is that very little
energy is generated and the harvesting mechanisms are sometimes
larger than the devices they are designed to power.
[0006] Another solution to the energy problem may be found in fuel
cells. Unlike batteries, which simply store energy, fuel cells
actually generate energy from volatile chemicals, such as hydrogen
or methanol. The fundamental technology currently exists to
recharge devices such as mobile phones. However, such systems are
impractical, because they are limited in their portability, for
example, boarding an aircraft with a full-fledged fuel cell in a
laptop.
[0007] A solution to the need for alternative energy sources is an
ongoing effort. For example, techniques to wirelessly transfer
energy are currently under development. One such technique is
referred to as `radiative`, which entails generating an
electromagnetic field. Here, a special receiver picks up a `bit`
that has not naturally dissipated in the environment and converts
it to electricity. The energy can travel nearly three meters (ten
feet) to keep a small battery charged. However, most of the energy
is lost before reaching the receiver and the power that does reach
the receiver is extremely low. Nevertheless, such a technology,
which is pioneered by Powercast in Philadelphia, Pa., can be
deployed for small power applications, such as lights on Christmas
decorations.
[0008] Another known technique relies on magnetic fields. However,
this technique is still rather experimental, and operates based on
principles of resonance. When two objects resonate at the same
frequency, they transfer energy efficiently. The use of magnetic
resonance allows the transfer of energy in useful quantities and
almost entirely to the receiving device. However, as in the
radiative method, the energy can travel only a distance of a few
meters. Nevertheless, there has been a great demand and interest in
transferring energy using magnetic resonance.
[0009] `Inductive coupling` is another way of transferring energy.
Here, power or energy is sent on almost direct contact, for
example, with a mat upon which gadgets can be placed to recharge.
The method avoids the need for cables and connectors to charge
gadgets, and can be built into many surfaces, such as car
dashboards or office furniture.
[0010] At present there is technology directed to hybrids and other
forms of vehicles that use different systems to internally generate
and store electricity for use in providing motion to a vehicle.
However, while there are vehicles that can be recharged, these
vehicles do not permit recharging during motion, and require a
cable attachment to the vehicle and a long charge time. As a
result, these types of vehicles can only cover short distances.
[0011] It is therefore apparent there is a need to provide energy
to a vehicle that will eliminate the restrictions associated with
conventional charging techniques.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] Systems and methods are disclosed for wirelessly
transmitting power to electric vehicles to allow such vehicles to
continuously, wirelessly charge their power systems from the
transmitted power.
[0013] One embodiment of the system and method of the invention
utilizes capacitors and/or fast rechargeable batteries which are
connected to a wireless coil antenna or electrode plates to achieve
rapid collection and storage of electrical energy from the magnetic
resonance generated by another antenna located in close proximity
connected to a power generator.
[0014] In another embodiment, a method and system is provided for
wireless power distribution. Here, the system utilizes a power
source, a large primary coil, and a secondary coil for each
separate wireless power receiver. The primary coil circumscribes
the region for which the power must be distributed within. For
example, using the contemplated method and system, a major
component of the power distribution system for Manhattan, N.Y.,
would comprise a thick conductor that loops around Manhattan
multiple times. The coil can be wound in a flat, i.e., pancake
shape or a cylindrical shape. In accordance with the contemplated
embodiments, the primary coil is powered by an oscillating voltage
or current source of a high frequency. Each secondary coil, or
wireless power receiver, can be at rest or moving with respect to
the circumscribed region. In addition, the wireless power receiver
can be above, below or at the same elevation as the circumscribed
region. For example, using the contemplated method and system, an
airplane, car or other transportation vehicle would contain a
secondary coil receiver that powers the motor of the transporter.
The configuration of the secondary coil is such that it
electrically resonates at the frequency of the powered primary
coil, i.e., at the resonant frequency. Thus, an induced oscillating
electric current in the primary coil induces an oscillating
electric current in each secondary coil. If a particular secondary
coil has a resonate frequency at the frequency of the oscillating
current in the primary, then the secondary coil will be supplied
power.
[0015] By continuously charging the onboard batteries of the
vehicle through the wireless system, the vehicle can extend its
range and provide for continuous, uninterrupted operation. The
vehicle uses its aerials or antennas for power reception and then
transfers such power to the motor or a storage device, in another
embodiment involving the Tesla effect the ground is used as a
return to allow for collection and storage of electrical energy,
with the capacitors, batteries and motors being connected in
between the antennas and ground. At any moment in time, the energy
collected by the vehicle may be more or less than what is needed to
propel the vehicle. As a result, the vehicle will either contribute
or draw upon the stored electrical energy in the onboard batteries
and capacitors. At rest, a vehicle located near or on top of a
wirelessly power transmitting device may signal to absorb or return
power to the grid based on the owners needs or preferences. Since
during peak hours such power can be better utilized by others.
[0016] The system and method of the invention differs from
conventional systems for transmitting energy because a higher
transmission efficiency and a greater transmission distance are
provided due the use of a different configuration and transmission
frequencies. In accordance with the invention, the receiving
vehicle communicates with a transmitter in a manner such that an
electromagnetic field required by a vehicle in a specific geography
is generated only when power or energy is needed. As a result, the
system and method provides an efficient system in that resources
are not consumed unnecessarily.
[0017] Security is provided from unauthorized use by combining
multiple resonating frequencies on the transmit and receive side of
the wireless transmission system to thereby improve efficiency and
secure the transmission from unauthorized parties. In another
embodiment each electrical vehicle identifies itself to the network
to initiate transmission.
[0018] Dynamic switching between directional and omni-transmission
of the radiation is also provided to permit optimal efficiency of
power transmission. The system and method can be advantageously
used at high altitudes or in flight to provide long range
transmission of power. To maximize efficiency in transmitting power
to airborne vehicles, a high-power ultraviolet beam might be used
to form a vertical or horizontal ionized channel in the air
directly above the mobile transmitter or receiver stations. Such
transmission may originate from Earth or from power generating
satellites. For example a satellite orbiting the earth which may
have 50 miles of electrical conducting cable suspended horizontally
to the magnetic field of the earth can generate up to megawatts of
continuous power since the magnetic field of the earth is acting as
a generator and is moving electrons to create charge at the edge of
such cable. If a resonating device directs such electromagnetic
energy to a plane flying at 30,000 feet which is tuned to the same
resonance an efficient transfer of electrical power can take place
since the density of the stratosphere and the absorption levels are
low. Such power generating effect was recorded by NASA during the
1996 Tethered Satellite experiments but no transmission of such
power was attempted.
[0019] Although the various embodiments of the invention are
described above in connection with supplying power to vehicles,
such power can also be provided to other types of mobile devices
which require periodic charging, such as mobile computers, mobile
phones and other types of portable devices. In such instances the
portable devices will include on-board receiving apparatus for
receiving the wirelessly transmitted power.
[0020] Other objects and features of the present invention will
become apparent from the following detailed description considered
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is to be
understood, however, that the drawings are designed solely for
purposes of illustration and not as a definition of the limits of
the invention. It should be further understood that the drawings
are not necessarily drawn to scale and that, unless otherwise
indicated, they are merely intended to conceptually illustrate the
structures and procedures described herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0021] The foregoing and other advantages and features of the
invention will become more apparent from the detailed description
of the preferred embodiments of the invention given below with
reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
[0022] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a primary circuit of the power
distribution system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of
the invention;
[0023] FIG. 2 is an illustration of a secondary circuit of the
power distribution system in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the invention;
[0024] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of exemplary forms of
primary coil windings of FIG. 1;
[0025] FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of exemplary forms of
secondary coil windings of FIG. 2;
[0026] FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of a system for wireless
power distribution in accordance with the invention;
[0027] FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of the transmitting loop
and receiving loop in accordance with the invention;
[0028] FIG. 7 is an exemplary illustration of coils 410 embedded
into parking spots that include the primary coils in accordance
with the invention;
[0029] FIG. 8 is schematic illustration of the solenoids that are
configured in accordance with the exemplary embodiments; and
[0030] FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of tires of a vehicle
configured to permit wireless distribution of power to the
vehicle.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS
[0031] Disclosed is a method and system for efficient distribution
of power using wireless means, and a system and method for wireless
power distribution to provide electric vehicles with a way to
continuously and wirelessly collect, use and charge their power
systems and thereby use the transmitted power to effect
movement.
[0032] In accordance with the invention, a system and method are
provided that allows a hybrid, simplified and less costly solution
for charging and providing a way for vehicles (or mobile devices)
to continuously move while consuming, charging/recharging.
[0033] In one embodiment, the power transfer can take place via
multiple known ways. One is similar to ways known in the art as
inductive transfer of electromagnetically coupled resonating
circuits. FIG. 1 is an illustration of a primary circuit of the
power distribution system in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the invention, where the primary circuit comprises a
circuit that contains a primary coil and a power supply. Any power
supply 10, such as a power plant or power transmission line, power
lines or a power reception device, such as a Tesla Coil, are
connected through conductors to a primary coil 30 that loops around
the region for which power is being distributed, such as the island
of Manhattan 50 in New York City. The power supplied to the primary
coil 30 is in the form of an oscillating current or voltage at a
frequency chosen for this grid system or region of power
distribution.
[0034] Typically, the frequency of the power supply is not the
frequency of the grid system. Consequently, the primary circuit is
provided with a conversion center 15 where the frequency of the
voltage or current is converted into the desired frequency. In
addition, the voltage or the current of the power supply might not
be optimal for wireless power distribution. It is therefore
contemplated that the conversion center 15 is configured to also
convert the voltage or current to the levels suitable for wireless
power distribution.
[0035] Technology is known for performing the foregoing types of
conversions. Notwithstanding, the material used for the primary
coil 30 should be selected based on the frequency of the
oscillating current or voltage, as well as the amplitude of the
current wave. In order to reduce the power loss in the primary coil
it may be practical to use superconducting wires that are cooled to
their superconducting state. For high frequencies, however, it may
be more practical to use a stranded metallic wire rather than a
single conducting strand due to the skin effect. The skin effect is
the tendency of an alternating electric current (AC) to distribute
itself within a conductor so that the current density near the
surface of the conductor is greater than that at its core. That is,
the electric current tends to flow at the "skin" of the
conductor.
[0036] Whether the conductor is metallic or superconducting, the
cross-sectional area of the conductor, with the skin effect taken
into account, is selected based on the frequency and the magnitude
of the current within the coil 30. Another parameter of the primary
coil 30 is the number of loops that the coil makes about the region
to which power is being distributed. In one embodiment, the number
of loops composing the primary coil is about 2 or 3; it is
important to make a uniform field within the region.
[0037] FIG. 2 is an illustration of a secondary circuit of the
power distribution system in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the invention, where the secondary circuit comprises
a circuit that contains the secondary coil and a device that is
consuming power. In order to receive power, any device 90 that is
consuming, storing or receiving power may be connected to a
secondary coil 70 that resonates at the frequency of the current or
voltage oscillation in the primary coil 30. The device 90 that is
consuming, storing or receiving power may be connected to the
secondary coil 70 through conductors. The power supplied by the
secondary coil 70 to the device 90 that consuming, storing or
receiving power is in the form of an oscillating current or voltage
at a frequency selected for this grid system or region of power
distribution, which should be the resonate frequency of the
secondary coil 70. Typically, the frequency is not a frequency that
is suitable for the device 90 that is consuming, storing or
receiving power. Consequently, the secondary circuit is provided
with a conversion center 95 where the frequency of the voltage or
current is converted into the desired frequency, which may also be
a direct current (DC), i.e., the frequency suitable for the
receiving device or devices. In addition, the voltage or the
current of the secondary coil might not be appropriate for the
device that is receiving power. It is, therefore, contemplated that
the conversion center 15 is configured to also convert the voltage
or current to the levels suitable for the device.
[0038] As before, technology is known for performing the foregoing
types of conversions. The material for the secondary coil 70
possesses the same parameters as that of the primary coil 30.
Preferably, the number of turns forming the secondary coil 70 is
selected such that the resonant frequency of the secondary coil 70
is that of the frequency of the current or voltage wave in the
primary coil 30.
[0039] In an embodiment, the device attached to the secondary coil
of FIG. 2 is configured to transmit power. Consequently, the device
itself may not consume the power but may, instead, transmit the
power to another device or devices located in the same region. For
example, multiple devices may co-exist in a particular region,
where only one device is required to possess a secondary coil 70.
Here, the solitary secondary coil 70 would transmit power
wirelessly to the other power consuming devices that are located in
the region.
[0040] There are known techniques for supplying a secondary device
with power from another device, such as by induction, as described
in projects untaken by MIT and IBM. Other technology company use
lasers that do not harm biological life. In accordance with the
contemplated embodiments, the transmitting device may be a Tesla
coil.
[0041] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of different forms of
primary coil 30 windings. Here, the primary coil 30 may be wound in
a flat or pancake shape 33 or in a cylindrical shape 35. In the
pancake shape, the conductor spirals inward or outward in a manner
such that the entire conductor lies in one horizontal plain. In the
cylindrical shape, the conductor spirals upward or downward in a
manner such that the different sections of the coil lie in
different horizontal planes. The pancake or flat style winding is
shown in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1.
[0042] FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of different forms of
secondary coil 30 windings of FIG. 2. Here, the secondary coil 70
may be wound in a flat or pancake shape 73 or in a cylindrical
shape 75.
[0043] FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram of a system for wireless
power distribution in accordance with the invention. For short
distances and medium and high power, capacitively loaded coil loops
110, 120 should be used. One loop 110 is coupled via a central
controller 130 to an alternate current source 140 and the other
coil loop 120 to a battery 150 or electrical engine 160. Such coil
loops 110, 120 and power sources 140 should be tuned to frequencies
above 500 Khz for best performance. In addition the transmitting
and receiving coil loop sizes and shapes need to be designed to
match the frequency selected and ensure that the electrical field
and magnetic field generated by the coil loops are perfectly out of
phase to maximize the transmission of power and minimize absorption
and cancellation.
[0044] FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of the transmitting loop
and receiving loop in accordance with the invention. The
transmitting loop 170 may be blocked with a cone 180 or
half-ball-shaped metallic object pointing away from the receiving
loop 190 and coated or made of materials capable of reflecting any
electric and/or magnetic fields to maximize the resonance between
the circuits. A parallel cone 200 can be placed behind the
receiving end to maximize such effect. Such cones may be
electrically charged to maximize the electromagnetic wave and the
apparatus performance and maximize resonance.
[0045] This design helps efficiency by tunneling the magnetic field
generated by the transmitting coil loops 110 to receiver coil loops
120 that resonate at the same frequency. This design further
minimizes the transmission of dissipation of electric fields, radio
waves and loss of power provided to the apparatus. Since magnetic
fields interact very weakly with human tissue and other matter and
since coupled circuits only resonate if they are tuned to the same
frequency, very little interference is caused to the environment
and very high efficiency levels of transmission can be achieved
while still maintaining IEEE and other industry standards for such
emissions. Under optimal condition over 90% of transmitted power
can be absorbed and regenerated for distances below 3 feet.
[0046] In one embodiment, the transmitter coil is located on a
transmitter tower (not shown) which is configured to resonate at a
specific frequency, such as the free 13.56 MHz industrial,
scientific and medical (ISM) radio band. The second component is a
second or `receiver` coil wound in a `pancake`, which is also
configured to resonate at the same frequency as the transmitter
coil or at a combination of several frequencies.
[0047] In the transmitter tower embodiment, the system and method
of the invention relies on a power station to wirelessly transmit a
high frequency modulated signal from the transmitter coil. Such a
transmission can extend over a radius of 20 miles or more via the
use of directional resonance modulation and allows any receiver
coil that is tuned to the same transmission frequency of the
transmitter coil to absorb and convert the transmission back into
electrical energy, which can then be used immediately by the
vehicle or stored in on-board batteries for use at a later
time.
[0048] In accordance with the invention, the system and method
implemented in the vehicle or device uses the transmitted power or
energy to charge its on-board capacitors 210 and batteries 150 and
to operate the vehicle or device, such as to propel the vehicle in
the desired direction. In accordance with the invention, while the
vehicle is not in motion or is stationary, the excess power or
energy is used to charge to capacity all on-board batteries within
the vehicle. Alternatively, the system implemented in the vehicle
may generate hydrogen or other stored energy through a process,
such as electrolysis. However, when the vehicle is in motion, but
outside of the coverage range of the wireless system, it then
operates on battery reserve, thus drawing on the energy stored in
the batteries 150 or hydrogen tanks.
[0049] In an embodiment of the invention, the vehicle uses an
exterior plastic or metal shell that is provided with imbedded
wiring as the coil inductor to maximize the amount of absorbable
energy.
[0050] In another embodiment, the transmission of power or energy
by the primary coil will occur only after a vehicle or device has
wirelessly identified itself and has been authenticated to use the
power transmission services. Upon being verified to use the
service, transmission of the electromagnetic waves that are located
in close proximity to the vehicle or device is commenced or
activated to thereby allow power charging to occur. Upon completion
of the charge, the vehicle will send another wireless transmission
to the primary coil or to some other destination to indicate that
it has received a desired charge level. A reversal of the process
can take place and the controller may request the transfer of power
back to the grid via wireless means.
[0051] The wireless transmission can be performed from a central
location or can be distributed with many primary coil antennas and
cables that cover a large geographical area. Such coils may be
embedded into parking spots, placed by traffic light lanes, fueling
stations and other ordinary stops. They may also be embedded into
roads or placed as strips on top of existing roads. FIG. 8 shows
such an exemplary configuration, where the coils 410 are embedded
into parking spots that include the primary coils 430.
[0052] In accordance with another embodiment, the transmitters may
be installed along regular roads or highways, traffic lights or
parking spots or in conjunction with existing high voltage wire
infrastructure. As a result, each vehicle will be provided with an
identifier and, thus, allows metering and billing for the use of
consumed power. In yet another embodiment, the user pays a flat
monthly fee for an unlimited use of such wirelessly transmitted
power.
[0053] In accordance with another embodiment, the short distance
coupling through interaction with transmitters located on or in the
road can be performed via Evanescent wave coupling where waveguides
and circuits on the road and tires or vehicle surface are employed.
FIG. 8 is schematic illustration of the solenoids that are
configured in accordance with the exemplary embodiments. A solenoid
310 is employed to induce an horizontal or vertical array of
conducting wires to create resonance in a desired predetermined
frequency upon request from the network, vehicle or upon contact.
FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of tires of a vehicle that are
configured to permit wireless distribution of power to the
vehicle.
[0054] With reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, a copper or aluminum loop
coil 310 located inside the tires of the vehicle can be coupled to
the batteries 320 in the vehicle, and through induction, absorb
electrical energy transmitted through the transmitter coils 330
buried in the road surface which are coupled to a control station
130 and connected to a power source 140. For example, the
transmitter coil 330 can be imbedded inside the asphalt, concrete
or a rubber strip placed on top or besides the road. The rubber
strip contains rings or mesh of electrical wires forming coils best
designed to allow for wireless coupling and may be combined with
capacitors, sensors and remotely activated switches to generate and
optimize wireless transmission of electrical power. The same
configuration needs to be used on the receiving end and tuned to
the same resonance to effect the most efficient transmission of
electrical power. Such transmitting elements are to be segmented
into small continuous segments which are connected to a control
station to activate the right segments at the right time. This
causes only a small number of transmitting segments to be powered
at any time for any vehicle. Receiving surfaces such as antennas or
cones are embedded in appropriate parts of the vehicle to maximize
reception. Alternatively, segments may be activated by contact,
pressure or by direct signals from the vehicle or a monitoring and
tracking station, as shown in schematic form in FIG. 9.
[0055] This implementation allows for high power transmission
without affecting the environment or other neighboring radio
receiving devices. It is best to use frequencies which are
authorized by the FCC or other government bodies for public use
like 2.4, 5.1 and 13 Mhz in the US. Vehicles or other mobile
systems and devices can tune to one of available frequencies and
charge their internal batteries. Since different countries may use
different frequencies the receiving device such as air crafts can
use tuning or multiple apparatus to enable it to be compatible to
such diverse systems.
[0056] Vehicles with mounted coils and copper loops may have a
dynamic mechanical rotation device powered by electrical or
pneumatic engines which, with the use of gyros or other sensitive
detectors, ensure optimal coupling of the circuits and optimal
transfer of energy. Thus, if a vehicle is tilting, while making
turns at high speeds during which the loops and coils mounted on
the vehicle body and its tires change their angle towards the
transmitting coils, the vehicle mounted coils and loops may be
continuously adjusted dynamically and instantly to realign
themselves for optimal reception. In other systems, such as an
airplane, a directional receiving antenna connected to a tracking
system mounted on top or bottom of the airplane can be used to
absorb electromagnetic power and use it for propulsion.
[0057] Vehicles and other devices may need to authenticate and log
themselves to enable the power transmission. Such enablement can be
made via wireless systems known in the art, e.g., data over power
lines, Ezpass, RFID or other type of wifi or other wireless
transmission, etc., to identify and register with the local
provider of the power network. Such authentication may also include
the type of vehicle and lanes needed, the time of day the vehicle
is used (e.g. rush hour, off peak hours, etc.) as well as power
level and transmission level required. Because tractor-trailer
trucks may use two lanes of tires, a power transfer may be utilized
by enabling two strips instead of one. Different vehicles may have
different implementations of such wireless transmission and may
require different voltage or wattage to operate at full capacity.
The controller of such grid can then effect such requested levels
by sending appropriate instructions to the specific segments
servicing such vehicle in real time. Many different vehicles may
occupy the same lane at the same time while the controller will
activate and feed the appropriate power and transmission to the
right vehicle as it moves from one segment on the road to the next.
Power and signal converters embedded with the coils may be used to
control such changes.
[0058] Upon vehicle identification, a driver will operate the
vehicle along a powered and marked lane. Inside the vehicle a bar
or number will identify that the vehicle is connected to the grid
and the level of power and efficiency of the current grid
utilization by the vehicle. Such efficiency may indicate the
positioning of the vehicle to the lane, i.e. the vehicle being
directly above the transmitting lane or not fully aligned, and such
information may be used to manually or electronically align the
vehicle with the transmitting lane and optimize the charge. The
grid may vary its transmission based on the speed of the vehicle or
the type of receiving apparatus used by the vehicle.
[0059] The vehicle may absorb sufficient power to effect locomotion
as well as charge the internal batteries and as such, the internal
system may indicate the time remaining for full charge of the
internal batteries. A driver may select a specific route or obtain
a GPS enabled route which will indicate how to get to a destination
while fully charging the batteries, i.e. to travel along a route
that includes such power transmission lanes. Beyond battery charge
excess, absorbed power in the vehicle may be used to generate
hydrogen via electrolysis and store such hydrogen for future use. A
fuel cell mounted in the vehicle may be used to convert such
hydrogen back to electrical power to charge the batteries or move
the vehicle.
[0060] The driver may navigate the vehicle off the powered lane at
any time and use the stored power to continue movement. Because all
absorbed electrical power first goes to the batteries and then to
the electrical engine, a diversion from a power lane stops
continuous charging but does not effect the movement of the
vehicle.
[0061] Each vehicle wireless IP signal and speed information is
transferred to the controlling station on the grid and activates
power or wireless transmission to the segments of the power strips
that should be powered at that time. The activated length of the
power strips can also be changed based on the speed of the vehicle.
The system may also control traffic information by sending back
signals to the car to slow down or change course based on
congestion or traffic conditions.
[0062] The same circuitry can be used to provide two way data
communications to and from the vehicle by using the same set of
inductive coils. Data transmission to and from the vehicle is
achieved by applying absorption modulation, data transmission to
the network by applying amplitude modulation. This is similar to
data over power lines which is widely used but has not been
combined with induction power transfer.
[0063] By continuously charging through a wireless system, the
vehicle or device can therefore dramatically extend its range and
provide for continuous, uninterrupted operation. The vehicle uses
the aerials or antennas for power reception, and the ground is used
as a return if necessary, with the capacitors, batteries and motors
being connected in between. At any given moment in time, the power
or energy collected by the vehicle may be more or less than what is
needed to propel the vehicle. As a result, the vehicle will either
contribute or draw upon the stored electrical energy in the
on-board batteries and capacitors.
[0064] Another embodiment is using magnets and other elements to
ensure a direct contact between the vehicles and the units
providing for wireless charge while the vehicles are at rest in
charging areas. Such units may have springs and magnets which
ensure the car bumpers or tires have no damage but have full
reception of the electrical power from the transmitting elements.
For example in a parking lot designated slots may be enabled and
marked with power transmissions and a vehicle may position its
receiving element to touch the transmitting element to ensure
optimal transfer of energy without the need of the driver to plug
any cables or even get out of the vehicle. An internal indicator
shows the level of contact and charge and can predict the time it
would take to get fully charged.
[0065] In a similar fashion an air craft may re-align its receiving
coils and loops to maintain maximum power absorption from a ground
or space based station.
[0066] A separate antenna with coupled capacitors may be
implemented as well to absorb power from distant power sources.
Such system may use different technologies and be suitable for
lower power vehicles or aircraft it may allow a much broader
coverage in areas without powered roads or remote locations.
Airplanes and other flying devices may receive their power from
such systems as well.
[0067] Alternatively in another embodiment a combination of
induction and electrical plates configured to use the Tesla Effect
can be used to eliminate the need to have a grounding wire and
conductive lanes on the roads. This new configuration allows for
mobile ungrounded use of vehicles and airplanes.
[0068] Thus, while there have shown and described and pointed out
fundamental novel features of the invention as applied to a
preferred embodiment thereof, it will be understood that various
omissions and substitutions and changes in the form and details of
the devices illustrated, and in their operation, may be made by
those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the
invention. For example, it is expressly intended that all
combinations of those elements and/or method steps which perform
substantially the same function in substantially the same way to
achieve the same results are within the scope of the invention.
Moreover, it should be recognized that structures and/or elements
and/or method steps shown and/or described in connection with any
disclosed form or embodiment of the invention may be incorporated
in any other disclosed or described or suggested form or embodiment
as a general matter of design choice. It is the intention,
therefore, to be limited only as indicated by the scope of the
claims appended hereto.
* * * * *