Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The present invention relates generally to a wireless power transmitter system with adaptive power control and method thereof.
BACKGROUND
[002] Recently, wireless or non-contact charging technologies have been developed, which are now widely used for a variety of electronic devices, such as wireless electric toothbrushes or wireless electric shavers. Using wireless charging technology, which is based on wireless power transmission and reception, a battery of an electronic device, such as a mobile phone, may be automatically recharged if, for example, a user simply places the mobile phone on a charging pad without connecting a separate charging connector to the mobile phone.
[003] Approaches are being developed that use over-the-air or wireless power transmission between a transmitter and a receiver coupled to the electronic device to be charged. Such approaches generally fall into two categories. One is based on the coupling of plane wave radiation (also called far-field radiation) between a transmit antenna and a receive antenna on the device to be charged. The receive antenna collects the radiated power and rectifies it for charging the battery. Antennas are generally of resonant length in order to improve the coupling efficiency. This approach suffers from the fact that the power coupling falls off quickly with distance between the antennas, so charging over reasonable distances (e.g., less than 1 to 2 meters) becomes difficult. Additionally, since the transmitting system radiates plane waves, unintentional radiation can interfere with other systems if not properly controlled through filtering.
[004] Although wireless charging schemes are garnering a great deal of attention and research, no standard has been proposed for the priority of wireless charging, a search for a wireless power transmitter and receiver, a selection of a communication frequency between the wireless power transmitter and receiver, an adjustment of wireless power, a selection of matching circuits, and a distribution of communication time for each wireless power receiver in one charging cycle. In particular, a standard is required for a wireless power transmitter to determine addition and removal of a wireless power receiver to and from a wireless power network managed by the wireless power transmitter.
[005] Therefore, there is a need of a system which overcomes the aforementioned problems.
SUMMARY
[006] Embodiments of the present disclosure present technological improvements as solutions to one or more of the above-mentioned technical problems.
[007] Before the present subject matter relating to a wireless power transmitter system with adaptive power control and method thereof, it is to be understood that this application is not limited to the particular system described, as there can be multiple possible embodiments which are not expressly illustrated in the present disclosure. It is also to be understood that the terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing the implementations or versions or embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the present subject matter.
[008] This summary is provided to introduce aspects related to a wireless power transmitter system with adaptive power control and method thereof. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the present subject matter.
[009] In an embodiment, a wireless power transmitter system with adaptive power control and method thereof is disclosed. The system includes a power transmitter unit (PTU), a controller, atleast one or more processor and a memory. The power transmitter unit (PTU) is configured to wirelessly transmit power to one or more receiving devices. The controller is operably coupled to the power transmitter unit (PTU). The memory configured to store or save the data related to the user device.
[0010] In another embodiment, a method for wireless power transmission with adaptive power control is disclosed. The method includes the step of receiving feedback from one or more receiving devices by a controller of the wireless power transmitter system. The method includes the step of adjusting the power transmission by the power transmitter unit based on the received feedback. The method includes the step of executing adaptive power control algorithms by at least one or more processors. The method includes the step of storing instructions for controlling power transmission in a memory.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[0011] The foregoing detailed description of embodiments is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the disclosure, there is shown in the present document example constructions of the disclosure; however, the disclosure is not limited to the specific system or method disclosed in the document and the drawings.
[0012] The present disclosure is described in detail with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer various features of the present subject matter.
[0013] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic representation of a wireless energy transfer system having cross-connect detection capability.
[0014] Figure 2 illustrates a wireless power transmitter and a wireless power receiver according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] Figure 3 illustrates a simplified block diagram of a receiver, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0016] In the above accompanying drawings, a non-underlined number relates to an item identified by a line linking the non-underlined number to the item. When a number is non-underlined and accompanied by an associated arrow, the non-underlined number is used to identify a general item at which the arrow is pointing.
[0017] Further, the figures depict various embodiments of the present subject matter for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following discussion that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the present subject matter described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0018] Some embodiments of this disclosure, illustrating all its features, will now be discussed in detail. The words "comprising," "having," "containing," and "including," and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items, or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items. It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Although a wireless power transmitter system with adaptive power control and method thereof, similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present disclosure, the exemplary, a wireless power transmitter system with adaptive power control and method thereof is now described.
[0019] Various modifications to the embodiment will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and the generic principles herein may be applied to other embodiments. For example, although the present disclosure will be described in the context of a wireless power transmitter system with adaptive power control and method thereof, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize a wireless power transmitter system with adaptive power control and method thereof can be utilized in any situation. Thus, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments illustrated but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein.
[0020] In an embodiment, a wireless power transmitter system with adaptive power control and method thereof is disclosed. The system includes a power transmitter unit (PTU), a controller, at least one or more processor and a memory. The power transmitter unit (PTU) is configured to wirelessly transmit power to one or more receiving devices. The controller is operably coupled to the power transmitter unit (PTU). The memory configured to store or save the data related to the user device.
[0021] In another implementation, the controller is programmed to receive feedback from the one or more receiving devices and adjust the power transmission based on the received feedback.
[0022] In another implementation, a communication module operably connected to the controller, the communication module facilitating communication between the wireless power transmitter system and external devices.
[0023] In another implementation, the at least one or more processors are configured to execute instructions stored in the memory for implementing adaptive power control algorithms.
[0024] In another implementation, the memory stores computer-readable instructions for controlling the power transmission based on environmental factors, power consumption of the receiving devices, or a combination thereof.
[0025] In another embodiment, a method for wireless power transmission with adaptive power control is disclosed. The method includes the step of receiving feedback from one or more receiving devices by a controller of the wireless power transmitter system. The method includes the step of adjusting the power transmission by the power transmitter unit based on the received feedback. The method includes the step of executing adaptive power control algorithms by at least one or more processors. The method includes the step of storing instructions for controlling power transmission in a memory.
[0026] In another implementation, the method includes the step of communicating with external devices via a communication module operably connected to the controller.
[0027] In another implementation, the method includes the step of adjusting the power transmission is based on factors including environmental conditions and power consumption requirements of the receiving devices.
[0028] In another implementation, the transmission parameter comprises a current, voltage, and/or power.
[0029] Figure 1 illustrates a schematic representation of a wireless energy transfer system having cross-connect detection capability.
[0030] In an embodiment, a wireless power transfer system 100 having cross-connect detection capability. A power transmitting unit (PTU) can be considered a source that provides wireless energy to a power receiving unit (PRU), which can be provided as a device that can be coupled a load. Input power to the system can be provided by wall power (AC mains), for example, which is converted to DC in an AC/DC converter block 102. Alternatively, a DC voltage can be provided directly from a battery or other DC supply. In embodiments, the AC/DC converter block 102 may be a power factor correction (PFC) stage. The PFC, in addition to converting the AC input (for example, at 50 or 60 Hz) to DC, can condition the current such that the current is substantially in phase with the voltage. A high efficiency switching inverter or amplifier 104 converts the DC voltage into an AC voltage waveform used to drive a source resonator 106. In embodiments, the frequency of the AC voltage waveform may be in the range of 80 to 90 kHz. In embodiments, the frequency of the AC voltage waveform may be in the range of 10 kHz to 15 MHz. A source impedance matching network (IMN) 108 efficiently couples the inverter 104 output to the source resonator 106 and can enable efficient switching-amplifier operation. Class D or E switching amplifiers are suitable in many applications and can require an inductive load impedance for highest efficiency. The source IMN 108 transforms the source resonator impedance into such an impedance for the inverter 104.
[0031] The source resonator impedance can be, for example, loaded by the coupling to a device resonator 110 and/or output load. The magnetic field generated by the source resonator 106 couples to the device resonator 110, thereby inducing a voltage. This energy is coupled out of the device resonator 110 to, for example, directly power a load 114, such as charging a battery. A device impedance matching network (IMN) 112 can be used to efficiently couple energy from the device resonator 110 to the load 114 and optimize power transfer between source resonator 106 and device resonator 110. It may transform the actual load impedance into an effective load impedance seen by the device resonator 110 which more closely matches the loading for optimum efficiency. For loads requiring a DC voltage, a rectifier 116 converts the received AC power into DC. A DC/DC converter 117 can regulate the voltage level for the load 114. In embodiments, the source 118 and device 120 can further include filters, sensors, and other components.
[0032] The IMNs 108, 112 and/or control circuitry monitors impedance differences between the source 118 and the device 120 and provides control signals to tune the IMNs 108, 112 or components thereof. In some implementations, the IMNs 108, 112 can include a fixed IMN and a dynamic IMN. For example, a fixed IMN may provide impedance matching between portions of the system with static impedances or to grossly tune a circuit to a known dynamic impedance range.
[0033] In the present embodiment, the PTU/source can include a processor module 120 to control overall operation of the source side components and a wireless communication module 122 coupled to the processor 120 to provide wireless communication to other units. It is understood that any suitable wireless communication technology can be used, such as Bluetooth®, BLE (Bluetooth® Low Energy), WiFi, radio, and the like. In embodiments, the processor module 120 can include a correlation module to correlate PTU and PRU signals, as described more fully below. The PRU/device can include a processor module 124 to control the overall operation of the device components and a wireless communication module 126 to enable the PRU to communicate with PTU and/or PRU units.
[0034] The PTU includes a cross-connect detection module 128 that can detect PTU-PRU cross-connection, as described more fully below. While the cross-connect detection module 128 is shown as part of the wireless connection module 122 on the PTU, it is understood that the cross-connection module can reside in any suitable location with access to wireless communication and access to the mechanisms which control the current in the PTU transmitting coil.
[0035] Figure 2 illustrates a wireless power transmitter and a wireless power receiver according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0036] In an embodiment, the wireless power transmitter 200 includes a power transmitter 211, a controller 212, and a communication unit 213. The wireless power receiver 250 includes a power receiver 251, a controller 252, and a communication unit 253. Herein, the term “unit” refers to a hardware device or a combination of hardware and software. The power transmitter 211 wirelessly supplies power to the wireless power receiver 250 via the power receiver 251. The power transmitter 211 supplies power in an Alternating Current (AC) waveform. However, when the power transmitter 211 receives power in a Direct Current (DC) waveform, e.g., from a battery, the power transmitter 211 supplies power in an AC waveform, after converting the DC waveform into the AC waveform using an inverter. The power transmitter 211 may be implemented as a built-in battery, or may be implemented as a power receiving interface, which receives power from an outside source, e.g., an outlet, and supplies it to other components. It will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the power transmitter 211 has no limit as long as it is capable of supplying power in an AC wave form.
[0037] In the same embodiment, the controller 212 controls the overall operation of the wireless power transmitter 200, e.g., using an algorithm, program, or application, which is read out from a memory (not shown). The controller 212 may be implemented as a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a microprocessor, a minicomputer, etc. The communication unit 213 transmits signals associated with information about the wireless power transmitter 200. The communication unit 213 transmits a charging function control signal for controlling the charging function of the wireless power receiver 250. For example, the charging function control signal may enable or disable the charging function by controlling the power receiver 251 in the specific wireless power receiver 250. The switching unit connects the DC/DC converter to the charging unit, under control of the controller 252. The charging unit stores the converted power received from the DC/DC converter, if the switching unit is in an on-state.
[0038] Figure 3 illustrates a simplified block diagram of a receiver, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0039] In an embodiment, the receiver 300 includes receive circuitry 302 and a receive antenna 304. Receiver 300 further couples to device 350 for providing received power thereto. It should be noted that receiver 300 is illustrated as being external to device 350 but may be integrated into device 350. Generally, energy is propagated wirelessly to receive antenna 304 and then coupled through receive circuitry 302 to device 350. Receive antenna 304 may be similarly dimensioned with transmit antenna 204 or may be differently sized based upon the dimensions of the associated device 350. Receive circuitry 302 provides an impedance match to the receive antenna 304. Receive circuitry 302 includes power conversion circuitry 306 for converting a received RF energy source into charging power for use by device 350. Power conversion circuitry 306 includes an RF-to-DC converter 308 and may also in include a DC-to-DC converter 310. RF-to-DC converter 308 rectifies the RF energy signal received at receive antenna 304 into a non-alternating power while DC-to-DC converter 310 converts the rectified RF energy signal into an energy potential (e.g., voltage) that is compatible with device 350.
[0040] When multiple receivers 300 are present in a transmitter's near-field, it may be desirable to time-multiplex the loading and unloading of one or more receivers to enable other receivers to more efficiently couple to the transmitter. A receiver may also be cloaked in order to eliminate coupling to other nearby receivers or to reduce loading on nearby transmitters. This “unloading” of a receiver is also known herein as a “cloaking.” Furthermore, this switching between unloading and loading controlled by receiver 300 and detected by transmitter provides a communication mechanism from receiver 300 to transmitter as is explained more fully below.
[0041] In some exemplary embodiments, the receive circuitry 320 may signal a power requirement, as explained more fully below to a transmitter in the form of, for example, desired power level, maximum power level, desired current level, maximum current level, desired voltage level, and maximum voltage level. Based on these levels, and the actual amount of power received from the transmitter, the processor 316 may adjust the operation of the DC-DC converter 310 to regulate its output in the form of adjusting the current level, adjusting the voltage level, or a combination thereof.
[0042] Although the description provides implementations of a wireless power transmitter system with adaptive power control and method thereof, it is to be understood that the above descriptions are not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods or systems. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as examples of implementations for a wireless power transmitter system with adaptive power control and method thereof.
, Claims:We claim:
1. A wireless power transmitter system with adaptive power control, comprising:
a power transmitter unit (PTU) configured to wirelessly transmit power to one or more receiving devices;
a controller operably coupled to the power transmitter unit (PTU);
at least one or more processor; and
a memory configured to store or save the data related to the user device.
2. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller is programmed to receive feedback from the one or more receiving devices and adjust the power transmission based on the received feedback.
3. The system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a communication module operably connected to the controller, the communication module facilitating communication between the wireless power transmitter system and external devices.
4. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one or more processors are configured to execute instructions stored in the memory for implementing adaptive power control algorithms.
5. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the memory stores computer-readable instructions for controlling the power transmission based on environmental factors, power consumption of the receiving devices, or a combination thereof.
6. A method for wireless power transmission with adaptive power control, comprising:
receiving feedback from one or more receiving devices by a controller of the wireless power transmitter system;
adjusting the power transmission by the power transmitter unit based on the received feedback;
executing adaptive power control algorithms by at least one or more processors; and
storing instructions for controlling power transmission in a memory.
7. The method as claimed in claim 6, further comprising communicating with external devices via a communication module operably connected to the controller.
8. The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein adjusting the power transmission is based on factors including environmental conditions and power consumption requirements of the receiving devices.
9. The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the transmission parameter comprises a current, voltage, and/or power.