U.S. patent application number 17/689552 was filed with the patent office on 2022-06-23 for system for wireless power charging.
This patent application is currently assigned to POWERMAT TECHNOLOGIES LTD.. The applicant listed for this patent is POWERMAT TECHNOLOGIES LTD.. Invention is credited to SHARON BEN-ITZHAK, LYA GLUZMAN, AYA KANTOR, ELIESER MACH, AMIR SALHUV, ITAY SHERMAN.
Application Number | 20220200353 17/689552 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006181960 |
Filed Date | 2022-06-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220200353 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
SHERMAN; ITAY ; et
al. |
June 23, 2022 |
SYSTEM FOR WIRELESS POWER CHARGING
Abstract
A method may comprise determining a coupling factor between a
coil of a transmitter and a coil of a relay based on a joint
resonance frequency between the coil of the transmitter and the
coil of the relay. The determining may occur when the coil of the
relay and the coil of the transmitter are separated by a medium.
The transmitter may inductively transmit power for wirelessly
charging a device located near the relay. An operating frequency
range, having a minimal operating frequency and a maximal operating
frequency, may be determined based on the coupling factor. Power
may be inductively transmitted in accordance with the minimal
operating frequency and the maximal operating frequency.
Inventors: |
SHERMAN; ITAY; (HOD
HASHARON, IL) ; GLUZMAN; LYA; (HOLON, IL) ;
MACH; ELIESER; (ROSH TZURIM, IL) ; SALHUV; AMIR;
(NES ZIONA, IL) ; BEN-ITZHAK; SHARON; (REHOVOT,
IL) ; KANTOR; AYA; (TEL AVIV, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
POWERMAT TECHNOLOGIES LTD. |
PETAH TIKVA |
|
IL |
|
|
Assignee: |
POWERMAT TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
PETAH TIKVA
IL
|
Family ID: |
1000006181960 |
Appl. No.: |
17/689552 |
Filed: |
March 8, 2022 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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16304879 |
Nov 27, 2018 |
11271429 |
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PCT/IL2018/050258 |
Mar 7, 2018 |
|
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17689552 |
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62614422 |
Jan 7, 2018 |
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62584919 |
Nov 13, 2017 |
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62535987 |
Jul 24, 2017 |
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62467903 |
Mar 7, 2017 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02J 50/50 20160201;
H02J 50/12 20160201; H02J 50/80 20160201; H02J 7/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H02J 50/12 20060101
H02J050/12; H02J 50/80 20060101 H02J050/80; H02J 50/50 20060101
H02J050/50; H02J 7/02 20060101 H02J007/02 |
Claims
1. A method comprising: determining a coupling factor between a
coil of a transmitter and a coil of a relay, wherein the coupling
factor is determined based on a joint resonance frequency between
the coil of the transmitter and the coil of the relay.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the determining occurs when the
coil of the relay and the coil of the transmitter are separated by
a medium.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: inductively
transmitting power for wirelessly charging a device.
4. The method of claim 3, further comprising: determining an
operating frequency range, having a minimal operating frequency and
a maximal operating frequency, based on the coupling factor,
wherein the power is inductively transmitted in accordance with the
minimal operating frequency and the maximal operating
frequency.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the operating frequency range is
determined based on the joint resonance frequency and an offset
indicating that the operating frequency range is higher or lower
than the joint resonance frequency.
6. The method of claim 1, further comprising: operating the
transmitter while sweeping a plurality of operating frequencies;
and measuring an output alternating current for each operating
frequency of the plurality of operating frequencies.
7. The method of claim 4, wherein the operating frequency range is
determined based on at least one minimum and maximum voltage
profile for a type of load.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein a ping frequency is determined as
a function of the coupling factor and the joint resonance
frequency.
9. A transmitter comprising: circuitry configured to determine a
coupling factor between a coil of a transmitter and a coil of a
relay, wherein the coupling factor is determined based on a joint
resonance frequency between the coil of the transmitter and the
coil of the relay.
10. The transmitter of claim 9, wherein the determination of the
coupling factor occurs when the transmitter and the relay are
separated by a medium.
11. The transmitter of claim 9, further comprising: circuitry
configured to determine a ping frequency which matches one or more
requirements of a device which is inductively charged by the
transmitter.
12. The transmitter of claim 9, further comprising: circuitry
configured to sweep an operating frequency and measure an output
alternating current for each one of a plurality of operating
frequencies.
13. The transmitter of claim 9, further comprising: determining an
operating frequency range, having a minimal operating frequency and
a maximal operating frequency, based on the coupling factor.
14. The transmitter of claim 9, further comprising: circuitry
configured to operate the transmitter and sweep a plurality of
operating frequencies.
15. The transmitter of claim 9, wherein the transmitter is
configured to inductively transmit power.
16. The transmitter of claim 9, wherein a ping frequency is
determined as a function of the coupling factor.
17. A method performed by a transmitter, the method comprising:
determining a coupling factor between a coil of the transmitter and
a coil of a relay, wherein the coupling factor is determined based
on a joint resonance frequency between the coil of the transmitter
and the coil of the relay; and inductively transmitting power for
wirelessly charging a device, based on the coupling factor.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein the determining occurs when the
coil of the relay and the coil of the transmitter are separated by
a medium.
19. The method of claim 17, further comprising: determining an
operating frequency range, having a minimal operating frequency and
a maximal operating frequency based on the coupling factor wherein
the power is inductively transmitted in accordance with the minimal
operating frequency and the maximal operating frequency.
20. The method of claim 17, wherein a ping frequency is determined
as a function of the coupling factor and the joint resonance
frequency.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)
[0001] This application is a continuation of Ser. No. 16/304,879
filed on Nov. 27, 2018, which is a 371 National Phase Application
of International Application No. PCT/IL2018/050258, filed Mar. 7,
2018, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.
62/467,903, filed Mar. 7, 2017; U.S. Provisional Patent Application
No. 62/535,987, filed Jul. 24, 2017; U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 62/584,919, filed Nov. 13, 2017; and U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 62/614,422, filed Jan. 7, 2018,
each of which are incorporated by reference as if fully set forth
herein.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] The present disclosed subject matter relates to wireless
power charging systems. More particularly, the present disclosed
subject matter relates to induction charging through medium and
methods for self-calibration.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Growing demand for wireless power charging systems, led to
dramatic deployments increase, in a wide variety of venues, raises
the need for increasing the effective charging distance between a
transmitter and a receiver. Commercially available systems are
limited to a maximum distance of approx. 10 millimeters between a
transmitter and a receiver of such system.
[0004] Wireless power charging systems are usually deployed in
public facilities such as restaurants, coffee shops, airports, bus
stations; train stations, banks, schools, libraries, hotels,
official building, or the like. Typically, the systems are
installed on top of surfaces, such as tables, bars, or the like
that are accessible to users, thus require decorative appearance
and hazards free installation. To meet these requirements on one
hand and distance limitations on the other, requires wiring to be
routed on top of the surface as well as drilling the surface to
make for the distance limitation. In some cases, the transmitter of
such commercially available systems can be installed inside the
cutout hole in the surface, which complicate the installation and
raise its cost, on top of damaging the customer's furniture.
[0005] Clearly, such commercially available solutions are not
desired in the consumers marketplace. Moreover, the wireless power
charging level of these available solutions is limited for charging
handheld devices requiring less than 15 watts.
SUMMARY
[0006] A method may comprise determining a coupling factor between
a coil of a transmitter and a coil of a relay based on a joint
resonance frequency between the coil of the transmitter and the
coil of the relay. The determining may occur when the coil of the
relay and the coil of the transmitter are separated by a medium.
The transmitter may inductively transmit power for wirelessly
charging a device located near the relay. An operating frequency
range, having a minimal operating frequency and a maximal operating
frequency, may be determined based on the coupling factor. Power
may be inductively transmitted in accordance with the minimal
operating frequency and the maximal operating frequency.
[0007] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosed subject matter
belongs. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to
those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of
the present disclosed subject matter, suitable methods and
materials are described below. In case of conflict, the
specification, including definitions, will control. In addition,
the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not
intended to be limiting.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] Some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter described,
by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying
drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it
is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and
for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred
embodiments of the present disclosed subject matter only, and are
presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most
useful and readily understood description of the principles and
conceptual aspects of the disclosed subject matter. In this regard,
no attempt is made to show structural details of the disclosed
subject matter in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental
understanding of the disclosed subject matter, the description
taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art
how the several forms of the disclosed subject matter may be
embodied in practice.
[0009] In the drawings:
[0010] FIG. 1 shows a cross-section view of an installation of
wireless power charging system, in accordance with some exemplary
embodiments of the disclosed subject matter;
[0011] FIG. 2 shows a cross-section view of an installation of
another wireless power charging system, in accordance with some
exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter;
[0012] FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of a system for wireless power
charging through medium, in accordance with some exemplary
embodiments of the disclosed subject matter; and
[0013] FIG. 4 shows a flowchart diagram of methods for
self-calibration, in accordance with some exemplary embodiments of
the disclosed subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
[0014] Before explaining at least one embodiment of the disclosed
subject matter in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosed
subject matter is not limited in its application to the details of
construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the
following description or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosed
subject matter is capable of other embodiments or of being
practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be
understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is
for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as
limiting. The drawings are generally not to scale. For clarity,
non-essential elements were omitted from some of the drawings.
[0015] The terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes",
"including", and "having" together with their conjugates mean
"including but not limited to". The term "consisting of" has the
same meaning as "including and limited to".
[0016] The term "consisting essentially of" means that the
composition, method or structure may include additional
ingredients, steps and/or parts, but only if the additional
ingredients, steps and/or parts do not materially alter the basic
and novel characteristics of the claimed composition, method or
structure.
[0017] As used herein, the singular form "a", "an" and "the"
include plural references unless the context clearly dictates
otherwise. For example, the term "a compound" or "at least one
compound" may include a plurality of compounds, including mixtures
thereof.
[0018] Throughout this application, various embodiments of this
disclosed subject matter may be presented in a range format. It
should be understood that the description in range format is merely
for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an
inflexible limitation on the scope of the disclosed subject matter.
Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to
have specifically disclosed all the possible sub-ranges as well as
individual numerical values within that range.
[0019] It is appreciated that certain features of the disclosed
subject matter, which are, for clarity, described in the context of
separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a
single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the disclosed
subject matter, which are, for brevity, described in the context of
a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any
suitable sub-combination or as suitable in any other described
embodiment of the disclosed subject matter. Certain features
described in the context of various embodiments are not to be
considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the
embodiment is inoperative without those elements.
[0020] Referring now to FIG. 1 showing a cross-sectional view of an
installation of wireless power charging system, in accordance with
some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. The
wireless power charging system may be comprised of a transmitter
(Tx) 100 and at least one relay 200.
[0021] In some exemplary embodiments, Tx 100 may be mounted on one
side of a medium 10, whereas the relay 200 may be mounted on the
opposite side of the medium 10. The medium 10 may be made of any
material that doesn't conduct electricity, such as for example
wood, plastic granite, marble, a combination thereof, or the like.
It will be noted that in the present disclosure, medium 10 refers
to surfaces, such as tables, desks, bars, or the like that are
accessible to users in public venues. For example: restaurants,
coffee shops, airports, bus stations; train stations, banks,
schools, libraries, hotels, official building, or the like.
[0022] In some exemplary embodiments, the Tx 100 comprises a
transmitter coil (Lt) 110; a transmitter capacitor (Ct) 130; a
transmitter ferrite (Tx-ferrite) 119, and a transmitter electronics
(Tx-elec.) 150; all incorporated inside a transmitter enclosure (Tx
enclosure) 101 that may be secured to medium 10 by fasteners
102.
[0023] In some exemplary embodiments, the relay 200 may comprise a
relay coil (Lr) 210; a relay ferrite 219, and a relay capacitor
(Cr) 230; all incorporated in a relay enclosure 201 that may be
secured to an opposite side of medium 10. Enclosure 201 may have a
shape and form factor of a mat, a pad, a saucer, a coaster, a
combination thereof, or the like. The enclosure 201 of relay 200
can be secured to medium 10 by glue or any other method, which
guarantee that relay 200 and Tx 100 overlap one another from both
sides of medium 10. It will be noted that, relay 200 and Tx 100
overlap each other so that Lt 110 and Lr 210 shall be substantially
aligned, to face one another, for optimizing the inductance between
the two, as depicted in FIG. 1.
[0024] In some exemplary embodiments, Tx 100, with is powered by
power supply (PS) 160 (not shown), can be configured to utilize
relay 200 for inductively (wirelessly) charge device 20 placed on
relay 200. Device 20 may be a user's device such as a tablet, a
laptop a Smartphone, or any chargeable mobile handsets; which
comprise a built-in coil 22 configured to receive inductive power
and charge a battery of the device 20. It should be noted that, the
built-in coil 22 refers to standard receiver's coils of the devices
listed above, typically this standard receiver's coils have a
diameter of approximately 40 millimeters.
[0025] It should be noted that, the terminology of components Lt
110, Lr 210/Lr 310 and coil 22 in the present disclosure correspond
to: first Tx coil, second Tx coil and Rx coil, respectively, of the
related provisional patent applications.
[0026] Similar to Lr 210 and Lt 110, coil 22 and Lr 210 may
substantially face and overlap each other, i.e. centers of coil 22
and Lr 210 can be aligned, in order to meet one of the effective
charging criteria's. To ensure the alignment, enclosure 201 of the
relay 200 can be marked with a layout that indicates to a user, the
optimal place for positioning device 20 on top of relay 200 so as
to gain effective charging. However, the wireless power charging
system may be adapted to provide power charging even if device 20
is not precisely positioned on top of relay 200 as depicted in FIG.
1.
[0027] In some exemplary embodiments, both Lr 210 and Lt 100 may be
flat spiral air core coils, having a diameter greater than 100 mm.
The utilization of such large coils allows for relatively high
coupling between Lr 210 and Lt 100 despite a thickness equal to or
greater than 30 millimeters of medium 10. In the embodiment
depicted in FIG. 1, the coupling factor between Lr 210 and Lt 100
may be greater than 0.25. The coupling between typical coil 22 and
Lr 210 may be greater than 0.15 in the embodiment depicted in FIG.
1.
[0028] In some exemplary embodiments, Tx 100 comprises a
transmitter ferrite (Tx-ferrite) 119. Tx-ferrite 119 can be a layer
made of ferrite material with suitable magnetic characteristics of
permeability & core losses. One technical reason for utilizing
the Tx-ferrite 119 is providing a buffer for protecting
Tx-electronics 150 from inductive energy. Another technical reason
for utilizing the Tx-ferrite 119 can be to increase the magnetic
field facing relay 200; thus, the inductance of the Lt 110.
Tx-ferrite 119 properties such as thicknesses, flexibility,
fragility a combination thereof, or the like can be dictated by an
application in which the system of the present disclosure is
provided. For example, the thickness and the material from which
the medium 10 is made of. Since Lt 110 may have a shape of a
circle, the shape of Tx-ferrite 119 may also be a circle, having a
diameter equal to or bigger than the Lt 110 external diameter.
Alternatively, Tx-ferrite 119 may have a shape of any geometric
plane figure as long as Lt 110 external diameter is an inscribed
circle within the geometric plane figure.
[0029] In some exemplary embodiments, relay 200 may comprise a
relay ferrite 219. Relay ferrite 219 may be a layer made of ferrite
material similar to Tx-ferrite 119. One technical reason for
utilizing the Relay ferrite 219 is to provide a buffer for
protecting the electronic circuitry of device 20 from inductive
energy. Another technical reason for utilizing the relay ferrite
219 may be to increase the magnetic field facing the Tx 100; thus,
the inductance of Lr 210. Relay ferrite 219 possesses properties
similar to the properties of Tx-ferrite 119. Since Lr 210 can have
a shape of a circle, the shape of relay ferrite 219 can also be a
circle having a diameter equal to or bigger than the Lr 210
external diameter. Alternatively, Relay ferrite 219 may have a
shape of any geometric plane figure as long as Lr 210 external
diameter is an inscribed circle within the geometric plane
figure.
[0030] It should be noted that relay ferrite 219 requires a cutout
situated at its center. The size of the cutout can be equal to or
slightly larger than an external diameter of a typical receiver
coil of a chargeable device, such as coil 22 of device 20. The
shape of the cutout may be a circle or any geometric surface that
surrounds coil 22 shape in order to allow passage of magnetic flux
between Lr 210 and coil 22.
[0031] In some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject
matter, at least one resonance capacitor (Ct) 130 can be connected
in series to Lt 110 and at least one resonance capacitor (Cr) 230
can be connected in series to Lr 210. The resonant capacitors are
placed inside the inner diameter space of each coil accordingly.
Alternatively, the resonant capacitors can be placed next to the
outer diameter space of each coil accordingly, or elsewhere within
the respected enclosure.
[0032] The relay ferrite 219 of the present disclosure increases
the coupling factor of coil 22 and Lr 210 to better simulate a
behavior of a coil 22 with commercially available standard
transmission coil, and also reduces any direct coupling from Lt 110
to coil 22, which is not desired in the system of the present
disclosure. In addition, the resonance capacitors of both the Tx
100 and relay 200 are intended to stabilize the system operational
point, dependency of coil 22 loads and allow high efficiency in
power transfer. In some exemplary embodiments, the resonance
frequency of Lt 110 and Ct 130, (i.e. Tx 100 LC circuit), can be
set to be significantly lower than the resonance frequency of a
typical coil such as coil 22 (approximately 100 kHz) and
substantially lower than the resonance frequency of Lr 210 and Cr
230 (i.e. relay 200 LC circuit).
[0033] In some exemplary embodiments, a combination of the Tx 100
and the relay 200 LC circuits, when no load is present, may form
two distinct resonance frequencies, hereinafter, joint resonance
frequencies (JRF). The first resonance frequency of the JRF, may be
adjacent to Tx 100 LC circuit's resonance frequency; however, lower
in any case. The second resonance frequency of JRF may be adjacent
to relay 200 LC circuit's resonance frequency, however higher in
any case. It should be noted that the phrase "a combination of the
Tx 100 and the relay 200 LC circuits" refers in the present
disclosure to a state where Tx 100 and relay 200 face each other,
such as depicted in FIG. 1 and power is applied to the Tx 100. It
should also be noted that the second resonance frequency, i.e.
higher resonance frequency, shall be regarded as the present
disclosure system main resonance frequency (MRF).
[0034] The resonance frequency of Tx 100 LC circuit and relay 200
LC circuit are designed in such a way that their JRF, with no Coil
22 on them, is tuned to be a specific range (typically 20-50 kHz)
lower than the desired maximal operational frequency of the Tx 100
and is higher than coil 22 resonance frequency.
[0035] As an example, the inductance of Lt 110 may be approximately
30 .mu.H; the capacitance of Ct 130 may be approximately 290 .mu.F
which provides a Tx 100 LC circuit's resonance frequency of
approximately 54 kHz. Whereas, the inductance of Lr 210 may be
approximately 60 .mu.H; the capacitance of Ct 130 may be
approximately 37.5 nF which provides a relay 200 LC circuit's
resonance frequency of approximately 106 kHz. In such preferred
exemplary embodiment, the system MRF may be 117 kHz (i.e. higher
than 106 kHz of the relay 200 LC circuit's resonance frequency)
providing that the gap between installed relay 200 and Tx 110 may
be approximately 30 millimeters. Also, the outer diameter of Lt 110
and Lr 210 may be approximately 125 millimeters, whereas the cutout
diameter in ferrite 219 may be approximately 55 millimeters.
[0036] In some exemplary embodiments, an operating frequency (OPF)
may range between 121 kHz-140 kHz, where the lower OPF of the range
may be 4 kHz higher than the MRF, i.e. 117 kHz. and maximal
frequency may be 5 kHz lower than a regulatory limit, i.e. 145 kHz.
Alternatively, the maximal OPF may be set below the MRF and the
regulatory maximal frequency limit. For an installation having
similar coils as the example described above, with a medium 10
thickness of 0.5'', the MRF may be at 140 kHz. Thus, the
operational range may be set to 115 kHz-136 kHz, were the maximal
frequency is 4 kHz lower than the MRF and lower than the regulatory
limit.
[0037] It will be understood that the system of the present
disclosed avoids operation at resonance frequencies. The preferred
OPF of the present disclosure system may be at a range of
frequencies that are shifted to a frequency either lower or higher
than the main resonance frequency (MRF).
[0038] Referring now to FIG. 2 showing a cross-sectional view of an
installation of another wireless power charging system, in
accordance with some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject
matter.
[0039] In some exemplary embodiments, Tx 100 may be mounted on one
side of a medium 10, whereas the relay 300 may be mounted on the
opposite side of the surface 10. The medium 10 can be made of any
material that doesn't conduct electricity, such as for example
wood, plastic granite, marble, a combination thereof, or the like.
It will be noted that in the present disclosure, medium 10 refers
to surfaces such as tables, desks, bars, or the like that are
accessible to users in public venues. For example: restaurants,
coffee shops, airports, bus stations; train stations, banks,
schools, libraries, hotels, official building, or the like.
[0040] In some exemplary embodiments, the Tx 100 comprises a
transmitter coil (Lt) 110; a transmitter capacitor (Ct) 130; a
transmitter ferrite (Tx-ferrite) 119, and a transmitter electronics
(Tx-elec.) 150; all incorporated inside a transmitter enclosure (Tx
enclosure) 101 that is secured to medium 10 by fasteners 102.
[0041] In some exemplary embodiments, the relay 300 comprises a
relay coil (Lr) 310; a second relay coil (sLr) 320; a relay ferrite
319; a second relay ferrite 329 and a relay capacitor (Cr) 330; all
incorporated in a relay enclosure 301 that may be secured to an
opposite side of medium 10. Enclosure 301 can have a shape and form
factor of a mat, a pad, a saucer, a coaster, a combination thereof,
or the like. The relay 300 enclosure 301 can be secured to medium
10 by glue or any other method that guarantee that relay 300 and Tx
100 overlap to one another from both sides of medium 10. It will be
noted that relay 300 and Tx 100 overlap each other so that Lt 110
and Lr 310 shall be substantially aligned so as to face one
another, for optimizing the inductance between the two, as depicted
in FIG. 2.
[0042] In some exemplary embodiments, Tx 100 is powered by power
supply (PS) 160 (not shown in FIG. 2, shown in FIG. 3), may be
configured to utilize relay 300 for inductively (wirelessly) charge
device 20 placed on relay 300. Device 20 may be a user's device
such as a tablet, a laptop a Smartphone, or any chargeable mobile
handsets, that comprise a built-in coil 22 configured to receive
inductive power and charge a battery of the device 20.
[0043] In some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject
matter, relay 300 may further comprise a secondary relay coil sLr
320 that can be electrically connected in series with Lr 310.
Instead, Lr 310 can be arranged in two parts that are situated in
two planer heights, wherein the inner coil (i.e. sLr 320) or
alternatively part of Lr 310 is elevated compared to the outer part
of Lr 310 that face Lt 110.
[0044] Coil 22 and sLr 320 can substantially face and overlap each
other, i.e. centers of coil 22 and sLr 320 are align in order to
meet one of the effective charging criteria's. For alignment,
enclosure 301 of the relay 300 may be marked with a layout that
indicates to a user the optimal place for positioning device 20 on
top of relay 300 in order to gain effective charging. However, the
wireless power charging system may be adapted to provide power
charging even if device 20 is not precisely positioned on top of
relay 300 as depicted in FIG. 2.
[0045] In some exemplary embodiments, both Lr 310 and Lt 100 may be
flat spiral air core coils having a diameter greater than 100 mm,
while sLr 320, also having a flat spiral air core coil, may have a
smaller diameter that suits typical receiver's coils such as coil
22. The utilization of such large coils allows relatively high
coupling between Lr 310 and Lt 100 in order to overcome a thickness
equal to or greater than 30 mm of medium 10. In the embodiment
depicted in FIG. 2, the coupling factor between Lr 310 and Lt 100
may be greater than 0.25, for medium thickness of up to 30
millimeters. The coupling between typical coil 22 and sLr 320 may
be greater than 0.15 in the embodiment depicted in FIG. 2.
[0046] It should be noted that sLr 320 may not be directly
influenced by Lt 110 because the second relay ferrite 329 blocks
the magnetic field (to be described in detail further below);
however, the same current induced to Lr 310 flows through sLr 320,
since Lr 310 and sLr 320 are connected in series.
[0047] In some exemplary embodiments, Tx 100 may comprise a
transmitter ferrite (Tx-ferrite) 119. Tx-ferrite 119 may be a layer
made of ferrite material with suitable magnetic characteristics of
permeability & core losses. One technical reason for utilizing
the Tx-ferrite 119 may be to provide a buffer for protecting the
Tx-elec. 150 from inductive energy. Another technical reason for
utilizing the Tx-ferrite 119 may be to increase the magnetic field
facing relay 300, and thus the inductance of Lt 110. Tx-ferrite 119
properties such as thicknesses, flexibility, fragility a
combination thereof, or the like may be dictated by an application
in which the system of the present disclosure may be provided. For
example, the thickness and the material from which the medium 10 is
made of. Since Lt 110 may have a shape of a circle, the shape of
Tx-ferrite 119 may also be a circle having a diameter equal to or
bigger than the Lt 110 external diameter. Alternatively, Tx-ferrite
119 may have a shape of any geometric plane figure as long as Lt
110 external diameter is an inscribed circle within the geometric
plane figure.
[0048] In some exemplary embodiments, relay 300 may comprise a
relay ferrite 319. Relay ferrite 319 can be a layer made of ferrite
material similar to Tx-ferrite 119. One technical reason for
utilizing the Relay ferrite 319 may be to provide a buffer for
protecting the electronic circuitry of device 20 from inductive
energy. Another technical reason for utilizing the relay ferrite
319 is to increase the magnetic field facing the Tx 100; thus,
increase the inductance of Lr 310. Relay ferrite 319 may possess
properties similar to the properties of Tx-ferrite 119. Since Lr
310 may have a shape of a circle, the shape of relay ferrite 319
may also be a circle having a diameter equal to or bigger than the
Lr 310 external diameter. Alternatively, relay ferrite 319 can have
a shape of any geometric plane figure as long as Lr 310 external
diameter is an inscribed circle within the geometric plane
figure.
[0049] It should be noted that relay ferrite 319 may require a
cutout situated at its center. The size of the cutout may be equal
or slightly larger than an external diameter of a typical receiver
coil of a chargeable device such as coil 22 of device 20. The shape
of the cutout may be a circle or any geometric plane that surround
coil 22 shape in order to allow magnetic flux to pass between Lr
310 and coil 22.
[0050] In some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject
matter, the relay 300 further comprises a second relay ferrite 329
configured to block magnetic field induced by Lt 110 to sLr 320 and
enhance the sLr 320 inductance toward coil 22. The second relay
ferrite 329 possesses properties similar to the properties of
Tx-ferrite 119 and relay ferrite 319. The shape ferrite 329 may be
equal to or slightly larger than the cutout shape of relay ferrite
319. Practically, the cutout of relay ferrite 319 can be used as
ferrite 329 that is situated inside the inner diameter of Lr 310
and at the same plane, while the sLr 320 may be situated on top of
ferrite 229.
[0051] In some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject
matter, at least one resonance capacitor (Ct) 130 can be connected
in series to Lt 110 and at least one resonance capacitor (Cr) 330
may be connected in series to Lt 310. The resonant capacitors may
be placed inside the inner diameter space of each coil accordingly.
Alternatively, the resonant capacitors can be placed next to the
outer diameter space of each coil accordingly, or elsewhere within
the respected enclosure.
[0052] The relay ferrite 319 of the present disclosure increases
the coupling factor of coil 22 and Lr 310 to better simulate a
behavior of a coil 22 with commercially available standard
transmission coil and also reduces any direct coupling from Lt 110
to coil 22, which is not desired in the system of the present
disclosure. In addition, the resonance capacitors of both the Tx
100 and relay 300 are intended to stabilize the system operational
point, dependency of coil 22 loads and allow for high efficiency in
power transfer. In some exemplary embodiments, the resonance
frequency of Lt 110 and Ct 130, (i.e. Tx 100 LC circuit) may be set
to be significantly lower than the resonance frequency of a typical
coil 22 (approximately 100 kHz) and substantially lower than the
resonance frequency of Lr 310 and Cr 330 (i.e. relay 300 LC
circuit).
[0053] In some exemplary embodiments, a combination of the Tx 100
and the relay 300 LC circuits, when no load is present, may form
two distinct resonance frequencies, hereinafter, joint resonance
frequencies (JRF). The first resonance frequency of JRF can be
adjacent to Tx 100 LC circuit's resonance frequency, however, in
any case, it will be lower. The second resonance frequency of JRF,
can be adjacent to relay 300 LC circuit's resonance frequency,
however, it will be higher. It should be noted that the phrase "a
combination of the Tx 100 and the relay 300 LC circuits" refers in
the present disclosure to a state where Tx 100 and relay 300 face
each other, as depicted in FIG. 2, and power is applied to the Tx
100. It should also be noted that the second resonance frequency,
i.e. higher resonance frequency, shall be regarded in the present
disclosure system as main resonance frequency (MRF).
[0054] The resonance frequency of Tx 100 LC circuit and relay 300
LC circuit are designed in such way that their JRF, with no Coil 22
on them, is tuned to be of a specific range (typically 20-50 kHz)
that is lower than the desired maximal OPF of the Tx 100 and is
higher than coil 22 resonance frequency.
[0055] In one preferred exemplary embodiment, the inductance of Lt
110 can be approximately 30 .mu.H; the capacitance of Ct 130 can be
approximately 290 .mu.F which provides a Tx 100 LC circuit's
resonance frequency of approximately 54 kHz. Whereas, the
inductance of Lr 310 can be approximately 60 .mu.H; the capacitance
of Ct 130 can be approximately 37.5 nF which provides a relay 300
LC circuit's resonance frequency of approximately 106 kHz. In such
preferred exemplary embodiment, the system MRF can be 117 kHz (i.e.
higher than 106 kHz of the relay 300 LC circuit's resonance
frequency) providing that the gap between the installed relay 300
and the Tx 110 can be approximately 30 millimeters. Also, the outer
diameter of Lt 110 and Lr 310 may be approximately 125 millimeters,
whereas the outer diameter of Lr 320 may be approximately 55
millimeters.
[0056] In some exemplary embodiments, an OPF ranges between 121
kHz-140 kHz, where the lower OPF of the range can be 4 kHz higher
than the MRF, i.e. 117 kHz., and the maximal frequency can be 5 kHz
lower than a regulatory limit, i.e. 145 kHz. Alternatively, the
maximal OPF can be set below the MRF and the regulatory maximal
frequency limit. For an installation having similar coils as in the
example described herein above, with a medium thickness of 0.5'',
the MRF can be at 140 kHz. Thus, the operational range can be set
to 115 kHz-136 kHz, were the maximal frequency is 4 kHz lower than
the MRF and lower than the regulatory limit.
[0057] Referring now to FIG. 3 showing a block diagram of system
for wireless power charging through medium, in accordance with some
exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject matter. The system
for wireless power charging through medium comprises a PS 160, a Tx
100 transmitter and either a relay 200 or relay 300.
[0058] In some exemplary embodiments, the system can be adapted to
utilize Tx 100 for charging a user's chargeable device, such as
device 20 of FIGS. 1 and 2, via either a relay 200 or relay 300.
Both relay 200 and relay 300 can be passive electronic circuit
acting as repeaters for wirelessly transmitting charging energy to
device 20 or the like. Relay 200 can comprise at least one coil
(inductor) and one capacitor that form an LC resonance circuit,
such as depicted in FIG. 1. An alternative relay, i.e. relay 300,
can be provided in order to enhance the inductance and coupling
with coil 22 of device 20. Relay 300 comprises at least two coils
and one capacitor that form an LC resonance circuit such as the
circuit depicted in FIG. 2.
[0059] In some exemplary embodiments, Tx 100 can comprise a
transmitter electronics (Tx elect) 150, at least one Lx 110 coil,
and a capacitor Ct 130, configured for inducing current in the
coils of either relay 200 or relay 300, as depicted in FIG. 1 and
FIG. 2 respectively.
[0060] In some exemplary embodiments, the Tx-elect 150 comprises of
a controller 151; a full or half bridge driver 152, a DC current
sensor 153, a DC voltage sensor 154, and an AC current sensor
155.
[0061] Controller 151 can be a central processing unit (CPU), a
microprocessor, an electronic circuit, an integrated circuit (IC),
or the like. Additionally, or alternatively, controller 151 can be
implemented as firmware written for or ported to a specific
processor such as digital signal processor (DSP) or
microcontrollers, or can be implemented as hardware or configurable
hardware such as field programmable gate array (FPGA) or
application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Controller 151 can
be utilized to perform computations required by Tx 110 or any of
its subcomponents.
[0062] In some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject
matter, the controller 151 is configured to determine the following
parameters: [0063] a. DC voltage across PS 160 by acquiring and
measuring an outcome of DC voltage sensor 154. [0064] b. DC current
supplied by PS 160 by acquiring and measuring an outcome of DC
current sensor 153. [0065] c. AC current supplied to Lt 110 by
acquiring and measuring an outcome of AC current sensor 155.
Alternatively, output AC current can be determined by sensing
instantaneous current flowing to the driver from the power supply
with DC current sensor 153.
[0066] It should be noted that determining parameters for AC
current can comprise peak current, average of absolute current, RMS
current, amplitude of first harmonic, and any combination thereof,
or the like
[0067] In some exemplary embodiments, controller 151 comprises a
semiconductor memory component (not shown). The memory may be
persistent or volatile memory, such as for example, a flash memory,
a random-access memory (RAM), a programmable read only memory
(PROM), a re-programmable memory (FLASH), and any combination
thereof, or the like.
[0068] In some exemplary embodiments, the memory retains program
code to activate controller 151 to perform acts associated with
determining a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal that controls the
full or half bridge driver 152. Driver 152 can adjust the output
current flowing through Lt 110, i.e. power provided by the Tx 100,
by modulating the OPF and/or duty cycle of the current flowing
through Lt 110. In some exemplary embodiments, the PWM signal
generated in the controller 151 tunes the modulation to satisfy the
wireless charging needs of a load, such as device 20. In an
alternative embodiment, the amplitude of the DC power supply may be
controlled.
[0069] It should be noted that the PWM signal frequency and duty
cycle can be set by controller 151, within the OPF range, as
previously described. Additionally, controller 151 can change the
OPF within the OPF range based on the power demand of the device
20.
[0070] In some exemplary embodiments, the controller 151 can
utilize its memory to retain, connectivity software, monitoring
information, configuration and control information and application
associated with charging management of present disclosure
system.
[0071] In some exemplary embodiments, the controller 151 can be
configured to communicate with device 20 based on protocols that
comply with the following communications standards: power matters
alliance (PMA); wireless power consortium (WPC) and AirFuel
Alliance. According to these communication methods, but not limited
to, the controller 151 can be configured to acquire user's
credentials from device 20 in order to authenticate users for
granting and regulating charging services. Additionally, or
alternatively, the controller 151 can be also configured to acquire
from device 20, its power requirements.
[0072] For the sake of simplifying the explanation of the methods
hereinafter, relay 200 and relay 300 are referred to as "relay",
also coils Lr 210 and Lr 310 are referred to as "Lr". It should be
noted that the following methods apply for both relay 200 and relay
300 and their respected subcomponents.
[0073] Some of technical problems dealt with by the disclosed
subject matter is the effect of unknown installation environments
on the actual JRF, the coupling factor between Tx 100 and the
relay, and consequently determining the OPF. In spite of the fact
that a desired JRF for Lt 110 and Lr coils can be defined in the
design of the passive components, the actual JRF and the coupling
factor can be impacted by different environments in each
installation. For example, variables such as the gap between Lt 110
and Lr coils; magnetic/reactive elements placed near the coils;
manufacturing variance of the passive components; material from
which the medium is made of; and any combination thereof, or the
like.
[0074] Some technical solutions are gained by preforming a dynamic
calibration method executed by controller 151. The method comprises
(but not limited to) determining JRF, calculating the coupling
factor, and determining the ranges for OPF. In some exemplary
embodiments, the dynamic calibration method can be executed when no
load (device 20) is placed on the relay. Additionally, or
alternatively, the dynamic calibration method can be executed with
load placed on the relay; however, the device 20 doesn't supply
power to its load.
[0075] Referring now to FIG. 4 showing a flowchart diagram of
methods for self-calibration, in accordance with some exemplary
embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.
[0076] In step 401, joint resonance frequencies (JRF) are
determined. In some exemplary embodiments, the expected JRF can be
calculated based on the selected resonance frequencies of the Tx
100 and LC resonance circuits as well as their coupling factor. In
the case where no load is present on the relay, the impedance
viewed from the Tx 110 side can be given by the following
equation:
Ztotal = jwL t .times. Y t + R r + w 2 .times. L t .times. L r
.times. K tr 2 jwL r .times. Y r + R r ##EQU00001## Where , Y t = 1
- ( w t w ) 2 .times. .times. and .times. .times. Y r = 1 - ( w r w
) 2 ##EQU00001.2## [0077] w.sub.t designates the resonance
frequency of the IX 100 and w.sub.r designates the resonance
frequency of the relay [0078] w designates the operational
frequency [0079] K.sub.tr designates the coupling between coil Lt
110 to coil Lr
[0080] In some exemplary embodiments, the JRF can be calculated
when Ztotal is minimal, thus:
min .times. ( jwL t .times. Y p .times. .times. t + R t + w 2
.times. L t .times. L r .times. K tr 2 jwL r .times. Y r + R r ) .
##EQU00002##
and after neglecting parasitic resistances:
jwL t .times. Y t + w 2 .times. L t .times. L r .times. K tr 2 jwL
r .times. Y r + R r = 0 ##EQU00003##
[0081] Thus, the Y.sub.tY.sub.r=K.sub.tr.sup.2expression resulting
from simplifying the above equation, can be indicative of the
minimum point. As an example, the resonance point of the Tx 100 can
be set to a very low value, so Y.sub.p.apprxeq.0.9 and the coupling
factor is K.sub.pr.apprxeq.0.4. As a result, Y.sub.r approximately
equals to 0.18 and therefore, the MRF i.e. main resonance
frequency, is approximately equal to 1.1w.sub.r, where w.sub.r is
the resonance frequency of the relay. In other exemplary
embodiments, the expected JRF is determined by a frequency sweep
technique. In the frequency sweep technique, controller 151 sets
the power carrier amplitude to a minimum and performs a swipe
across an expected OPF range. Subsequently, the controller 151
records the maximal voltage and current of Tx 100 LC resonance
circuit for each of these frequencies, and determines the JRF to be
the frequency at which highest voltage and or current was
observed.
[0082] In step 402, a coupling factor is determined. It should be
noted that the exact coupling factor (k) between the Tx 100 and the
relay is required for determining the OPP in the system of the
present disclosure. It should also be noted, as previously
described, that k may be impacted by different environments factors
of each installation, thus can vary from site to site and can't be
based on the resonance frequency itself; therefore, it may be
automatically determined on site. In some exemplary embodiments,
the k determination can be based on frequency scanning and voltage
or current measurement of Lt 110 as well as current phase with
respect to driving signal.
[0083] In some preferred embodiments, controller 151 scans for the
MRF, such as depicted in step 401, and selects two frequencies
slightly off the MRF. Then, measures the current and its phase for
these two points (w.sub.1 and w.sub.2). Based on these
measurements, controller 151 calculates the complex impedance for
the two points (Z.sub.1 and Z.sub.2). For the calculations,
controller 151 obtains the inductance value of Lt 110 that
preloaded in its memory. Additionally, or alternatively, the
inductance value of Lt 110 can be derived by additional calibration
procedures.
[0084] Based on the impedance equation discussed in step 401, the
impedance (Z) viewed from the Tx 110 as expressed in the following
equation can be utilized to extract k. It should be noted that in
the measurements that were conducted at w.sub.1 and w.sub.2points
(angular frequencies), the value Z is comprised of Z.sub.1 and
Z.sub.2 at these points.
[0085] In some exemplary embodiments, the relay resonance frequency
is given by:
Y r = 1 - ( w r w 0 ) 2 = k 2 Y t .times. w r = w 0 .times. 1 - k 2
Y t ##EQU00004##
[0086] Additionally, or alternatively, k is obtained by using the
following equations:
.times. Z .function. ( w ) = iwL t .times. Y t .function. ( w ) + R
p .times. + w 2 .times. L t .times. L r .times. K tr 2 iwL r
.times. Y r .function. ( w ) + R r ##EQU00005## .times. img
.function. ( Z ) .apprxeq. wL p .times. Y p .function. ( w ) - wL t
.times. K tr 2 Y r .function. ( w ) ##EQU00005.2## F = ( Yt
.function. ( w 2 ) * Lt * w 2 - Img .function. ( Z 2 ) ) / ( Yt
.function. ( w 1 ) * Lt * w 1 - Img .function. ( Z 1 ) ) = Y r
.function. ( w 1 ) Y r .function. ( w 2 ) ##EQU00005.3## .times. w
r = ( ( F - 1 ) / ( F / ( w 2 2 ) - 1 / w 1 2 ) ) ) ##EQU00005.4##
.times. k = ( ( Y p .function. ( w 1 ) - Img .function. ( Z 1 ) / (
w 1 * Lp ) ) * ( 1 - ( w r / w 1 ) 2 ) ) ##EQU00005.5##
[0087] In some exemplary embodiments, the controller 151 uses
integer divisions of a 48 Mhz clock as the driving clock. As an
example, a minimal frequency step around a 125 kHz OPF, can be
calculated to be 125 KHz-48 MHz/(48 MHz/125 KHz+1)=384 Hz. Based on
this example, w.sub.1 is MRF+384 Hz and w.sub.2 is MRF-384 Hz.
[0088] In some exemplary embodiments, an alternatively method may
be used for determining k. In this method, controller 151 uses the
frequency sweep technique as discussed in depicting step 401, in
order to determine the lower frequency f.sub.j1 and higher
frequency f.sub.j2 of the JRF, as they may be expressed at maximal
current of Lt 110. Additionally, or alternatively, controller 151
uses the same frequency sweep technique to determine the resonance
frequency f.sub.r, of the Lr, which may occur at or near the
minimal current of Lt 110. It should be noted that the resonance
frequency of Lt 110 (f.sub.t) is assumed to be known based on
calculation or based on factory calibration. In some exemplary
embodiments, k is derived from the following equations:
( 1 - ( f j .times. .times. 1 f t ) 2 ) * ( 1 - ( f j .times.
.times. 1 f r ) 2 ) = k 2 .times. ( 1 - ( f j .times. .times. 1 f t
) 2 ) * ( 1 - ( f j .times. .times. 2 f r ) 2 ) = k 2 ##EQU00006##
1 - k 2 ( 1 - ( f j .times. .times. 1 f r ) 2 ) 1 - k 2 ( 1 - ( f j
.times. .times. 2 f r ) 2 ) = ( f j .times. .times. 1 f j .times.
.times. 2 ) 2 ##EQU00006.2## k 2 = 1 - ( f j .times. .times. 1 f j
.times. .times. 2 ) 2 1 ( 1 - ( f j .times. .times. 1 f r ) 2 ) - (
f j .times. .times. 1 f j .times. .times. 2 ) 2 ( 1 - ( f j .times.
.times. 2 f r ) 2 ) ##EQU00006.3##
[0089] In step 403, operation parameters are determined. In some
exemplary embodiments, the operation parameters comprise an OPF
range, duty-cycles, initializing ping frequency (ping), an OPF
range direction (DIR), and any combination thereof, or the
like.
[0090] It should be noted that commercially available wireless
power transmission systems use specific predetermined operating
frequency, amplitude, and duty cycle range. These systems work on
the assumption that loads, such as device 20, have known and
bounded properties. Therefore, these system's specific operational
parameters are based on transmitter specific resonance as well as
physical coil topology, which may be suitable for the load.
[0091] In oppose to that, the architecture of the present
disclosure is characterized by splitting the transmitting
functionality between Tx 100 and relay 200/300. Therefore, the
operation parameters are installation-dependent that may vary from
site to site; and thus, may be determined automatically in each
installation.
[0092] In some exemplary embodiments of the disclosed subject
matter, controller 151 utilizes the coupling factor k, JRF, and
MRF, obtained in steps 401 and 402 for determining the operation
parameters. It will be understood that k and JRF (f.sub.j1;
f.sub.j2) can be indicative of the specific installation properties
as well as component tolerances. The operational range for the
specific device as installed can be calculated based on the above
parameters.
[0093] In some exemplary embodiments, an operating frequency (OPF)
range can be determined. The OPF range of Tx 100 can be bounded
between a minimal operating frequency (F min) and a maximal
operating frequency (F max). The OPF range can be determined based
on f.sub.j2 and k that were obtained in the previous steps, wherein
F min and F max can be selected as specific offset from k
dependent, f.sub.j2. In some exemplary embodiments, the offset
(DIR) of the OPF range (i.e. f.sub.min and f.sub.max) can be either
positive or negative. A positive DIR indicates that the OPF range
is higher than f.sub.j2, whereas negative DIR indicates that the
OPF range is lower than f.sub.j2.
[0094] In one exemplary embodiments, the DIR sign can be determine
based on the following criteria DIR=1 if k<0.5 and DIR=-1 if
k>0.5. Additionally, or alternatively, DIR can be negative for
keeping F max below a specific frequency Ftop that indicates a
regulatory maximal frequency for wireless power transmission.
[0095] In preferred exemplary embodiments, the OPF range can be
determined based on the following equations:
f.sub.min=f.sub.j2*Dir*(k*c1+c2)
f.sub.max=f.sub.j2*Dir*(k*c3+c4) [0096] Where, c1, c2, c3, c4 are
constants, retained in controller 151 memory, indicating specific
min. and max. voltages profiles for different load types.
[0097] In some exemplary embodiments, the frequency of the
initializing ping can be within the range of the selected Fmin to
Fmax and can be determined based on the following equation
f.sub.ping=f.sub.j2*Dir*(k*c5+c6)
[0098] C5 and C6 are also constants, retained in controller 151
memory, and adapted to generate an Fping in the range of f.sub.min
and f.sub.max, while satisfying requirement for generating specific
voltage on a typical load placed on designated location of the
charging surface. In some exemplary embodiments, generating
specific voltage on a typical load can be adapted to avoid damaging
of any expected load while ensuring enough voltage for proper
operation of all expected loads.
[0099] Additionally, or alternatively, supplementary protection
methods can be provided prior to executing the ping in order to
avoid potential damage to objects that are placed on the relay or
near the Tx 100.
[0100] In some exemplary embodiments, an operation duty-cycle range
can be defined. An operation duty-cycle range can be bounded
between a minimal operation duty-cycle (D min) and a maximal
operation duty-cycle (D max) based on coupling factor k. The
duty-cycle can dictate the Tx 100 output power by means of the PWM
signal that controls the full/half bridge driver 152. An allowed
duty cycle range (D.sub.min to D.sub.max) can be defined for the
full OPF range, or include single range for all OPF range excluding
F min and F max, for which it may have a different range, or may
have a different range defined for each of the OPFs or frequency
ranges.
[0101] It will be appreciated that specific threshold values
relation to coupling factor k and JFR can be derived for detection
of specific voltage, current threshold of abnormal operation, over
voltage, over current, foreign object detection, and any
combination thereof, or the like.
[0102] It will also be appreciated that any other relation between
coupling factor k and JFR can be derived for obtaining additional
parameters indicative of a load being charged. For example: Q
factor, maximal power, coil inductance, rectified voltage target,
and any combination thereof, or the like. Any of these parameters
or their combinations may impact the definition of the OPF.
[0103] It will also be appreciated that since the present
disclosure system was designed to operate on a specific coupling
factor range, detection of installation that provides coupling
factor outside of the designated range (higher or lower) would be
important. The installer can then be alerted and take the
appropriate action to mitigate the problem. For a coupling factor
that is higher than the maximal allowed coupling factor, the
installer can add a spacer to the bottom unit installation or
install the lower and upper coils with a slightly shifted position
for reducing the coupling factor. In cases where the coupling
factor is too low, the installer can select a thinner medium 10 or
use a higher voltage power supply or larger coils to compensate for
the wide gap and low coupling. The determined coupling factor can
also be backward translated to the specific gap between Lt 110 and
Lr.
[0104] The components detailed above may be implemented as one or
more sets of interrelated computer instructions, executed for
example by controller 151 or by another processor. The components
may be arranged as one or more executable files, dynamic libraries,
static libraries, methods, functions, services, or the like,
programmed in any programming language and under any computing
environment.
[0105] The present disclosed subject matter may be a system, a
method, and/or a computer program product. The computer program
product may include a computer readable storage medium (or media)
having computer readable program instructions thereon for causing a
processor to carry out aspects of the present disclosed subject
matter.
[0106] The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible
device that can retain and store instructions for use by an
instruction execution device. The computer readable storage medium
may be, for example, but is not limited to, an electronic storage
device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an
electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or
any suitable combination of the foregoing. A non-exhaustive list of
more specific examples of the computer readable storage medium
includes the following: a portable computer diskette, a hard disk,
a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable
programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a static
random access memory (SRAM), a portable compact disc read-only
memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a memory stick, a
floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such as punch-cards or
raised structures in a groove having instructions recorded thereon,
and any suitable combination of the foregoing. A computer readable
storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construed as being
transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freely
propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves
propagating through a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g.,
light pulses passing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical
signals transmitted through a wire.
[0107] Computer readable program instructions described herein can
be downloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a
computer readable storage medium or to an external computer or
external storage device via a network, for example, the Internet, a
local area network, a wide area network and/or a wireless network.
The network may comprise copper transmission cables, optical
transmission fibers, wireless transmission, routers, firewalls,
switches, gateway computers and/or edge servers. A network adapter
card or network interface in each computing/processing device
receives computer readable program instructions from the network
and forwards the computer readable program instructions for storage
in a computer readable storage medium within the respective
computing/processing device.
[0108] Computer readable program instructions for carrying out
operations of the present disclosed subject matter may be assembler
instructions, instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions,
machine instructions, machine dependent instructions, microcode,
firmware instructions, state-setting data, or either source code or
object code written in any combination of one or more programming
languages, including an object oriented programming language such
as Smalltalk, C++ or the like, and conventional procedural
programming languages, such as the "C" programming language or
similar programming languages. The computer readable program
instructions may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on
the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on
the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on
the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote
computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type
of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area
network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external
computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet
Service Provider). In some embodiments, electronic circuitry
including, for example, programmable logic circuitry,
field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or programmable logic arrays
(PLA) may execute the computer readable program instructions by
utilizing state information of the computer readable program
instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry, in order to
perform aspects of the present disclosed subject matter.
[0109] Aspects of the present disclosed subject matter are
described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or
block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer
program products according to embodiments of the disclosed subject
matter. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart
illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in
the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be
implemented by computer readable program instructions.
[0110] These computer readable program instructions may be provided
to a processor of a general-purpose computer, special purpose
computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to
produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via
the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing
apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts
specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.
These computer readable program instructions may also be stored in
a computer readable storage medium that can direct a computer, a
programmable data processing apparatus, and/or other devices to
function in a particular manner, such that the computer readable
storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises an
article of manufacture including instructions which implement
aspects of the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block
diagram block or blocks.
[0111] The computer readable program instructions may also be
loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing
apparatus, or other device to cause a series of operational steps
to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or
other device to produce a computer implemented process, such that
the instructions which execute on the computer, other programmable
apparatus, or other device implement the functions/acts specified
in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.
[0112] The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate
the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible
implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products
according to various embodiments of the present disclosed subject
matter. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block
diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of
instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions
for implementing the specified logical function(s). In some
alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may
occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two
blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially
concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the
reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will
also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or
flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block
diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by
special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified
functions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose
hardware and computer instructions.
[0113] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of
the disclosed subject matter. As used herein, the singular forms
"a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as
well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be
further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising,"
when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated
features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components,
but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other
features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or
groups thereof.
[0114] The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and
equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the
claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or
act for performing the function in combination with other claimed
elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present
disclosed subject matter has been presented for purposes of
illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive
or limited to the disclosed subject matter in the form disclosed.
Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and
spirit of the disclosed subject matter. The embodiment was chosen
and described in order to best explain the principles of the
disclosed subject matter and the practical application, and to
enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the
disclosed subject matter for various embodiments with various
modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
* * * * *