U.S. patent application number 17/127419 was filed with the patent office on 2022-03-03 for system for wireless power transmission.
This patent application is currently assigned to KOREA ELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE. The applicant listed for this patent is KOREA ELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE. Invention is credited to Hae Yong JUNG, Yong Seong KIM, Tai Gil KWON, Yong Seok LIM, Yongju PARK.
Application Number | 20220069633 17/127419 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-03-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220069633 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LIM; Yong Seok ; et
al. |
March 3, 2022 |
SYSTEM FOR WIRELESS POWER TRANSMISSION
Abstract
The present invention provides a system for wireless power
transmission, wherein the system is a system for wireless power
transmission detecting a foreign object, including a power
transmitting coil for transmitting AC power, a power receiving coil
for receiving the AC power transmitted from the power transmitting
coil wherein the power receiving coil is spaced apart from the
power transmitting coil, and a detection circuit for detecting a
foreign object located between the power transmitting coil and the
power receiving coil wherein a first resistor and a first detection
coil connected in series, and a second resistor and a second
detection coil connected in series are connected in parallel, and
wherein at least one of the first detection coil and the second
detection coil is disposed between the power transmitting coil and
the power receiving coil.
Inventors: |
LIM; Yong Seok; (Seoul,
KR) ; JUNG; Hae Yong; (Bucheon-si, KR) ; KWON;
Tai Gil; (Seongnam-si, KR) ; KIM; Yong Seong;
(Goyang-si, KR) ; PARK; Yongju; (Goyang-si,
KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
KOREA ELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE |
Seongnam-si |
|
KR |
|
|
Assignee: |
KOREA ELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY
INSTITUTE
Seongnam-si
KR
|
Appl. No.: |
17/127419 |
Filed: |
December 18, 2020 |
International
Class: |
H02J 50/60 20060101
H02J050/60; B60L 53/55 20060101 B60L053/55; B60L 53/30 20060101
B60L053/30; H02J 50/40 20060101 H02J050/40; H02J 50/12 20060101
H02J050/12 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 2, 2020 |
KR |
10-2020-0111944 |
Nov 4, 2020 |
KR |
10-2020-0158825 |
Claims
1. A system for wireless power transmission, wherein the system is
a system for wireless power transmission detecting a foreign
object, the system comprising: a power transmitting coil for
transmitting AC power; a power receiving coil for receiving the AC
power transmitted from the power transmitting coil wherein the
power receiving coil is spaced apart from the power transmitting
coil; and a detection circuit for detecting a foreign object
located between the power transmitting coil and the power receiving
coil wherein a first resistor and a first detection coil connected
in series, and a second resistor and a second detection coil
connected in series are connected in parallel, and wherein at least
one of the first detection coil and the second detection coil is
disposed between the power transmitting coil and the power
receiving coil, wherein the detection circuit detects a foreign
object located between the power transmitting coil and the power
receiving coil based on a difference between a first voltage
between the first resistor and the first detection coil and a
second voltage between the second resistor and the second detection
coil.
2. (canceled)
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the detection circuit determines
that a foreign object is located between the power transmitting
coil and the power receiving coil when the difference between the
first voltage and the second voltage is more than or equal to a
reference voltage.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the first detection coil and the
second detection coil are formed in a plurality and arranged to
intersect each other on the power transmitting coil.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the detection circuit further
comprises a switch for selectively connecting a plurality of the
first detection coils and a plurality of the second detection coils
to the detection circuit.
6. The system of claim 4, wherein the first detection coil and the
second detection coil are coils that are mutually symmetrical with
respect to a center.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the first detection coil is a
reference inductor having a constant inductance, and the second
detection coil is formed in a plurality and arranged to intersect
each other on the power transmitting coil.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein the detection circuit further
comprises a switch for selectively connecting the plurality of the
second detection coils to the detection circuit.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the detection circuit further
comprises a first capacitor connected in parallel with the first
detection coil; and a second capacitor connected in parallel with
the second detection coil.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the detection circuit further
comprises a first capacitor connected in series with the first
detection coil; and a second capacitor connected in series with the
second detection coil.
11. The system of claim 1, further comprising an AC generator for
applying AC power to both ends of the detection circuit.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the AC power applied by the AC
generator is less than the size of the AC power transmitted by the
power transmitting coil and more than the frequency of the AC
power.
13. The system of claim 11, wherein the AC generator applies the AC
power before the power transmitting coil transmits the AC power to
the power receiving coil.
14. The system of claim 11, wherein the AC generator applies the AC
power while the power transmitting coil transmits the AC power to
the power receiving coil, and a harmonic component included in the
AC power is filtered.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of
Korean Patent Application Nos. 10-2020-0111944, filed on Sep. 2,
2020 and 10-2020-0158825, filed on Nov. 24, 2020, the disclosure of
which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a system for wireless power
transmission, and more specifically, the present invention relates
to a system for wireless power transmission including a detection
circuit capable of detecting a relatively small foreign object.
2. Discussion of Related Art
[0003] Electric charging systems such as electric vehicles,
automated guided vehicles (AGV), robots, and the like are equipped
with a battery to receive electric power. In this case, when the
remaining amount of the battery is below a certain level, it is
necessary to charge the battery, and as electric vehicles and the
like move to a charging station to charge the battery, a power
receiving cable is connected to the electric vehicle and the like
to receive electric power.
[0004] However, such a charging method has inconvenience of having
to move to a charging station for charging the battery and
connecting a cable for charging.
[0005] Accordingly, there is a growing demand for a non-contact
charging system capable of automatically charging electric power
without a cable connection for charging, which can supply electric
power to an electric vehicle and the like while driving, and even
when moving to an electric charging station.
[0006] In order to receive electric power without contact in this
way, wireless charging technology is required. The wireless
charging technology is a technology in which a power transmitting
coil wirelessly transmits electric power to a power receiving coil
provided in an electric vehicle or the like, and a clearance space
of a predetermined distance or more exists between the power
transmitting coil and the power receiving coil.
[0007] In this case, during wireless power transmission, if a
foreign object exists in the clearance space between the power
transmitting coil and the power receiving coil, it may cause a
malfunction of the wireless charging system, and also a fire may
occur due to heat generation of the foreign object.
[0008] As a conventional technology for solving the above problem,
there is a technology for determining whether a foreign object
exists between the power transmitting coil and the power receiving
coil, by detecting a voltage induced in a detection coil by placing
a detection coil between a power transmitting coil and a power
receiving coil.
[0009] However, the conventional technology has a limitation in
detecting a foreign object having a relatively small size, because
the voltage induced in the detection coil is very small when the
size of the foreign object is relatively small such as a coin.
[0010] In order to overcome such a limitation, a technique for
detecting a foreign object by amplifying the induced voltage has
been proposed, but in this case, it is difficult to accurately
detect a foreign object because noise is also amplified.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] In order to solve the problems of the conventional
technology as described above, the present invention is directed to
providing a system for wireless power transmission capable of
detecting a relatively small foreign object such as a coin.
[0012] The technical problems to be achieved in the present
invention are not limited to the technical problem mentioned above,
and other technical problems that are not mentioned can be clearly
understood by those of ordinary skill in the technical field to
which the present invention pertains from the following
description.
[0013] In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the present
invention provides a system for wireless power transmission,
wherein the system is a system for wireless power transmission
detecting a foreign object, including a power transmitting coil for
transmitting AC power, a power receiving coil for receiving the AC
power transmitted from the power transmitting coil wherein the
power receiving coil is spaced apart from the power transmitting
coil, and a detection circuit for detecting a foreign object
located between the power transmitting coil and the power receiving
coil wherein a first resistor and a first detection coil connected
in series, and a second resistor and a second detection coil
connected in series are connected in parallel, and wherein at least
one of the first detection coil and the second detection coil is
disposed between the power transmitting coil and the power
receiving coil.
[0014] Herein, the detection circuit may detect a foreign object
located between the power transmitting coil and the power receiving
coil based on a difference between a first voltage between the
first resistor and the first detection coil and a second voltage
between the second resistor and the second detection coil.
[0015] In addition, the detection circuit may determine that a
foreign object is located between the power transmitting coil and
the power receiving coil when the difference between the first
voltage and the second voltage is more than or equal to a reference
voltage.
[0016] In addition, the first detection coil and the second
detection coil may be formed in a plurality and may be arranged to
intersect each other on the power transmitting coil.
[0017] In addition, the detection circuit may further include a
switch for selectively connecting a plurality of the first
detection coils and a plurality of the second detection coils to
the detection circuit.
[0018] In addition, the first detection coil and the second
detection coil may be coils that are mutually symmetrical with
respect to a center.
[0019] In addition, the first detection coil may be a reference
inductor having a constant inductance, and the second detection
coil may be formed in a plurality and arranged to intersect each
other on the power transmitting coil.
[0020] In addition, the detection circuit may further include a
switch for selectively connecting the plurality of the second
detection coils to the detection circuit.
[0021] In addition, the detection circuit may further include a
first capacitor connected in parallel with the first detection
coil; and a second capacitor connected in parallel with the second
detection coil.
[0022] In addition, the detection circuit may further include a
first capacitor connected in series with the first detection coil,
and a second capacitor connected in series with the second
detection coil.
[0023] In addition, the system for wireless power transmission of
the present invention may further include an AC generator for
applying AC power to both ends of the detection circuit.
[0024] Herein, the AC power applied by the AC generator may be less
than the size of the AC power transmitted by the power transmitting
coil and more than the frequency of the AC power.
[0025] In addition, the AC generator may apply the AC power before
the power transmitting coil transmits the AC power to the power
receiving coil.
[0026] In addition, the AC generator may apply the AC power while
the power transmitting coil transmits the AC power to the power
receiving coil, and a harmonic component included in the AC power
may be filtered.
[0027] According to the present invention, by replacing the
inductor of a detection circuit with a detection coil, it is
possible to detect a slight change in the magnetic field, and
through this, it is possible to detect a relatively small foreign
object such as a coin.
[0028] The effects that can be obtained in the present invention
are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and other effects
not mentioned can be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill
in the technical field to which the present invention pertains from
the following description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] FIG. 1 is a diagram for describing a wireless charging
method of a system for wireless power transmission according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a system for wireless
power transmission according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention.
[0031] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement structure of
a detection coil of a system for wireless power transmission
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 4 is a diagram for describing a method for detecting a
foreign object in a system for wireless power transmission
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a first example of a
detection circuit in a system for wireless power transmission
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 6 is a graph experimentally analyzing the detection
performance of the detection circuit according to the first example
of the present invention.
[0035] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a second example of a
detection circuit in a system for wireless power transmission
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0036] FIG. 8 is a graph experimentally analyzing the detection
performance of the detection circuit according to the second
example of the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a third example of a
detection circuit in a system for wireless power transmission
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0038] FIG. 10 is a graph experimentally analyzing the detection
performance of the detection circuit according to the third example
of the present invention.
[0039] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a fourth example of a
detection circuit in a system for wireless power transmission
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0040] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a fifth example of a
detection circuit in a system for wireless power transmission
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0041] In order to fully understand the configuration and effects
of the present invention, preferred exemplary embodiments of the
present invention will be described with reference to the
accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not
limited to the exemplary embodiments disclosed below, but may be
implemented in various forms and various modifications may be
added. However, the description of the present exemplary
embodiments is provided to complete the disclosure of the present
invention, and to fully inform the scope of the invention to those
of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present
invention pertains.
[0042] In the accompanying drawings, for convenience of
description, the size of the components is enlarged compared to the
actual size, and the ratio of each component may be exaggerated or
reduced.
[0043] Terms such as `first` and `second` may be used to describe
various elements, but the elements should not be limited by the
above terms. The above terms may be used only for the purpose of
distinguishing one component from another component. For example,
without departing from the scope of the present invention, the
`first element` may be named `the second element`, and similarly,
the `second element` may also be named `the first element`. In
addition, expressions in the singular include plural expressions
unless clearly expressed otherwise in context. Unless otherwise
defined, terms used in the exemplary embodiments of the present
invention may be interpreted as meanings commonly known to those of
ordinary skill in the art.
[0044] FIG. 1 is a diagram for describing a wireless charging
method of a system for wireless power transmission according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0045] Referring to FIG. 1, a power transmitting unit (Tx unit) may
be installed on the ground, and a power receiving unit (Rx unit)
may be installed under an electric vehicle, an automated guided
vehicle (AGV), and the like. Herein, when the electric vehicle, the
AGV, and the like move to the ground where the power transmitting
unit (Tx Unit) is installed, the power transmitting unit (Tx Unit)
and the power receiving unit (Rx Unit) may be spaced apart by a
predetermined distance or more and disposed opposite to each
other.
[0046] Accordingly, the power receiving unit (Rx Unit) may receive
electric power wirelessly from the power transmitting unit (Tx
Unit).
[0047] In this case, as illustrated in FIG. 1 (a), the power
transmitting unit (Tx Unit) may be installed only in a specific
area of the ground. Accordingly, the power receiving unit (Rx Unit)
may wirelessly receive electric power from the power transmitting
unit (Tx Unit) while the electric vehicle, the AGV, and the like
are stopped after moving to the specific area.
[0048] In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 1 (b), the power
transmitting unit (Tx Unit) may be installed along a path in which
the electric vehicle, the AGV, and the like move. Accordingly, the
power receiving unit (Rx Unit) may wirelessly receive electric
power from the power transmitting unit (Tx Unit) while the electric
vehicle, the AGV, and the like are moving.
[0049] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a system for wireless
power transmission according to an exemplary embodiment of the
present invention.
[0050] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the system for wireless power
transmission may include a power transmitting unit 10 and a power
receiving unit 20.
[0051] The power transmitting unit 10 may include a first control
unit 11, an inverter 12, a first communication unit 13, and a power
transmitting coil 110, and the power receiving unit 20 may
configured to include a second control unit 21, a converter 22, a
second communication unit 23, and a battery 24.
[0052] The second control unit 21 of the power receiving unit 20
may obtain information of a battery 24 from the battery 24 of the
power receiving unit 20. In addition, the second communication unit
23 of the power receiving unit 20 may transmit information of the
battery 24 to the first communication unit 23 of the power
transmitting unit 10.
[0053] The power transmitting coil 110 may transmit communication
power required for transmission of the information of the battery
24 to the power receiving coil 120. Accordingly, even when the
battery 24 of the power receiving unit 20 is completely discharged,
the power receiving unit 20 may transmit information of the battery
24 to the power transmitting unit 10.
[0054] Herein, information of the battery 24 may be transmitted in
an in-band communication method. Herein, the in-band communication
method is a communication method using the same frequency band as
the wireless power transmission frequency.
[0055] The first control unit 11 of the power transmitting unit 10
may control the inverter 12 of the power transmitting unit 10 based
on information of the battery 24 of the power receiving unit
20.
[0056] The inverter 12 may convert input DC power into AC power. In
addition, the power transmitting coil 110 may transmit AC power
converted by the inverter 12 to the power receiving coil 120.
[0057] The power receiving coil 120 may receive AC power from the
power transmitting coil 110. In addition, the converter 22 of the
power receiving unit 20 may convert AC power into DC power, and the
second control unit 21 of the power receiving unit 20 may use the
converted DC power to charge the battery 24 of the power receiving
unit 20.
[0058] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an arrangement structure of
a detection coil of a system for wireless power transmission
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and
FIG. 4 is a diagram for describing a method for detecting a foreign
object in a system for wireless power transmission according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0059] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the system for wireless power
transmission according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention may include a power transmitting coil 110, a power
receiving coil 120, and a detection coil 130.
[0060] The power transmitting coil 110 may transmit AC power. In
addition, the power receiving coil 120 may be spaced apart from the
power transmitting coil 110 and may receive AC power transmitted by
the power transmitting coil 110.
[0061] The detection coil 130 may be disposed between the power
transmitting coil 110 and the power receiving coil 120 and detect a
foreign object (FO) 1 located between the power transmitting coil
110 and the power receiving coil 120. Herein, the foreign object 1
may be a metallic material such as a saw, a hammer, a coin, and the
like, or a living organism such as a cat, a mouse, and the
like.
[0062] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the detection coil 130 may be
formed in a plurality and arranged to intersect each other on the
power transmitting coil 110.
[0063] Specifically, the detection coil 130 may be formed of a
plurality of coils (T1, T2, T3, . . . . B3, B2, B1) crossing the
power transmitting coil 110 in the horizontal direction, and a
plurality of coils (L1, L2, L3, . . . , R3, R2, R1) crossing the
power transmitting coil 110 in the vertical direction to be
disposed on the power transmitting coil 110 in a matrix form.
[0064] Herein, T1 and B1, T2 and B2, T3 and B3 are mutually
symmetrical with respect to a center, respectively, and L1 and R1,
L2 and R2, and L3 and R3 are mutually symmetrical with respect to
the center, respectively. Further, the detection coils 130 that are
mutually symmetrical may be initially compensated such that the
balance is correct.
[0065] When there is no foreign object 1 between the power
transmitting coil 110 and the power receiving coil 120, a constant
magnetic flux is generated between the power transmitting coil 110
and the power receiving coil 120 by AC power transmitted from the
power transmitting coil 110 to the power receiving coil 120, and a
constant voltage is induced to the detection coil 130 by the
magnetic flux.
[0066] In contrast, when there is a foreign object 1 between the
power transmitting coil 110 and the power receiving coil 120, the
magnetic flux generated between the power transmitting coil 110 and
the power receiving coil 120 changes, and the voltage of the
detection coil 130 is also changed by the changed magnetic
flux.
[0067] In this way, the system for wireless power transmission
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may
determine whether a foreign object 1 exists between the power
transmitting coil 110 and the power receiving coil 120 by detecting
a voltage induced in the detection coil 130.
[0068] In addition, the system for wireless power transmission
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may
determine the location of a foreign object 1 existing between the
power transmitting coil 110 and the power receiving coil 120, by
mutually comparing the voltages induced in the detection coils 130
that are mutually symmetrical.
[0069] For example, by comparing each of the detection coils 130
that are mutually symmetrical, when the balance of the voltages
induced at L2 and R2 is wrong (i.e., when a difference between the
voltages induced in each coil occurs), it may be determined that a
foreign object 1 is located at L2 or R2, and when the balance of
the voltages induced at T3 and B3 is wrong, it may be determined
that a foreign object 1 is located at the intersection of L2 and
T3.
[0070] However, when the size of a foreign object 1 is relatively
small such as a coin, the voltage difference induced in the
mutually symmetrical detection coils 130 is very small such that
there is a limitation in detecting a foreign object 1 having a
relatively small size.
[0071] In order to overcome this limitation, a technology for
detecting a foreign object 1 by amplifying the induced voltage
difference has been proposed, but in this case, it is difficult to
accurately detect the foreign object 1 because noise is also
amplified.
[0072] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a first example of a
detection circuit in a system for wireless power transmission
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and
FIG. 6 is a graph experimentally analyzing the detection
performance of the detection circuit according to the first example
of the present invention.
[0073] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the detection circuit 200
according to the first example of the present invention may detect
a foreign object 1 located between the power transmitting coil 110
and the power receiving coil 120, and may be configured to include
a first resistor 141, a first detection coil 131, a second resistor
142, and a second detection coil 132.
[0074] The first resistor 141 and the first detection coil 131 are
connected in series, and the second resistor 142 and the second
detection coil 132 are connected in series. In addition, the
series-connected first resistor 141 and first detection coil 131,
and the series-connected second resistor 142 and second detection
coil 132 are connected in parallel. In addition, an AC generator 30
is connected to both ends of the detection circuit 200, and the
detection circuit 200 receives AC power applied from the AC
generator 30.
[0075] Herein, at least one of the first detection coil 131 and the
second detection coil 132 may be disposed between the power
transmitting coil 110 and the power receiving coil 120.
[0076] In theory, if the value of the first resistor 141 or the
second resistor 142 is adjusted according to the frequency of the
AC power applied to the detection circuit 200, the difference
(V1-V2) between the first voltage (V1) and the second voltage (V2)
becomes zero (equilibrium), and the product of the first resistor
141 and the second detection coil 132 and the product of the second
resistor 142 and the first detection coil 131 become the same. The
detection circuit 200 of the present invention may operate in such
an equilibrium state.
[0077] The detection circuit 200 may detect a foreign object 1
located between the power transmitting coil 110 and the power
receiving coil 120 based on a difference between a first voltage
(V1) between the first resistor 141 and the first detection coil
131 and a second voltage (V2) between the second resistor 142 and
the second detection coil 132.
[0078] Specifically, when the difference (V1-V2) between the first
voltage (V1) and the second voltage (V2) is more than or equal to a
reference voltage, the detection circuit 200 may determine that a
foreign object is located between the power transmitting coil 110
and the power receiving coil 120.
[0079] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the detection coil 130 may
include a first detection coil 131 and a second detection coil 132,
and the first detection coil 131 and the second detection coil 132
may be formed in a plurality and arranged to intersect each other
on the power transmitting coil 110.
[0080] Herein, the first detection coil 131 and the second
detection coil 132 may be coils that are mutually symmetrical with
respect to a center.
[0081] In general, the detection coil 130 in which a foreign object
1 is located has an inductance (L) less than that of the detection
coil 130 in which a foreign object 1 is not located. Assuming that
a foreign object 1 is located in the first detection coil 131, by
setting the inductance (L) of the first detection coil 131 to 45 pH
and the inductance (L) of the second detection coil 132 to 50 pH in
the detection circuit 200, and applying an AC voltage (Vin) (the
size is 10V, and the frequency is 1 MHz) (a) to the AC circuit 200,
simulations were performed in FIG. 6 for a first voltage (V1) (b)
between the first resistor 141 and the first detection coil 131, a
second voltage (V2) (c) between the second resistor 142 and the
second detection coil 132, and the difference (V1-V2) between the
first voltage (V1) and the second voltage (V2), respectively.
[0082] As a result of the simulations, it can be confirmed that the
size difference of the first voltage (V1) and the second voltage
(V2) is relatively small, but the phase difference occurs to be
relatively large. Due to this phase difference, it can be confirmed
that the difference (V1-V2) between the first voltage (V1) and the
second voltage (V2) over time occurs up to about a maximum of 0.3V.
It can be confirmed that the difference value is increased by about
13 times or more compared to the result of a simulation without
using the detection circuit 200 of the present invention under the
same condition for a foreign object 1.
[0083] As such, by replacing the inductor constituting the
detection circuit 200 with the first detection coil 131 and the
second detection coil 132, the system for wireless power
transmission according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention may detect a slight change in the magnetic field between
the power transmitting coil 110 and the power receiving coil 120,
and through this, it is possible to detect a relatively small
foreign object 1 such as a coin.
[0084] Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a fire and
malfunction of the system for wireless power transmission that may
occur due to a relatively small foreign object 1 in advance.
[0085] The AC power applied by the AC generator 30 may be less than
the size of the AC power transmitted by the power transmitting coil
110 and may be more than the frequency of the AC power. For
example, the power transmitting coil 110 may transmit AC power at
3.5 KW and 85 kHz to the power receiving coil 120, and the AC
generator 30 may apply AC power at 10V and 1 MHz to the detection
circuit 200.
[0086] The AC generator 30 may apply AC power before the power
transmitting coil 110 transmits AC power to the power receiving
coil 120. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a harmonic
component included in AC power from affecting the AC power and
deteriorating the performance of the detection circuit 200.
[0087] In contrast, the AC generator 30 may apply AC power while
the power transmitting coil 110 transmits AC power to the power
receiving coil 120. In this case, a harmonic component included in
the AC power may be filtered using a separate filter. Accordingly,
it is possible to prevent the harmonic component included in the AC
power from affecting the AC power and deteriorating the performance
of the detection circuit 200.
[0088] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a second example of a
detection circuit in a system for wireless power transmission
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and
FIG. 8 is a graph experimentally analyzing the detection
performance of the detection circuit according to the second
example of the present invention.
[0089] As illustrated in FIG. 7, the detection circuit 200
according to the second example of the present invention may
further include a first capacitor 151 connected in parallel with a
first detection coil 131 and a second capacitor 152 connected in
parallel with a second detection coil 132, compared to the first
example.
[0090] Herein, the capacitances of the first capacitor 151 and the
second capacitor 152 may be set according to the frequency of the
AC power in consideration of the inductances of the first detection
coil 131 and the second detection coil 132 such that parallel
resonance is generated between the first detection coil 131 and the
first capacitor 151, and the second detection coil 132 and the
second capacitor 152.
[0091] Due to such parallel resonance, since the detection circuit
200 has a relatively high Q value (quality factor), it is possible
to detect a slight change in the inductances (L) of the first
detection coil 131 and the second detection coil 132, and through
this, it is possible to detect a relatively small foreign object 1
such as a coin.
[0092] Assuming that a foreign object 1 is located in the first
detection coil 131, by setting the inductance (L) of the first
detection coil 131 to 45 pH and the inductance (L) of the second
detection coil 132 to 50 pH in the AC circuit 200, and applying an
AC voltage (Vin) (the size is 10V, and the frequency is 1 MHz) (a)
to the AC circuit 200, simulations were performed in FIG. 8 for a
first voltage (V1) (b) between the first resistor 141 and the first
detection coil 131, a second voltage (V2) (c) between the second
resistor 142 and the second detection coil 132, and the difference
(V1-V2) between the first voltage (V1) and the second voltage (V2),
respectively.
[0093] As a result of the simulations, due to the phase difference
between the first voltage (V1) and the second voltage (V2), it can
be confirmed that the difference (V1-V2) between the first voltage
(V1) and the second voltage (V2) over time occurs up to about a
maximum of 0.3V. It can be confirmed that the difference value is
increased by about 13 times or more compared to the result of a
simulation without using the detection circuit 200 of the present
invention under the same condition for a foreign object 1.
[0094] As such, by replacing the inductor constituting the
detection circuit 200 with the first detection coil 131 and the
second detection coil 132, the system for wireless power
transmission according to an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention may detect a slight change in the magnetic field between
the power transmitting coil 110 and the power receiving coil 120,
and through this, it is possible to detect a relatively small
foreign object 1 such as a coin.
[0095] Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a fire and
malfunction of the system for wireless power transmission that may
occur due to a relatively small foreign object 1 in advance.
[0096] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a third example of a
detection circuit in a system for wireless power transmission
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and
FIG. 10 is a graph experimentally analyzing the detection
performance of the detection circuit according to the third example
of the present invention.
[0097] As illustrated in FIG. 9, the detection circuit 200
according to the third example of the present invention may further
include a first capacitor 151 connected in series with a first
detection coil 131 and a second capacitor 152 connected in series
with a second detection coil 132, compared to the first
example.
[0098] Herein, the capacitances of the first capacitor 151 and the
second capacitor 152 may be set according to the frequency of the
AC power in consideration of the inductances of the first detection
coil 131 and the second detection coil 132 such that series
resonance is generated between the first detection coil 131 and the
first capacitor 151, and the second detection coil 132 and the
second capacitor 152.
[0099] Due to such series resonance, since the detection circuit
200 has a relatively high Q value (quality factor), it is possible
to detect a slight change in inductance (L), and through this, it
is possible to detect a relatively small foreign object 1 such as a
coin.
[0100] Assuming that a foreign object 1 is located in the first
detection coil 131, by setting the inductance (L) of the first
detection coil 131 to 45 pH and the inductance (L) of the second
detection coil 132 to 50 pH in the AC circuit 200, and applying an
AC voltage (Vin) (the size is 10V, and the frequency is 1 MHz) (a)
to the AC circuit 200, simulations were performed in FIG. 10 for a
first voltage (V1) (b) between the first resistor 141 and the first
detection coil 131, a second voltage (V2) (c) between the second
resistor 142 and the second detection coil 132, and the difference
(V1-V2) between the first voltage (V1) and the second voltage (V2),
respectively.
[0101] As a result of the simulations, due to the phase difference
between the first voltage (V1) and the second voltage (V2), it can
be confirmed that the difference (V1-V2) between the first voltage
(V1) and the second voltage (V2) over time occurs up to about a
maximum of 3V. It can be confirmed that the difference value is
increased by about 10 times or more compared to the result of a
simulation using the detection circuit 200 according to the first
example of the present invention under the same condition for a
foreign object 1.
[0102] As such, by replacing the inductor constituting the
detection circuit 200 with the first detection coil 131 and the
second detection coil 132 and connecting the first capacitor 151
and the second capacitor 152 to the first detection coil 131 and
the second detection coil 132 in series, respectively, the system
for wireless power transmission according to an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention may detect a slight change in
the magnetic field between the power transmitting coil 110 and the
power receiving coil 120, and through this, it is possible to
detect a relatively small foreign object 1 such as a coin.
[0103] Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a fire and
malfunction of the system for wireless power transmission that may
occur due to a relatively small foreign object 1 in advance.
[0104] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a fourth example of a
detection circuit in a system for wireless power transmission
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0105] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the detection coil 130 may
include a first detection coil 131 and a second detection coil 132,
and the first detection coil 131 and the second detection coil 132
may be formed in a plurality and arranged to intersect each other
on a power transmitting coil (110).
[0106] Herein, the first detection coil 131 and the second
detection coil 132 may be coils that are mutually symmetrical with
respect to a center.
[0107] Since the mutually symmetrical first detection coil 131 and
second detection coil 132 are replaced with an inductor of the
detection circuit 200, the detection circuit 200 is required as
many as the number of the first detection coils 131 or the second
detection coils 132. Accordingly, the size of the power
transmitting unit 10 increases, and the manufacturing cost thereof
increases.
[0108] In order to solve such a problem, as illustrated in FIG. 11,
the detection circuit 200 according to the fourth example of the
present invention may further include a first switch 161 for
selectively connecting a plurality of the first detection coils 131
to the detection circuit 200, and a second switch 162 for
selectively connecting a plurality of the second detection coils
132 to the detection circuit 200.
[0109] Specifically, the first switch 161 is connected to the
detection circuit 200 of the corresponding first detection coil
131, and the second switch 162 connects the second detection coil
132 symmetrical with the corresponding first detection coil 131 to
the detection circuit 200. Then, the detection circuit 200 measures
a voltage difference between the corresponding first detection coil
131 and the second detection coil 132 symmetrical thereto.
[0110] In this way, the first switch 161 and the second switch 162
sequentially connect the plurality of the first detection coils 131
and the plurality of the second detection coils 132 to the
detection circuit 200.
[0111] As described above, since the detection circuit 200
according to the fourth example of the present invention can
measure a voltage difference between the plurality of the first
detection coils 131 and the plurality of the second detection coils
132 through one detection circuit 200, it is possible to minimize
the size of the power transmitting unit 10 and reduce the
manufacturing cost.
[0112] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a fifth example of a
detection circuit in a system for wireless power transmission
according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0113] The detection coil 130 may include a first detection coil
131 and a second detection coil 132. Referring to FIG. 12, the
first detection coil 131 may be a reference inductor having a
constant inductance L, and referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the second
detection coil 132 may be formed in a plurality and arranged to
intersect each other on a power transmitting coil 110.
[0114] Since the second detection coil 132 is replaced by an
inductor of the detection circuit 200, the detection circuit 200 is
required as many as the number of the second detection coils 132.
Accordingly, the size of the power transmitting unit 10 increases,
and the manufacturing cost thereof increases.
[0115] In order to solve such a problem, as illustrated in FIG. 12,
the detection circuit 200 according to the fifth example of the
present invention may further include a switch 160 for selectively
connecting a plurality of the second detection coils 132 to the
detection circuit 200.
[0116] Specifically, when the switch 160 is connected to the
detection circuit 200 of the corresponding second detection coil
132, the detection circuit 200 measures a voltage difference
between the corresponding second detection coil 132 and the first
detection coil 131 which is a reference inductor.
[0117] In this way, the switch 160 sequentially connects the
plurality of the second detection coils 132 to the detection
circuit 200.
[0118] As described above, since the detection circuit 200
according to the fifth example of the present invention can measure
a voltage difference between the plurality of the first detection
coils 131 and the plurality of the second detection coils 132
through one detection circuit 200, it is possible to minimize the
size of the power transmitting unit 10 and reduce the manufacturing
cost.
[0119] In the detailed description of the present invention,
specific exemplary embodiments have been described, but various
modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the
present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is
not limited to the described exemplary embodiments, and should be
determined by the claims to be described below and equivalents to
the claims.
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