Description:BACKGROUND
Field of Invention
[001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to wireless electric vehicle charging and particularly to a smart solar road system for wireless electric vehicle charging.
Description of Related Art
[002] The increasing adoption of electric vehicles has led to a growing demand for efficient and sustainable charging infrastructure. Traditional electric vehicle charging stations rely heavily on grid electricity, which is often derived from fossil fuels, limiting their environmental benefits. Moreover, these stationary charging systems require vehicles to stop and charge, causing inconvenience to users and potential congestion in urban areas. While renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, have been explored for electric vehicle charging, integrating them into an efficient and scalable charging network remains a significant challenge.
[003] Several technological advancements have attempted to address these issues, including wireless power transfer and solar-integrated roadways. Wireless charging, particularly inductive charging, enables contactless power transfer but often faces efficiency losses and precise alignment requirements. Similarly, solar roads embedded with photovoltaic panels generate clean energy but suffer from durability, efficiency, and energy storage limitations. Existing solutions also encounter grid dependency issues, requiring backup power sources to ensure continuous operation. Despite these innovations, no system has fully optimized the combination of solar power, wireless charging, and energy management to provide a seamless, efficient, and sustainable charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.
[004] To overcome these challenges, researchers have explored dynamic wireless charging, where electric vehicles receive power while in motion. This approach reduces vehicle downtime and minimizes the need for large battery capacities. However, real-time energy distribution, efficient power conversion, and reliable integration with solar energy sources remain key hurdles. Additionally, factors such as electromagnetic interference (EMI), road surface wear, and infrastructure costs pose barriers to large-scale implementation. A robust and intelligent system is required to maximize energy utilization, enhance charging efficiency, and promote the widespread adoption of electric vehicles in a sustainable manner.
[005] There is thus a need for an improved and advanced smart solar road system for wireless electric vehicle charging that can administer the aforementioned limitations in a more efficient manner.
SUMMARY
[006] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a smart solar road system for wireless electric vehicle charging. The system comprising a solar power plant, comprising solar panels, adapted to convert solar energy into electrical energy. The converted electrical energy is stored in a power storage unit. The system further comprising wireless charging coils, connected to the power storage unit. The wireless charging coils are embedded within a road surface, such that the wireless charging coils are adapted to transfer the electrical energy stored in the power storage unit to an electric vehicle travelling on the road surface. The system further comprising a detection unit adapted to detect a presence of the electric vehicle on the road surface. The system further comprising a processing unit, communicatively connected to the solar power plant and to the power storage unit. The processing unit is configured to detect the presence of the electric vehicle on the road surface; and activate the wireless charging coils upon detection of the presence of the electric vehicle on the road surface.
[007] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention further provide a method for wirelessly charging an electric vehicle using a smart solar road system. The method comprising steps of detecting a presence of the electric vehicle on a road surface; and activating wireless charging coils sequentially upon detection of the presence of the electric vehicle on the road surface.
[008] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a number of advantages depending on their particular configuration. First, embodiments of the present application may provide a smart solar road system for wireless electric vehicle charging.
[009] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a smart solar road system that features seamless dynamic charging.
[0010] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a smart solar road system that features renewable energy utilization.
[0011] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a smart solar road system that features optimized energy management.
[0012] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a smart solar road system that features reduced urban congestion.
[0013] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a smart solar road system that features sustainable infrastructure.
[0014] These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.
[0015] The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:
[0017] FIG. 1A illustrates a block diagram of a smart solar road system for wireless electric vehicle charging, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary implementation of the smart solar road system for wireless electric vehicle charging, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of a method for wirelessly charging an electric vehicle using a smart solar road system, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0020] FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of a method for managing a smart solar road system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. Optional portions of the figures may be illustrated using dashed or dotted lines, unless the context of usage indicates otherwise.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
[0023] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising", "comprises”, and the like (which are synonymous with "including", "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of", “consists essentially of", and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of", "consists of”, the like.
[0024] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.
[0025] FIG. 1A illustrates a block diagram of a smart solar road system 100 (hereinafter referred to as the system 100) for wireless electric vehicle charging, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system 100 may be adapted to charge an electric vehicle. The electric vehicle may be charged using a principal of mutual induction. The mutual induction may be carried out exposing a copper coil to a change in a magnetic flux. The exposure of the copper coil to the change in the magnetic flux may generate electricity that may further be transmitted to the electric vehicle for charging a power storage means of the electric vehicle.
[0026] In an embodiment of the present invention, the system 100 may charge the electric vehicle travelling on a road. In another embodiment of the present invention, the system 100 may charge the electric vehicle standing stationary on the road. The system 100 may comprise a solar power plant 102, a power storage unit 106, wireless charging coils 108, a detection unit 110, a processing unit 112, an inverter 114, and a Direct Current (DC) to Direct Current (DC) converter 116.
[0027] In an embodiment of the present invention, the solar power plant 102 may comprise solar panels 104. The solar panels 104 of the solar power plant 102 may be adapted to convert solar energy into electrical energy.
[0028] In an embodiment of the present invention, the power storage unit 106 may be adapted to store the electrical energy converted from the solar energy. The power storage unit 106 may be, but not limited to, a battery, a supercapacitor, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the power storage unit 106, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0029] In an embodiment of the present invention, the wireless charging coils 108 may be connected to the power storage unit 106. The wireless charging coils 108 may be embedded within a road surface. The wireless charging coils 108 may be adapted to transfer the electrical energy stored in the power storage unit 106 to the electric vehicle on the road surface. The transmission of the electrical energy may be carried out when an inbuilt coil (not shown) of the electric vehicle may be linearly and parallelly arranged with the wireless charging coils 108. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the wireless charging coils 108 may be mutually inductive copper-based coils. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the wireless charging coils 108, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0030] In an embodiment of the present invention, the detection unit 110 may be adapted to detect a presence of the electric vehicle on the road surface. The detection unit 110 may be, but not limited to, a proximity sensor, a weight sensor, a load cell, an ultrasonic sensor, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the detection unit 110, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0031] In an embodiment of the present invention, the processing unit 112 may be connected to the solar power plant 102 and to the power storage unit 106. The processing unit 112 may be configured to detect the presence of the electric vehicle on the road surface and activate the wireless charging coils 108 sequentially upon detection of the presence of the electric vehicle on the road surface. In an embodiment of the present invention, the processing unit 112 may be connected to the solar power plant 102 and to the power storage unit 106. The processing unit 112 may be configured to detect the presence of the electric vehicle on the road surface and activate the wireless charging coils 108 sequentially upon detection of the presence of the electric vehicle on the road surface. The sequential activation of the wireless charging coils 108 may be based on a real-time speed and position of the electric vehicle such that only the necessary wireless charging coils 108 are activated as the electric vehicle moves along the road surface. This dynamic activation may aid in minimizing energy loss and enhance charging efficiency.
[0032] The processing unit 112 may be configured to allocate the electrical energy stored in the power storage unit 106 to the electric vehicle in real-time and based on solar energy production. The processing unit 112 may further be configured to receive and compare the level of the electrical energy stored in the power storage unit 106 with a threshold level, and activate the solar power plant 102, when the received level of the electrical energy is less than the threshold level. In some embodiments of the present invention, the processing unit 112 may communicate wirelessly with the electric vehicle to exchange data related to battery status, charging needs, and operational parameters for enabling adaptive power delivery. Furthermore, the processing unit 112 may employ predictive algorithms to anticipate vehicle movement and pre-activate wireless charging coils 108 to ensure uninterrupted charging, even in high-speed transit scenarios.
[0033] The processing unit 112 may be, but not limited to, a Programmable Logic Control (PLC) unit, a microprocessor, a development board, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the processing unit 112, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0034] In an embodiment of the present invention, the inverter 114 may be adapted to regulate the converted electrical energy prior to storage in the power storage unit 106. In an embodiment of the present invention, the Direct Current (DC) to Direct Current (DC) converter 116 may be adapted to convert the electrical energy prior to storage in the power storage unit 106.
[0035] FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary implementation of the smart solar road system 100 for wireless electric vehicle charging, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the system 100 may be configured to charge an electric car 118 traveling on or stationary on the road surface. The system 100 may include wireless charging coils 108 embedded within the road surface and adapted to transfer electrical energy to the electric car 118 when it is detected on the road. The electric car 118 may comprise an inbuilt receiving coil 120, which is specifically designed to receive electrical energy from the wireless charging coils 108 embedded in the road. The inbuilt receiving coil 120 may be arranged in parallel alignment with the wireless charging coils 108 for optimal inductive coupling for efficient energy transfer. Upon detection of the electric car 118, the wireless charging coils 108 may be sequentially activated based on the real-time position and speed of the electric car 118, ensuring that only the necessary coils are powered at any given moment. This dynamic activation may minimize energy loss and optimize charging efficiency.
[0036] When the electric car 118 moves over the wireless charging coils 108, the inductive coupling facilitates wireless energy transmission to allow the inbuilt receiving coil 120 to continuously charge the battery of the electric car 118 while the electric car 118 is in motion ("on the go"). The system 100 may regulate power delivery based on the energy demand of the electric car 118. In some embodiments, the system 100 may adjust the power transfer rate dynamically in response to the battery status of the electric car 118 to enhance charging efficiency. Further, by enabling on-the-go wireless charging, the system 100 significantly enhances a feasibility of the electric vehicles for long-distance travel by eliminating a need for frequent charging stops. Also, the system 100 may be capable of reducing reliance on large-capacity batteries, hence making electric vehicles more accessible and efficient.
[0037] FIG. 2 depicts a flowchart of a method 200 for wirelessly charging the electric vehicle using the system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0038] At step 202, the system 100 may detect the presence of the electric vehicle on the road surface.
[0039] At step 204, if the electric vehicle may be present on the road surface, then the method 200 may proceed to a step 206. Else, the method 200 may revert to the step 202.
[0040] At step 206, the system 100 may activate the wireless charging coils 108.
[0041] FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of a method 300 for managing the system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0042] At step 302, the system 100 may receive the level of the electrical energy stored in the power storage unit 106.
[0043] At step 304, the system 100 may compare the level of the electrical energy stored in the power storage unit 106 with the threshold level. Upon comparison, if the level of the electrical energy stored in the power storage unit 106 may be less than the threshold level, then the method 300 may proceed to a step 306. Else, the method 300 may revert to the step 302.
[0044] At step 306, the system 100 may activate the solar power plant 102.
[0045] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims.
[0046] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined in the claims and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements within substantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. , Claims:CLAIMS
I/We Claim:
1. A smart solar road system (100) for wireless electric vehicle charging, the system (100) comprising:
a solar power plant (102), comprising solar panels (104), adapted to convert solar energy into electrical energy, wherein the converted electrical energy is stored in a power storage unit (106);
wireless charging coils (108), connected to the power storage unit (106), wherein the wireless charging coils (108) are embedded within a road surface, such that the wireless charging coils (108) are adapted to transfer the electrical energy stored in the power storage unit (106) to an electric vehicle travelling on the road surface;
a detection unit (110) adapted to detect a presence of the electric vehicle on the road surface; and
a processing unit (112), communicatively connected to the solar power plant (102) and to the power storage unit (106), characterized in that the processing unit (112) is configured to;
detect the presence of the electric vehicle on the road surface; and
activate the wireless charging coils (108) sequentially upon detection of the presence of the electric vehicle on the road surface.
2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processing unit (112) is configured to receive and compare the level of the electrical energy stored in the power storage unit (106) with a threshold level, and activate the solar power plant (102), when the received level of the electrical energy is less than the threshold level.
3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the power storage unit (106) is selected from a battery, a supercapacitor, or a combination thereof.
4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processing unit (112) is configured to allocate the electrical energy stored in the power storage unit (106) to the electric vehicle in real-time and based on solar energy production.
5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising an inverter (114) adapted to regulate the converted electrical energy prior to storage in the power storage unit (106).
6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a Direct Current (DC) to Direct Current (DC) converter (116) adapted to convert the electrical energy prior to storage in the power storage unit (106).
7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wireless charging coils (108) are mutually inductive copper-based coils.
8. A method (200) for wirelessly charging an electric vehicle using a smart solar road system (100), the method (200) is characterized by steps of:
detecting a presence of the electric vehicle on a road surface; and
activating wireless charging coils (108) upon, detection of the presence of the electric vehicle on the road surface.
9. The method (200) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the wireless charging coils (108) are mutually inductive copper-based coils.
10. The method (200) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the wireless charging coils (108) are embedded within the road surface.
Date: March 7, 2025
Place: Noida

Nainsi Rastogi
Patent Agent (IN/PA-2372)
Agent for the Applicant