Invention Reference Number
Wireless charging of electric vehicles require the ability to control the output current in the power transfer system, but that is often not possible as the availability of signals from the secondary side to the primary side is difficult and not always feasible. This technology is an algorithm that provides output current estimation and control in the primary side of the power transfer system.
Description
This technology provides a method to detect the output current using input/primary side variables, enabling control of the output current and adding robustness to existing contactless power transfer systems. The algorithm allows the output current to be estimated and controlled. It provides accurate estimation over a wide range of load current variations with minimum dependency on system parameters. In a wireless electric vehicle, it is necessary to maintain the field current at a particular value or vary it from one set point to another. While control of the output current can be achieved by using active switches in place of the passive diodes on the secondary or by adding another DC-DC converter at the output of the secondary, that increases cost, gate drive circuitry requirements and has synchronization challenges. It provides an accurate estimation over a wide range of load current variations with minimal dependency on the system parameters. This algorithm is the only accurate output current estimation method.
Benefits
- Senses output current using input/primary side variables
- Gives ability to control output current
- Sensorless – no additional devices or secondary signal required
- Saves space and costs
Applications and Industries
- Electric vehicle industry
- Rotary transformer manufacturers
- Any contactless power transfer system
- Any industry needing to control output current
Contact
To learn more about this technology, email partnerships@ornl.gov or call 865-574-1051.
