Base distribution network for dynamic wireless charging

摘要

Dynamic systems may require a large number of coils (charging pads) which may be installed into the roadway to wirelessly provide power to electric vehicles as they are traveling along the roadway. The current in each of these coils may need to be turned on and off as a vehicle drives over the coils in order to efficiently utilize power and properly convey power to the passing vehicles. The supply network behind these coils may need to be capable of managing the individual coils with minimal infrastructure and cost as well as be capable of distributing the required power from the power grid to these pads efficiently and safely. The supply network may include charging coils, switches, local controllers, and distribution circuitry within a modular element, which may receive power from external sources and may be controlled by a central controller.

主权项

1. A device for distributing power, the device comprising:
a first plurality of charging coils configured to provide wireless power; a first plurality of switches, each switch of the first plurality of switches paired with one charging coil of the first plurality of charging coils and each switch configured to selectively control power to its respective charging coil; a second plurality of charging coils configured to provide wireless power; a second plurality of switches, each switch of the second plurality of switches paired with one charging coil of the second plurality of charging coils and each switch configured to selectively control power to its respective charging coil; a first control unit configured to control the first plurality of switches; and a second control unit configured to control the second plurality of switches, the first and second pluralities of charging coils being interleaved, the first and second control units being further configured to power only one charging coil from each of the first and second pluralities of charging coils, respectively, at a time such that adjacent charging coils are powered from different control units based on one or more control signals from each control unit, and the first plurality of switches being configured to couple the first plurality of charging coils to the control unit and the second plurality of switches being configured to couple the second plurality of charging coils to the control unit.