DE102010021866A1 - Device i.e. storage device, for contactless energy transmission during storing motor car on shelves at different heights, has primary conductor portions provided with current whose frequency equals to frequency of electromagnetic wave - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has primary conductor portions (21) arranged within a space and inductively coupled to a consumer i.e. vehicle (1), via a secondary winding (20). The primary conductor portions are provided with alternating current (AC). The current of the respective primary conductor portions is mutually phase-shifted with the largest expansion in length, which is smaller than the wavelength i.e. less than half or less than a quarter of the wavelength such that the frequency of an electromagnetic wave propagating in the vicinity of the device equals to the frequency of the AC. An independent claim is also included for a method for operating a storage device.

Description

The invention relates to a device for contactless energy transmission and a method for operating.

It is known to store in shelf storage an object in different heights shelves or get out of these.

The invention is therefore based on the object, a storage device and method for operating a storage device further, the reliability should be increased.

According to the invention the object is achieved in the device according to the features specified in claim 1 and in the method of operation according to the features indicated in claim 9.

Important features of the device are that it is intended for non-contact energy transfer,
wherein primary conductor sections are arranged within a spatial area,
wherein at least one consumer can be supplied with power from at least one of the primary conductor sections by means of a secondary winding arranged on it,
wherein in the primary conductor sections in each case an alternating current is impressed,
wherein the alternating currents of the respective primary conductor sections are phase-shifted relative to one another,
wherein the maximum extent, in particular length, of the spatial area is smaller than the wavelength, in particular smaller than half or smaller than a quarter of the wavelength of an electromagnetic wave propagating in the vicinity of the device, in particular in air, whose frequency is the frequency of the alternating current is equal.

The advantage here is that the electromagnetic radiation in the far field is reduced by means of destructive interference of the radiated from the individual primary conductor sections electromagnetic waves. Because of the current-source-like behavior of the primary conductor sections, in particular thus the impressed current, which essentially provides a current as a current source, current flows permanently in the primary conductor sections. This leads to a respective emission of electromagnetic waves. In the far field they overlap. The idea of the invention consists in supplying the primary conductor sections, which are arranged in a narrow spatial region, out of phase and thus reducing the radiation intensity in the far field.

Primary conductor sections are to be understood essentially those sections of the primary conductor which offer the possibility of inductive coupling of the secondary winding of the consumer, which, for example, is comprised of a movable object such as a vehicle. For this purpose, the primary conductor is arranged, for example, as an elongated cable, along which the object is movable and the secondary winding can be inductively coupled. The line for supplying current to the primary conductor section and the line for carrying current away from the primary conductor section can be laid, for example, very closely parallel or twisted together in the system. Thus, substantially no electromagnetic radiation is transmitted from these two lines.

The effective radiation range, ie the primary conductor section is preferably smaller than a wavelength or smaller than half or less than a quarter of the wavelength. The above-mentioned guides may also be longer if they are laid in the above-mentioned manner closely parallel or twisted.

Thus, the radiation from the respective primary conductor sections essentially takes place only in the spatial region and then disappears in the far field, since the phase-shifted waves are phase-displaced such that destructive interference occurs.

In an advantageous embodiment, the phase shift between the alternating currents of two primary conductor sections corresponds to the integer multiple of 360 ° / n, where n is the number of primary conductor sections in which the phase-shifted alternating currents are impressed. The advantage here is that in the ideal case in the far field, the radiation even completely disappears.

In an advantageous embodiment, the primary conductor sections are supplied from an inverter with a plurality of half bridges, all half bridges are supplied from a unipolar voltage source and each having a series connection of at least two semiconductor switches whose connection node is electrically connected to the respective primary conductor section. The advantage here is that the alternating currents can be generated in a simple manner. For this purpose, in particular a pulse-width-modulated operation of the semiconductor switch is easily executable, and thus a temporally sinusoidal potential profile can be produced at the connection node.

In an advantageous embodiment, a mains-fed rectifier on the output side forms the unipolar voltage source, wherein a capacitance, in particular a smoothing capacitor, is arranged at the voltage source. The advantage here is that the DC voltage can be generated in a simple manner, in particular as a DC link voltage.

In an advantageous embodiment, the frequency is between 10 and 500 kHz. The advantage here is that a large wavelength is selectable, so that even in large systems with an extension of, for example, 1000 meters in the far field, the radiation is prevented.

In an advantageous embodiment, the device is designed as a storage device, in particular paternoster storage system or shelf storage, for the storage of objects,
each object being positioned on a transport plate and being able to be supplied with energy during the bearing, in particular from a means for supplying energy,
wherein each transport plate is movably arranged in the storage device, in particular by an electric drive movable. The advantage here is that each object on the transport plate is einlagerbar and this is then movable in the storage device and can be stored. Thus, the object, in particular vehicle, does not have to move itself and it allows high numbers of objects in a small space area.

Under transport plate is understood to mean a means for receiving the object, so that therefore the transport plate is not necessarily as a plate but optionally also as zusammengeschweißtes linkage or as another component executable.

Another important advantage of the invention is that the object energy can be supplied during storage. Thus, not only the storage, especially parking, but also the supply of energy with the storage device is possible.

In an advantageous embodiment, the object comprises an energy store, in particular wherein the object is a vehicle, in particular wherein the vehicle is automatically parked on the transport plate. The advantage here is that the vehicle is automatically retractable to the transport plate and thus no supply means are necessary. In addition, the vehicle can be charged with energy, in particular with contact-based or inductively supplied electrical energy. In addition, the vehicle is executable with a parking aid that directs the vehicle towards the optimum position for the transmission of energy.

In an advantageous embodiment, the transport plate on a trough for positioning the wheels of the vehicle. The advantage here is that an at least partially automatic, easy and quick positioning of the vehicle is possible.

In an advantageous embodiment of an arranged on the transport plate supply module, in particular feeding device, power corded, in particular by means of an electrical connector, transferable, in particular wherein by means of the supply module, the energy flow to the object is controllable, in particular wherein the supply module is an MF / LF converter, So medium-frequency / low-frequency converter, in particular wherein the center frequency is between 10 and 500 kHz and the low frequency is less than 100 Hz. The advantage here is that the supply module is easy to assemble and thus the energy supply to the object is controllable.

In an advantageous embodiment, means for exchanging data between the object and a computer of the storage device are provided, in particular wherein the data is superimposed as higher frequency modulated current components of the primary current and / or the current in the secondary winding. Advantageously, therefore, a financial accounting of the amount of energy to the owner of the object is executable. By modulating even additional lines are unnecessary and the amount of hardware extremely low durable.

In an advantageous embodiment, the supply module from a arranged on the transport plate secondary winding can be supplied, which is inductively coupled to a primary conductor, which is fixed to the storage device, ie stationary, arranged,
in particular wherein the secondary winding has a capacitance connected in parallel or in series such that the associated resonant frequency substantially corresponds to the frequency of the current injected into the primary conductor, in particular wherein the frequency lies in the range between 10 and 500 kHz. The advantage here is that wear-free energy is transferable, with a high efficiency is achievable.

In an advantageous embodiment of the primary conductor is arranged such that the inductive coupling is performed in a limited range of motion or at a certain position of the transport plate. The advantage here is that only in this area or at this position energy is transferred. Thus, the risk of fire is reduced, fire better detectable, as better localized, increases safety and saving primary conductor lines.

In an advantageous embodiment, the object has a secondary winding which can be inductively coupled to a primary conductor, in particular a primary winding, arranged on the transport plate and / or on the bearing device,
In particular, wherein the secondary winding is connected to a connected to the object capacity in parallel or in series, that the associated Resonant frequency substantially equal to the frequency of the impressed in the primary conductor current, in particular wherein the frequency is in the range between 10 and 500 kHz. The advantage here is that a high degree of efficiency in contactless energy transfer can be achieved.

In an advantageous embodiment, the transport plate is arranged between the secondary winding arranged on the object and the primary winding arranged on the bearing device,
the transport plate having a recessed area or region of non-magnetic material,
the region being arranged such that at least the shortest connecting lines between the secondary winding and the primary winding lead through the region,
in particular that at least all the shortest connecting lines between secondary winding and primary winding lead through the region. The advantage here is that the main field of the magnetic field of the primary conductor penetrates the area as undisturbed as possible and thus the strongest possible inductive coupling can be achieved despite large spacing.

In an advantageous embodiment, the transport plate is made of steel or has at least steel. The advantage here is that a simple inexpensive and sustainable material is used, which may even be ferromagnetic. Thus, protective effects can even be achieved externally, since outgoing far fields can be attenuated.

In an advantageous embodiment, a connector part is arranged on the transport plate, which can be brought into connection with a corresponding mating connector part, in particular in a horizontal end position of the transport plate or when approaching a horizontal end position of the transport plate. The advantage here is that a simple control of the energy transfer is executable.

In an advantageous embodiment, the transport plate with the arranged on her secondary winding along an elongated laid in the bearing device primary conductor loop are movable. The advantage here is that a permanent uninterrupted power supply is guaranteed.

Important features in the method of operating a storage device are that the object is energized after the transport plate has reached its target position.

The advantage here is that a charge when parking the object is possible.

In an advantageous embodiment, data from the object is transmitted to a computer connected to the storage device, to which the detected amount of energy transmitted to the object is also transmitted. The advantage here is that the billing and / or debiting of the corresponding amount of energy allocated amount for the owner of the object is possible. For to the transferable data also pay identification data of the object, which can be assigned to an account number of the owner, with a corresponding mapping table in a computer connected via the Internet is stored.

Further advantages emerge from the subclaims. The invention is not limited to the combination of features of the claims. For the skilled person, further meaningful combination possibilities of claims and / or individual claim features and / or features of the description and / or figures, in particular from the task and / or posing by comparison with the prior art task arise.

The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to figures:

In the 1 is a vehicle 1 shown on a transport plate 2 is parked.

As known from the prior art, in this case, the transport plate is arranged to be movable. In particular, the transport plate 2 vertically along a vertical axis 5 movable, ie in a lift, and at respective different heights horizontally in respective shelves 6 retractable horizontally. The transport plate 2 is picked up by a driving device and moved vertically.

There are in the shelves 6 guide rails 7 provided, along which the transport plate 2 is movable.

The vertical axis 5 is associated with a position detection system, so that the vertical height of the transport plate 2 can be detected and transmitted to a computer.

Preferably, at least one horizontal movement is also associated with a position detection system, so that the horizontal position can also be fed to the computer.

In a first embodiment, electrical drives are attached to the transport plate, which cause the horizontal movement. Alternatively or additionally, on each shelf 6 one arranged electrical drive with which the horizontal movement is effected.

The drives preferably have a transmission driven by an inverter-fed electric motor. Thus, a speed of the electric motors or the linear position can be predetermined by the computer and thus controlled.

On every transport plate 2 is a supply module 3 arranged, which has an electrical energy source, in particular a current source and / or a voltage source. By means of a cable with electrical connector part energy is transferable to the vehicle 1 , Thus, the energy storage of the vehicle is rechargeable during the period of parking on the transport plate 2 ,

The supply module 3 itself is in turn supplied from a stationary supply network, such as a single-phase or a multi-phase AC network. To supply the supply module 3 is at the transport plate 2 a connector part 4 arranged, which is engageable with a corresponding mating connector part 4 which is stationary. When approaching a horizontal position of the transport plate, in particular when approaching the end position of the transport plate after moving out of the transport plate from the driving device 8th the horizontally movable lift, the connector part 4 and the corresponding mating connector part 4 brought into contact. Thus, this is the supply module 3 supplied with energy and then the vehicle 1 loadable with energy.

The over the connector part 4 transmitted alternating current is in a first embodiment directly from the supply module 3 to the vehicle 1 transfer. Thus, by means of the supply module 3 the energy transfer to the vehicle 1 controllable and the amount of energy determinable, whereby a determination of a corresponding financial invoice amount is possible and can be transferred to a billing system or booking system. In addition, from the utility module 3 also a monitoring executable, in particular a safety-related. For example, monitoring for overheating, fire and / or fire is possible.

The above, according to the embodiment 1 described connector is also replaceable by a conductor line, so that not only in one position but also in a continuous sub-range of positions a contact-type power transmission is possible.

As in 2 are shown above, according to the embodiment 1 described connector replaced by an inductive energy transfer, so that there is no wear in the energy transfer. For this purpose, a stationary conductor loop, so laid as a current loop primary conductor laid in the system stationary, which is acted upon by a medium-frequency alternating current, in particular with a frequency between 10 and 500 kHz. At the transport plate 2 is a secondary winding 20 arranged, which is inductively always coupled when the transport plate 2 in the horizontal position range of the respective shelf 6 located. Thus, the transport plate 2 in different heights with the lift, so along the vertical axis, movable and horizontally retractable into the respective shelf.

The secondary winding is a capacity connected in series or in parallel, that the associated resonant frequency substantially the frequency of the in the primary conductor 21 impressed alternating current corresponds. Thus, even with weak inductive coupling high efficiency in energy transfer can be achieved.

From the secondary winding or from the resonant circuit then the supply module 3 supplied, which has a current-voltage converter in a first embodiment and thus the vehicle 1 supplied as a voltage source. In this way, an AC voltage with a low frequency, for example 50 Hertz or 60 Hertz, which is customary in utility grids, can thus be provided. The supply module 3 is thus designed here as an AC / AC converter and thus converts the medium-frequency current into a low-frequency voltage.

In a second variant, the supply module passes the medium-frequency current to the vehicle 1 So that the vehicle electrical energy is provided with the frequency between 10 and 500 kHz. The supply module 3 but is able to control the flow of energy, in particular to block or release.

In a third variant, the supply module 3 from the from the secondary winding 20 a DC voltage for charging the vehicle 1 made available.

As in 3 shown, in a further embodiment of the invention, the vehicle 1 for contactless, ie inductive energy transfer from the transport plate 2 to the vehicle 1 a secondary winding on, with a winding 30 , in particular, which is designed as a primary winding, is inductively coupled. Thus, the transmitted from the stationary part of the system to the transport plate energy is inductively transferable to the vehicle, so that is a contactless and thus wear-free transmission of energy allows. Is.

In this case, the AC absorbed by the secondary winding is directly forwarded to the winding 30 , as in both inductive transmissions, ie in the energy transfer to the secondary winding 20 and in the energy transfer from the winding 30 to the secondary winding of the vehicle 1 the same frequency is used. Thus, a conversion of the frequency is unnecessary and loss avoidable.

The winding 30 is executable as flat winding and potted in a plastic mat providable. Alternatively, it is in the transport plate 2 inserted and shed. In both cases, it is arranged so stable that it can be driven over by the vehicle.

As in 4 is shown in a further embodiment of the invention in each shelf a primary conductor section as a respective primary conductor winding 40 laid. With horizontal retraction of the transport plate 2 in the respective shelf 6 is arranged in the vehicle secondary winding directly inductively coupled to this respective primary conductor winding when the transport plate 2 has reached the target position, so for example a horizontal stop. The coupling is achieved in particular by the fact that in the transport plate 2 a recess or a non-magnetic insert, which is for example made of plastic executable. Although there is between the secondary winding on the vehicle 1 and the primary conductor winding a large distance and thus a weak inductive coupling only willing adjustable. However, by means of the resonant circuit of the secondary winding of the vehicle still a high efficiency can be achieved.

In this case, non-magnetic material is understood as meaning material having a relative permeability μ _r of less than 5, in particular less than 2. These include, in particular, diamagnetic or paramagnetic materials.

In 5 is a section of 4 shown in side view and bottom view closer. It is in the upper part of 5 arranged on the vehicle floor secondary winding 50 shown. In addition, in the lower part with view from below the recess 51 , which is also executable as a non-ferromagnetic material, in the transport plate 2 shown. It is clearly evident that the surface of the recess 51 in this view, so in particular also projection direction, is greater than the area claimed by the secondary winding surface in this view.

Instead of in the 1 to 4 illustrated embodiment as a shelf storage with fixed shelves, is also a markable as a paternoster execution of the bearing executable in a further embodiment of the invention, which in 6 is shown. Although the vehicles are also on transport plates 2 parked. However, these are attached to the bearing device and arranged movable along a line, the line is preferably designed as a closed curve. Thus, a pearl necklace corresponding to the transport plate 2 along the chain, ie line arranged. Along the line is again the primary conductor 61 laid, wherein for energy transfer to the transport plate 2 arranged secondary winding 62 is provided, which is inductively coupled to the primary conductor and with the transport plate along the primary conductor 61 is movable. In this way is a constant supply, including during the movement of the transport plate 2 along the line, executable.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the primary conductor is not laid along the entire line but only in partial areas, so that an inductive power supply is carried out only there. These subregions preferably correspond to those positions in which the transport plate is permanently positioned.

In 7 For this purpose, a vehicle is shown in more detail, which is parked on the associated transport plate and inductively from one in the transport plate 2 arranged primary winding is supplied, in turn, via the secondary winding 62 is supplied. Here is the secondary winding 62 at the transport plate 2 attached and inductively coupled to the primary conductor 61 ,

Alternatively, instead of the inductive energy transmission, a contact-type energy transmission can also be carried out.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the transport plate 2 the aforementioned embodiments on their side facing the vehicle a trough, ie recess, in which the front wheels are parked and thus positioning of the vehicle 1 improved is executable, because through the hollow rolls the vehicle 1 even automatically, in particular in the disengaged state of the engine of the vehicle, to the intended target position. In this way, a simple positioning is executable.

It is important in the invention that therefore at least two primary conductor sections are arranged within the system. In this case, the primary conductor sections are acted upon synchronously with an alternating current, wherein, however, a phase shift is provided.

In particular, primary conductor sections are energized out of phase, which are arranged in a spatial region whose extent is smaller than a wavelength, in particular smaller than half a wavelength, in particular smaller than a quarter wavelength.

Thus, the radiation of electromagnetic waves is reduced, at least in the far field.

Each primary conductor section is again designed as a current loop, which is supplied from an inverter, in particular with an alternating current with a frequency between 10 and 500 kHz.

The production of this alternating current is preferably carried out by means of DC-powered half-bridges, ie a parallel circuit of half-bridges, which are supplied from a unipolar voltage source. Each half-bridge is designed as a series circuit of two semiconductor switches, so that each half-bridge has an upper and a lower semiconductor switch. The semiconductor switches are operated pulse-width modulated and thus it is possible to generate the desired potential at the connection node in good approximation for each time segment. The output voltage, ie the difference of the potentials at the connection nodes of two half-bridges, is supplied to a quadrupole, which comprises such capacitances and inductances, that the associated resonant frequency is substantially equal to the frequency of the output voltage characteristic, whereby the voltage source-like behavior is converted into a current-source-like behavior. The output current of the quadrupole feeds a first current loop and thus a first primary conductor section.

In a corresponding manner, however, n half-bridges from the unipolar voltage source can also be supplied in a further exemplary embodiment according to the invention, where n is an integer which is 2 or greater. The aforementioned embodiment results in the case of n = 2. With a choice of n = 3 or greater correspondingly many single-phase output voltages are available, so a multi-phase voltage system. For n = 3 results in a three-phase system.

Preferably, the voltage waveforms are selected to be substantially sinusoidal and the phase shift between the individual output voltages evenly, ie 360 ° / n from a first output voltage to a second.

Since from each output voltage with the interposition of said quadrupole, so gyrator, a respective primary conductor section can be supplied and since these supplied primary conductor sections are arranged within a half or quarter wavelength, the radiation in the far field is prevented or at least reduced.

At a frequency of 100 kHz, arranging the primary conductor sections at a distance of less than 1000 meters is advantageous.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

vehicle

2

transport plate

3

supply module

4

connector part

5

vertical axis

6

shelf

7

guide rails

8th

Entrainment device of the vertical lift

20

secondary winding

21

primary conductor

30

Winding, in particular as a primary winding

40

Primary winding on the shelf 6

50

Secondary winding on the vehicle floor of the vehicle 1

51

Recess or non-ferromagnetic material in the transport plate 2

61

primary conductor

62

secondary winding

Claims (9)

Apparatus for contactless energy transmission, wherein primary conductor sections are arranged within a spatial area, wherein at least one consumer can be supplied with power from at least one of the primary conductor sections by means of a secondary winding arranged on it, wherein in the primary conductor sections in each case an alternating current is impressed, wherein the alternating currents of the respective primary conductor sections are phase-shifted relative to one another, wherein the maximum extent, in particular length, of the spatial area is smaller than the wavelength, in particular smaller than half or smaller than a quarter of the wavelength of an electromagnetic wave propagating in the vicinity of the device, in particular in air, whose frequency is the frequency of the alternating current is equal. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the phase shift between the alternating currents of two primary conductor sections corresponds to the integer multiple of 360 ° / n, wherein n is the number of primary conductor sections in which the phase-shifted alternating currents are impressed. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the primary conductor sections are supplied from an inverter with a plurality of half-bridges, all half-bridges are supplied from a unipolar voltage source and each having a series connection of at least two semiconductor switches whose connection node electrically connected to the respective primary conductor section is. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a network-fed rectifier on the output side forms the unipolar voltage source, wherein at the voltage source, a capacitor, in particular smoothing capacitor, is arranged. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the frequency is between 10 and 500 kHz. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device is designed as a storage device, in particular paternoster storage system or rack storage, for storage of objects having a respective consumer, wherein each object is positioned on a transport plate and can be supplied with energy during storage, in particular from a means for supplying energy, wherein each transport plate is movably arranged in the storage device, in particular movable by an electric drive, and / or that the object comprises an energy store, in particular wherein the object is a vehicle, in particular wherein the vehicle is automatically parking on the transport plate, and / or that the transport plate has a recess for positioning the wheels of the vehicle, and / or that from a arranged on the transport plate supply module, in particular feeding device, power corded, in particular by means of an electrical connector, transferable, in particular wherein by means of the supply module of the energy flow to the object is controllable, in particular wherein the supply module is an MF / LF converter, so middle frequency / low frequency Converter, in particular wherein the center frequency is between 10 and 500 kHz and the low frequency is less than 100 Hz, and / or that the supply module can be supplied from a secondary winding arranged on the transport plate, which can be inductively coupled to a primary conductor which is fixedly arranged on the storage device, ie stationary, in particular wherein the secondary winding has a capacitance connected in parallel or in series such that the associated resonant frequency substantially corresponds to the frequency of the current injected into the primary conductor, in particular wherein the frequency lies in the range between 10 and 500 kHz, and / or that the primary conductor is arranged such that the inductive coupling is carried out in a limited range of movement or at a certain position of the transport plate. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the object has a secondary winding, which can be inductively coupled to a primary conductor, in particular a primary winding, arranged on the transport plate and / or on the bearing device, in particular wherein the secondary winding has a capacitance connected to the object connected in parallel or in series such that the associated resonant frequency substantially corresponds to the frequency of the current injected into the primary conductor, in particular wherein the frequency lies in the range between 10 and 500 kHz. Device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that between the arranged on the object secondary winding and arranged on the bearing device primary winding, the transport plate is arranged, wherein the transport plate has a recessed area or a region of non-magnetic material, the area such is arranged such that at least the shortest connecting lines between secondary winding and primary winding lead through the area, in particular that at least all the shortest connecting lines between secondary winding and primary winding lead through the area, and / or that the transport plate is made of steel or at least steel, and / or that a connector part is arranged on the transport plate, which can be brought into connection with a corresponding mating connector part, in particular in a horizontal end position of the transport plate or when starting a r horizontal end position of the transport plate, and / or that the transport plate with the secondary winding arranged on it can be moved along a longitudinal conductor loop laid in the bearing device, and / or means for data exchange between the object and a computer of the bearing device are provided, in particular wherein the data is modulated as higher frequency modulated current components to the primary current and / or be superimposed on the current in the secondary winding. Method for operating a device according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the object is energized after the transport plate has reached its target position, in particular Data from the object are transmitted to a computer connected to the storage device, to which the detected, transmitted to the object amount of energy is transmitted.

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