NZ609471A - Methods for detecting and identifying a receiver in an inductive power transfer system - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a method for detecting the presence of a receiver (3) in an inductively coupled power transfer system (1). The system (1) includes a transmitter (2) with an inductor (7) for generating an alternating magnetic field, a converter (4) for supplying an alternating current to the inductor (7) and a sensor for measuring the current supplied to the converter (4). The converter (4) is switched on at a first frequency and the amplitude of the current is measured during the inrush period. It is then determined whether the amplitude indicates that there is a receiver (3).

Description

Our Ref: PBP075NZ Patents Form No. 5 PATENTS ACT 1953 Complete After Provisional No. 599740 filed 2 May 2012 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION METHODS FOR DETECTING AND IDENTIFYING A RECEIVER IN AN INDUCTIVE POWER TRANSFER SYSTEM We, PowerbyProxi Limited, a New Zealand company of Level 2, 152 we , Auckland, New Zealand, do hereby declare the invention for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: METHODS FOR DETECTING AND IDENTIFYING A RECEIVER IN AN INDUCTIVE POWER TRANSFER SYSTEM FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention is in the field of inductive power transfer (IPT) system.

More particularly, the invention relates to methods for detecting the of a receiver, and or identifying a receiver, to be utilised in such s.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION lPT systems are a well known area of established technology (for example, wireless charging of ic toothbrushes) and developing technology (for example, wireless charging of ld devices on a Icharging mat’).

Typically, a primary side or itter generates a time-varying magnetic field with a transmitting coil or coils. This ic field induces an alternating current in a suitable receiving coil that can then be used to charge a battery, or power a device or other load. In some instances, the transmitter coils or the receiver coils may be connected with capacitors to create a resonant circuit, which can increase power throughput and efficiency at the corresponding nt frequency.

A common problem with lPT systems is controlling when the transmitter should be powered and when the transmitter should be switched off. A further problem arises when a non-receiver is brought into the range of the transmitter, and an unwanted current (and therefore heat) is d therein.

These non-receivers are typically known as parasitic loads. Lastly, it may be possible to detect the presence of a receiver, but it may also be necessary to identify the er as being compatible with the particular transmitter. 3O Attempting to transfer power to non-compatible receivers may result in inefficient power er (thus, undesired energy loss), or transmitter and/or receiver e.

An obvious solution to the problems outlined above is to include a manually operated power switch with the transmitter. Though this provides a means for lling when the transmitter should be powered, it undermines the convenience that is a goal of many IPT systems. It also es a user to ly switch off the transmitter when the receiver is removed and does not accommodate any parasitic loads that may be introduced into the vicinity of the transmitter without the user’s knowledge.

Automatic systems for the detection and identification of receivers have been described in the prior art. For example: 0 Systems that rely on contact-based ction between the transmitter and receiver; 0 Systems that rely on communication signals sent between the transmitter and receiver; and 0 Systems that use non-radioproximity sensors (eg light sensors) to detect the physical presence of receivers.

All of these approaches rely on additional componentry to implement the detection method. This adds complexity and cost to the design of IPT systems. s more importantly, they tend to add bulk, which frustrates attempts to incorporate IPT systems into smaller devices such as mobile phones, personal computers and the like.

To lessen these effects, it is known for IPT systems to utilise the power er componentry for detection and identification as well (ie multi- purpose).

The drawbacks of these approaches are: 0 The power transfer may need to be reduced or tely interrupted in order to carry out a detection method; 0 Where steady—state t is used an indicator of a receiver, ed receivers may erroneously give a false result; 0 May be sensitive to component variations and noise; and 0 May be unable to identify whether a detected receiver is compatible. 1O It is an object of the invention to provide methods for detecting or identifying a receiver that do not require extensive additional componentry to that required for inductive power, that produce accurate results not sensitive to noise, that limit the time during which power is not being transferred, that can positively identify a receiver or to at least e the public with a useful choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The scope of the invention is as set out in the accompanying claims at the end of this specification.

It is ledged that the terms ”comprise”, ”comprises” and ”comprising” may, under varying jurisdictions, be attributed with either an exclusive or an inclusive meaning. For the purpose of this specification, and unless ise noted, these terms are intended to have an inclusive meaning — i.e. they will be taken to mean an inclusion of the listed components which the use directly references, and possibly also of other non—specified components or elements.

Reference to any prior art in this ication does not constitute an admission that such prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE GS The anying drawings which are incorporated in and constitute part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the general description of the invention given above, and the detailed ption of embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of 1O the invention.

Figure 1 shows a block diagram of an IPT system; and Figures 2a to 5 show sample data sets.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION Embodiments of the t invention relate to methods for detecting or identifying a er in an inductive power transfer (IPT) system. Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a general representation of an IPT system 1. The IPT system includes a transmitter 2 and a receiver 3. The transmitter includes a converter 4 that is connected to an appropriate power supply 5. In figure 1 this is shown as a converter that is connected to a DC—DC converter 6 that is in turn connected to the mains power supply. The converter may be a non- resonant half bridge converter or any other converter adapted for the ular IPT system, such as a push-pull converter. The converter is configured to output an alternating current of desired frequency and ude. The voltage of the output of the converter may also be regulated by the converter, the DC—DC converter or combination of both.

The converter 4 is connected to transmitting inductor(s) 7. The converter supplies the transmitting inductor(s) with an alternating current such that the transmitting inductor(s) te a time-varying magnetic field with a suitable frequency and th. In some configurations, the transmitting inductors can also be considered to be an integral part of the ter, but for the sake of clarity this description will refer to them as distinct.

The transmitting inductor(s) 7 may be a suitable configuration of coils, ing on the characteristics of the magnetic field that are required in a particular application and the particular geometry of the transmitter. In some IPT systems, the transmitting inductors may be connected to capacitors (not shown) to create a resonant t.

Figure 1 also shows a controller 8 within the transmitter 2. The controller can be connected to each part of the transmitter. The controller is adapted to receive inputs from each part of the transmitter and produce outputs that control the way each part of the transmitter operates. The controller may include a memory 9. The controller is preferably a programmable logic ller that is programmed to perform different computational tasks depending on the ements of the IPT system.

In addition to the features of a general lPT system 1 outlined above, Figure 1 also shows a entation of a sensor 10. Such a sensor is adapted for sensing a particular operating characteristic of the transmitter 2 and may be connected to other parts of the transmitter accordingly. In Figure 1, it is shown connected to the junction between the DC—DC converter 6 and the converter 4, which is appropriate for measuring the current being supplied to the converter. Of , other sensors may be required and the invention is not limited in this respect.

In some embodiments of the invention described in more detail below, the sensor 10 is adapted to measure current. Those skilled in the art will iate that there are many possible types of sensors that are d for measuring current, and the ion is not limited in this t. One example is a current sense resistor. It will be understood that an riate current sensor will be used that is able to measure the desired current characteristic dependent upon the required functionality. This will be discussed in more detail later.

Figure 1 also shows a receiver 3. The receiver includes receiving inductor(s) 11 that are suitably connected to receiver try 12 that in turn supplies power to a load 13. The load may be a battery. The receiver circuitry is adapted to convert the induced current into a form that is appropriate for the load. In some IPT systems, the receiving inductors may be connected to capacitors (not shown) to create a resonant circuit.

There will now be described five embodiments of methods for detecting and or identifying receivers in an IPT system, or for detecting conducting non- receivers. Though these methods will be described in on to the IPT system 1 described in relation to Figure 1, it will be understood that the methods may be adapted to work with any number of appropriate IPT system urations, and similarly IPT systems may be adapted to work with these methods, and the invention is not limited in this respect.

INRUSH CURRENT DETECTION METHOD According to one embodiment of the invention, the inrush current detection method begins with the itter in a standby mode. In this mode, the transmitter is controlled to draw minimum power. Periodically the transmitter switches from the standby mode to a detection mode to detect whether receivers have come into the transmitting range of the transmitter. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the transmitter is configured to arily switch into the detection mode every 2 seconds. atively, the itter may already be in a detection mode if the inrush current detection method was preceded by r detection method.

Upon switching into a detection mode, the controller controls the converter so that it es the inductor with an initial high frequency ating voltage. Where the IPT system has resonant networks, the frequency should be sonant. Such a current eliminates any residual DC biases that be present in capacitors in the IPT system. Eliminating such biases improves the reliability of the subsequent steps of the method. Other methods may be used for eliminating DC biases in the system such as a voltage divider or a replacing the half bridge inverter with a full bridge inverter. In a preferred embodiment, the high frequency current is ed for a sufficient time interval until a steady state has been d. In one embodiment of the invention, this time period is of the order of ~10 ms.

In the next step, the controller controls the converter so that it supplies the inductor with an alternating current at a test frequency. In a preferred embodiment, this is a frequency that a receiver will have the strongest inrush.

This frequency may be at or about the frequency at which the transmitter is configured to transmit power. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that this frequency is dependent on the circuit components used in the transmitter.

For typical IPT systems, this can be from ~100 kHz — ~1MHz. In a preferred embodiment, the test frequency is, or near to, ~ 150 kHz.

Upon supplying the current at the test frequency, there will be an inrush period during which transient currents will flow through circuit components in the itter and any receiver that may be present. The existence of transient currents is a well-known phenomenon in circuits. However normally transient currents are ignored until the system s a steady state. sely, these transient ts form the basis of the inrush current detection method.

A sensor is configured for measuring the current ed to the converter. As shown in Figure 1, the sensor 10 may be connected at the junction between the converter 4 and the DC-DC converter 6. During the inrush period, the sensor measures the amplitude of the current being supplied to the converter.

In one embodiment, the sensor measures the peak amplitude during the inrush period. In one embodiment, the sensor may include a peak ude ion circuit for this purpose. The controller may be configured to provide the inrush period as an input into the sensor. in an alternative embodiment, the sensor may measure the current amplitude continuously during the inrush period, with the measurements being provided as inputs into the controller, which is configured to determine the peak amplitude from this data.

The peak amplitude of the current is then provided to the controller. The controller is configured to determine whether the peak amplitude exceeds a threshold. If there is no receiver present, then the peak current will be that due to the transient current in the circuit components in the transmitter only.

However, if there is a receiver present, then the peak current will typically be higher due to the transient currents in the receiver. Therefore, it is preferable that the threshold is selected so that it is higher than any peak currents that may be due to transmitter ents only. ably, this is achieved by calibrating the controller having regard to the ular uration of the transmitter. It is possible that non-receivers may also affect the magnitude of the peak current measured during the inrush period. ore, it may also be necessary to select the threshold so that it is high enough to exclude non- receivers, whilst still being low enough to ensure that transient currents in receivers cause the measured peak ude to exceed the threshold.

In one embodiment of the invention, the sensor may measure multiple peak currents during the inrush period. The sensor and or controller may be configured to ard peaks that are characteristic of the transmitter. Again, this may be done through calibration of the sensor and or controller in light of the configuration of the transmitter.

If the measured peak current s the threshold, then there is a likelihood that a receiver may be in the range of the transmitter, and thus the controller may then: 0 control the transmitter so that power is transferred to the receiver; 0 control the transmitter according to further detection methods to further verify the ce of a receiver; or 0 control the transmitter according to further fication methods to identify the compatibility of a receiver with the transmitter.

If the measured peak current falls below the threshold, then there is a likelihood that a receiver may not be in the range of the transmitter, and thus the controller may then: 0 control the transmitter according to further detection methods to detect the presence of a receiver; 0 return the transmitter to the previously described y mode; or 0 switch the transmitter off.

FRE UENCY SWEEP ION METHOD According to one embodiment of the ion, the frequency sweep detection method begins with the transmitter in a standby mode as described above under the inrush current detection method. Alternatively, the transmitter may y be in a detection mode if the frequency sweep detection method was preceded by another ion method.

Upon switching into a detection mode, the itter is controlled according to the inrush current detection method described above, up until the step when the peak ude of the current has been provided to the ller. Then, instead of determining whether the peak amplitude exceeds a threshold, the controller stores the peak amplitude in memory as well as the value of the test frequency.

Then, the transmitter is again controlled according to the inrush current detection method described above, up until the peak amplitude of the current has been provided to controller, however this time at a second test frequency. The controller stores the peak amplitude in memory as well as the value of the second test frequency.

The above step is ed for a plurality of test frequencies over a range of frequencies. This results in the memory having a record of peak amplitude currents measured during the inrush period for a range of frequencies. In a preferred embodiment, the range of frequencies is selected so as to be generally centred about the frequency that a receiver will have the strongest inrush. This frequency may be at or about which the frequency at which the transmitter is configured to transmit power.

The controller then analyses the record to determine whether there is a maximum in the relationship between the peak amplitudes of the currents and test frequencies. The controller determines whether there is a maximum by any suitable method of function analysis.

Figures 2a and 2b show two example sets of data. In the first data set in Figure 2a, it can be seen that there is slight variation, but there is no discernible maximum. Conversely, the second data set in Figure 2b shows a discernible maximum 14. The controller may be configured to determine that there is a maximum only if it is sufficiently large in the context of the data set as a whole, such as that rated by the second data set in Figure 2b (ie not necessarily a maximum in the strict atical sense).

The controller then determines parameters associated with the m.

This can include determining the width of the maximum (such as the full— width half—maximum metric), the height of the maximum and the frequency at which the maximum occurs. Again, those skilled in the art will appreciate that any suitable method of function analysis can be adapted and used by the controller for this purpose. The controller may smooth or average results to improve the reliability of the analysis. Referring to Figure 3, there is shown another data set that exhibits a maximum 15. In this ce, the m has a width of 32 kHz, a height of 2.0, and occurs at 120 kHz.

In one embodiment, the is of the maximum may e the following: o Subtract the baseline data from the measured data, so that any result is as compared to a baseline; 0 Smooth and filter noise by conducting moving average of width three (or similar) on the data points; 0 Locate the edges of the maximum by finding where the slope s polarity; 0 Locate the top of the maximum by finding the largest value n the edges of the maximum; 0 Measure the height at the edges of the maximum; 0 Maximum width may be defined as the width between the maximum’s edges; and 0 Maximum height may be defined as the vertical distance from the height at the higher of the maximum edges to the height at the top of the peak. 1O If a receiver is present, then a maximum will result that exhibits some or all of these characteristics. For example, a resonant receiver will cause a maximum to occur at the resonant frequency of the er, since more transient current will flow when the transmitter is coupled with a receiver that is resonating. Further the frequency at which the maximum occurs may identify the type of receiver. For example, the receiver that causes the maximum in Figure 3 to be produced is configured to be resonant at 120 kHz. Since the nt frequency of a receiver can be unique to a type of receiver, the controller may be able to identify whether the receiver is compatible with the itter. In other words, the m can be a resonance 'signature’. Thus, it will be understood that the frequency sweep detection method may be a method for detecting a receiver, but may also be for identifying a receiver.

The controller includes predetermined parameters against which it compares the ters of the maximum. For example, the ermined parameters may provide that the maximum must have or exceed a certain width and or a n height, and or must occur at a certain frequency, frequencies or within a frequency range.

If the controller determines that the parameters of the maximum y the predetermined parameters, then there is a likelihood that a receiver (detected) or ible receiver (identified) may be in the range of the transmitter, or that a previously detected receiver may be compatible with the transmitter. Thus the controller may then: 0 control the transmitter so that power is transferred to the receiver; 0 l the transmitter according to further detection methods to further verify the presence of a receiver; or 0 control the itter according to further identification methods to 1O further identify the ibility of a receiver with the transmitter.

If the controller determines that the ters of maximum do not satisfy the predetermined parameters or determines that there is no maximum, then there is a likelihood that a receiver may not be in the range of the transmitter or that a receiver may not be ible with the transmitter. Thus, the controller may then: 0 control the transmitter ing to further detection methods to detect the ce of a receiver; 0 return the transmitter to the previously described standby mode; or 0 switch the transmitter off.

INRUSH CURRENT REMOVAL DETECTION METHOD According to one embodiment of the invention, the inrush current removal detection method begins with the transmitter in a power mode. In one embodiment, the transmitter has already detected the presence of a receiver and has commenced transferring power to the receiver. In the power mode, the transmitter is controlled to transfer power to a receiver. The converter and DC—DC converter will be controlled to supply an ating current to the inductor at an operating frequency and an operating voltage.

Periodically the transmitter switches from the power mode to a power- detection mode (ie a mode for detecting receivers or tic loads whilst transferring power) to detect whether the receiver has been removed from the range of the itter. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the transmitter is configured to temporarily switch into the power-detection mode every 2 s.

Upon switching into a power-detection mode, the controller controls the converter or DC—DC converter so that the inductor is supplied with a slightly lower voltage. The lower e should not be so small as to affect the rated power transfer from the transmitter to the receiver. In one embodiment, the smaller voltage is less than 4% smaller than the operating voltage. The system is then allowed to reach a steady state under the smaller e.

Next, the controller controls the converter or DC—DC converter so that the inductor is supplied with a higher voltage. The higher voltage should not be so high as to affect the rated power transfer from the itter to the receiver. In one embodiment, the higher voltage is less than 4% higher than the operating e. The higher voltage may be the operating voltage.

Increasing the voltage in this way will result in an inrush period, and transient currents will flow in circuit components present in the system. The transmitter measures the peak amplitude of the t being supplied to the converter as per the inrush current detection method, described above. The controller also determines whether the peak amplitude of the current exceeds a threshold according to the inrush current detection method, bed 3O above Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the thresholds, time periods and characteristic peaks described in on to the inrush t detection method may need to be modified to account for the fact the inrush current removal detection method is undertaken during power transfer.

If the measured peak current s the threshold, then there is a likelihood that a receiver may still be in the range of the transmitter, and thus the controller may then: 0 control the transmitter so that power is transferred to the receiver, which may include returning the voltage of the transmitter to the operating voltage.

If the measured peak current falls below the threshold, then there is a likelihood that a receiver may no longer be in the range of the transmitter, and thus the controller may then: 0 control the itter according to further detection methods to confirm the e of the receiver; 0 return the transmitter to the previously described standby mode; or 0 switch the transmitter off.

In another embodiment of the inrush t removal detection , rather than initially decrease the voltage to a smaller voltage, the voltage can be increased to a higher voltage, and the inrush current measured at this stage. In this embodiment, the higher voltage should not be so high as to affect the power transfer from the transmitter to the receiver. In one embodiment, the higher voltage is less than 4% higher than the operating voltage.

In another embodiment of the inrush current l detection method, rather than initially decrease the voltage to a smaller voltage, the voltage is decreased to zero for a first test period and then returned to the operating voltage. Upon increasing the voltage back to the operating voltage the inrush current measured is measured according to the above description.

The first test period is short enough such that switching the voltage to zero does not affect power transfer from the itter to the receiver, particularly where the receiver is under load. In one embodiment of the invention the first test period is ~10 us. Such a short test period may not allow the DC voltages in the er to decay sufficiently to measure a resultant ent 1O current. 50 the test is repeated over a series of increasing test periods up until a second test period, when there are resultant transient currents that are able to be measured. atively, if no transient currents are detected at the second test period then it is determined that no receiver is present. Gradually increasing the test period in this way, allows the inrush period to be observed for the shortest ’off-time’ (ie zero voltage) necessary, and thus where the receiver is under load, power transfer will not be interrupted.

FREQUENCY VARY DETECTION METHOD.

According to one embodiment of the ion, the frequency vary detection method begins with the transmitter in a power mode. In one embodiment, the transmitter has already detected the presence of a resonant receiver and has ced transferring power to the resonant receiver. In the power mode, the transmitter is controlled to transfer power to a resonant receiver.

The ter and DC—DC converter will be controlled to supply an ating current to the inductor at an operating voltage and an operating frequency, wherein the operating frequency is controlled to match the resonance of the receiver. ically the transmitter switches from the power mode to a power- detection mode to detect whether a conducting non-receiver (ie a parasitic load has been uced into the range of the itter. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the transmitter is configured to temporarily switch into the power—detection mode every 2 seconds.

Upon switching into a power—detection mode, the sensor measures the average steady state current being supplied to the converter. The controller stores this current value in memory as well as the value of the frequency.

The ller then adjusts the frequency to a test frequency. The test frequency should be sufficient close to the operating frequency as to not allow the receiver to fall out of resonance, and thus not affect the rated power transfer from the transmitter to the receiver. In one embodiment, the test frequency is less than 4% different from the operating frequency.

The system is then allowed to reach a steady state under the new frequency.

The sensor measures the average steady state t being supplied to the converter. The controller stores this current value in memory as well as the value of the test frequency.

The above step is repeated for a plurality of test frequencies over a range of frequencies. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that this then results in the memory having a record of currents ed over a range of frequencies. In a preferred embodiment, the range of frequencies is selected so as to be lly centred about the ing frequency of the transmitter.

The controller then analyses the record to determine the relationship between the steady state current and test frequencies. The controller determines the relationship by any suitable method of function analysis. The controller may be configured to smooth or average the data to improve the quality of the analysis. In a preferred embodiment, the controller performs linear regression analysis of the data to determine the proportionality constant. Figure 4 shows two example sets of data with current on the vertical axis and ncy on the horizontal axis. In the first data set, it can be seen that there is slight variation, but lly the slope of the data is close to zero, ie the proportionality constant is, or is near, zero. Conversely, the second data set shows a much more negative slope ie the tionality constant is more negative.

If a receiver is present, then the receiver will behave as a constant power load, and thus slight variations in driving frequency will not affect the amount of power being drawn. ore, the current being drawn by the converter will not vary significantly. Conversely, a conducting non-receiver (such as a piece of metal) will behave as a constant resistance load, and thus for a transmitter coil being driving at a constant voltage, slight increases in driving ncy will se the amount of power being drawn.

Therefore, the current flowing into the converter will also decrease.

It will be appreciated that the proportionality constant described above can thus be used as an indicator as to the presence of a conducting non—receiver.

The controller may be calibrated so that only a proportionality constant with a value less than a certain threshold (ie being ’sufficiently negative') is regarded as being indicative as to the presence of a ting non-receiver.

If the controller determines that the proportionality constant is not sufficiently negative, then there is a likelihood that a conducting non-receiver may not be in the range of the transmitter, and thus the ller may then: 0 control the transmitter so that power is erred to the receiver.

If the controller determines that the proportionality constant is sufficiently negative, then there is a likelihood that a conducting non-receiver (ie a parasitic load) may be in the range of the transmitter, and thus the controller may then: 0 control the transmitter according to r detection methods to confirm the presence of a conducting non-receiver; 0 return the transmitter to the previously described standby mode; or 0 switch the transmitter off.

VOLTAGE VARY DETECTION METHOD According to one embodiment of the invention, the voltage vary detection method begins with the transmitter in a power mode. In one embodiment, the itter has already detected the presence of a receiver and has commenced transferring power to the receiver. In the power mode, the transmitter is controlled to transfer power to a receiver. The DC—AC converter and DC-DC converter will be controlled to supply an alternating t to the inductor at an operating voltage and an operating frequency.

Periodically the itter switches from the power mode to a power- detection mode to detect whether a conducting non-receiver (ie a parasitic load has been introduced into the range of the transmitter. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the transmitter is configured to temporarily switch into the power—detection mode every 2 seconds.

Upon ing into a power—detection mode, the sensor measures the average steady state current being ed to the converter. The controller stores this t value in memory as well as the value of the operating voltage.

The controller then adjusts the voltage to a test voltage. In one embodiment, this is achieved through control of the DC—DC converter. In another embodiment, the converter may be driven at a ent duty cycle to change the drive voltage. The test voltage should be sufficient close to the operating voltage as to not affect the rated power transfer from the transmitter to the er. In one embodiment, the test voltage is less than 4% different from the operating voltage.

The system is then allowed to reach a steady state under the new voltage.

The sensor measures the average steady state current being supplied to the converter. The controller stores this current value in memory as well as the value of the test voltage.

The above step is ed for a plurality of test voltages over a range of voltages. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that this then results in the memory having a record of currents measured over a range of voltages. In a preferred embodiment, the range of voltages is selected so as to be lly centred about the operating voltage of the transmitter. 2O The ller then analyses the record to determine the relationship n the steady state current and test voltage. The controller determines the relationship by any suitable method of function analysis. The controller may be configured to smooth or average the data to improve the quality of the analysis. In a preferred embodiment, the controller performs linear regression analysis of the data to determine the proportionality constant.

Figure 5 shows two example sets of data with current on the vertical axis and voltage on the horizontal axis. In the first data set, it can be seen that there is a ve slope, ie the tionality constant is positive. Conversely, the second data set shows a negative slope ie the proportionality nt is negative.

If a er is present, then the er will behave as a constant power load, and thus slight increases in driving voltage will not affect the amount of power being drawn. Therefore, the current being drawn by the ter will decrease as applied voltage increases. (cf P = VI). Conversely, a conducting non-receiver (such as a piece of metal) will behave as a nt resistance load, and thus slight increases in driving voltage will increases the amount of power being drawn. Therefore, the current flowing into the converter will also increase (cf | = V/R).

It will be appreciated that the proportionality constant bed above can thus be used as an indicator as to the presence of a conducting non-receiver.

The controller may be calibrated so that only a proportionality constant with a value above a certain threshold (ie being ’sufficiently positively’) is regarded as being indicative as to the presence of a conducting non—receiver.

If the controller determines that the proportionality constant is not sufficiently positive, then there is a likelihood that a conducting non-receiver may not be in the range of the transmitter, and thus the controller may then: 0 control the transmitter so that power is transferred to the receiver.

If the controller determines that the proportionality constant is sufficiently positive, then there is a likelihood that a conducting non-receiver (ie a parasitic load) may be in the range of the transmitter, and thus the controller may then: 0 control the itter according to further detection methods to confirm the presence of a conducting non-receiver; 0 return the itter to the previously described y mode; or 0 switch the transmitter off.

While the present invention has been illustrated by the description of the embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in detail, it is not the intention of the Applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its r s is not limited to the specific s, entative apparatus and method, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departure from the spirit or scope of the Applicant’s general inventive concept

Claims (1)

1. CLAIMS 1.: A method for detecting the presence of a receiver in an inductively coupled power transfer system, the system including a transmitter comprising: a. an inductor for generating an alternating magnetic field; b. a converter for supplying an alternating t to the inductor; c. a sensor for measuring the current supplied to the converter, including the steps of: 10 i. switching on the converter at a first frequency; ii. measuring the amplitude of the current supplied to the converter during the inrush period; and iii. determining whether the amplitude indicates that there is a receiver. 15 The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inductor is a coil. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the converter is connected to a controller. The method as d in claim 3, wherein the controller controls the converter to supply an ating t of a desired frequency. 20 The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the converter is a non- resonant half bridge converter. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the method includes the step of lly controlling the ter to supply an alternating current, with a non-resonant frequency, higher than the first ncy, 25 so as to remove biases in capacitors present in the inductively coupled power transfer system. The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the non—resonant frequency is between 1 and 10 MHz. The method as claimed in claim 1, n the first frequency is between 100 and 1,000 kHz. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensor measures one or more peak amplitudes during the inrush period. 10. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensor is connected to a controller. 11. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the controller determines 1O whether there is a ial receiver present if the magnitude of one of the peak amplitudes exceeds a magnitude old. 12. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the controller is configured to disregard peak udes that are characteristic of the transient currents in the transmitter. 15 13. The method as d in claim 1, wherein the method includes proceeding with the further step, on the basis of the result of step (iii) of claim 1, of one or more of: i. controlling the converter so that power is transmitted to the receiver; 20 ii. conducting further tests to verify the presence of a receiver; iii. conducting further tests to identify whether the receiver is a receiver that is compatible with the inductively coupled power transfer system, iv. switching the transmitter to a standby mode; or 25 v. ing the transmitter off. 14. A method for ing a receiver in an inductively coupled power transfer system, the system comprising: a. an inductor for generating an alternating magnetic field; b. a converter for supplying an alternating current to the inductor; and c. a sensor for ing the current supplied to the converter, including the steps of: i. switching on the converter at a plurality of frequencies within a frequency range; ii. measuring a peak amplitude of the current supplied to the converter 1D during the inrush period for each frequency within the frequency range; iii. ing the measured peak amplitudes over the frequency range to establish whether there is a maximum; and iv. detecting a receiver on the basis of the maximum satisfying a predetermined parameter. 15 15. The method as claimed in claim 14, n the inductor is a coil. 16. The method as d in claim 14, n the converter is connected to a controller. 17. The method as claimed in claim 16, wherein the controller controls the converter to supply an alternating current of a desired frequency to the 20 or. 18. The method as d in claim 14, wherein the converter is a non- resonant half bridge converter. 19. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the method includes the step of, before switching the converter on to each of the plurality of 25 frequencies, controlling the converter to supply an alternating current, with a non-resonant frequency, higher than the frequency range, so as to remove biases in capacitors present in the inductively coupled power transfer system. 20. The method as claimed in claim 19, wherein the non-resonant frequency is between 1 and 10 MHz. 21. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the sensor measures one or more peak amplitudes during the inrush period for each of the plurality of frequencies. 22. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the sensor is connected to a controller. 10 23. The method as claimed in claim 22, wherein the controller is configured to disregard peak amplitudes that are characteristic of the transient currents in the transmitter. 24. The method as claimed in claim 22, wherein the ed peak amplitudes are analysed by the controller. 15 25. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the frequency range is 100 to 1,000kHz. 26. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the method es the step of determining properties of any maxima, ing the width of the maximum, the magnitude of the peak of the m and the 20 frequency at which the maximum . 27. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the ermined parameter is the frequency at which the maximum occurs 28. The method as claimed in claim 27, a receiver is identified if the frequency at which the maximum occurs is about 140 kHz. 29. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the predetermined parameter is the width of the m. 30. The method as claimed in claim 29, the width of the maximum occurs is more than 50 kHz. 31. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the predetermined parameter is the magnitude of the peak of the maximum. 32. The method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the method includes proceeding with the further step, on the basis of the result of step (iv) of claim 14, of one or more of: 1D i. controlling the converter so that power is transmitted to the receiver; ii. ting further tests to verify the ce of a receiver; iii. conducting further tests to identify whether the receiver is a receiver that is compatible with the inductively coupled power transfer 15 system, iv. ing the transmitter to a y mode; or v. switching the transmitter off. 33. A method for detecting the absence of a receiver in an inductively coupled power transfer system, the system ing a transmitter 20 comprising: a. an inductor for generating an alternating magnetic field; b. a converter for supplying an alternating current to the inductor; c. a sensor for measuring the current supplied to the converter, 25 including the steps of: i. controlling the transmitter to transmit power at a first voltage; ii. increasing the voltage to a second voltage; iii. measuring the ude of the current supplied to the converter during the inrush period; and iv. determining whether the amplitude tes that there is a receiver. 34. The method as claimed in claim 33, wherein the inductor is a coil. 35. The method as claimed in claim 33, wherein the converter is connected to a controller. 36. The method as claimed in claim 35, wherein the controller controls the converter to supply an alternating current of a desired voltage. 10 37. The method as claimed in claim 33, wherein the converter is a push- pull converter. 38. The method as claimed in claim 33, wherein the first e is between 20 and 30 volts. 39. The method as Claimed in claim 33, wherein the second voltage is less 15 than 4% larger than the first voltage. 40. The method as d in claim 33, wherein the method includes the step of decreasing the voltage to a third voltage before increasing the voltage to the second voltage. 41. The method as claimed in claim 40, n the third voltage is less 20 than 4% smaller than the first e. 42. The method as claimed in claim 40, wherein the second voltage is larger than the third voltage and smaller than 4% larger than the first voltage. 43. The method as claimed in claim 33, n the sensor measures one or more peak amplitudes during the inrush period. 44. The method as claimed in claim 33, wherein the sensor is connected to a controller. 45. The method as claimed in claim 44, wherein the controller determines whether there is a ial receiver present if the magnitude of one of the peak amplitudes exceeds a magnitude threshold. 46. The method as claimed in claim 44, wherein the controller is configured to disregard peak amplitudes that are characteristic of the 1O transient currents in the transmitter. 47. The method as d in claim 33, wherein the method includes proceeding with the further step, on the basis of the result of step (iv) of claim 33, of one or more of: i. continuing to control the converter so that power is transmitted to 15 the receiver; ii. conducting further tests to verify the presence of a receiver; iii. conducting further tests to identify whether the receiver is a er that is compatible with the inductively coupled power transfer system, 20 iv. switching the itter to a y mode; or v. switching the transmitter off. 48. The method as claimed in claim 40, wherein the third voltage is zero, and the voltage of the converter is maintained at the third e for a test period and then increased to the second voltage, and wherein the 25 steps of claim 33 are repeated for a plurality of test periods that increase in length, ranging from a first test period to a second test period. 49. The method as claimed in claim 48, wherein the first test period is sufficiently short so as to have negligible effect on power transfer when the voltage of the converter is at the first voltage or the second voltage. 50. The method as claimed in claim 48, wherein the second test period is sufficiently long so that a le inrush current is observed during step (iii) of claim 33.