WO2013080212A2

WO2013080212A2 - System and method for regulating inductive power transmission

Info

Publication number: WO2013080212A2
Application number: PCT/IL2012/050491
Authority: WO
Inventors: Elieser Mach; Arik Rofe; Oola Greenwald; Guy Raveh
Original assignee: Powermat Technologies Ltd.
Priority date: 2011-12-02
Filing date: 2012-11-29
Publication date: 2013-06-06
Also published as: EP2786464A2; WO2013080212A3; EP2786464B2; EP2786464B1

Abstract

An inductive power transfer system is provided that comprises at least one inductive power receiver comprising at least one secondary inductor for forming an inductive couple with a primary inductor and providing power to an electric load and at least one inductive power outlet comprising at least one primary inductor wired to a power supply via a driver configured to provide a driving voltage across the primary inductor. The driving voltage is oscillating at a transmission frequency significantly different from the natural frequency of the inductive couple. The system further comprises at least one power monitor and at least one frequency modulator operable to adjust the natural frequency of the inductive couple thereby regulating power provided to the electric load.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REGULATING

INDUCTIVE POWER TRANSMISSION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to regulation of power in contactless power transmission systems. More specifically, the invention relates to power regulation of inductive power transmission systems using natural frequency modulation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Inductive power transmission systems are a convenient power provision alternative to common plug and socket power connections. Inductive power transmission allows power to be transferred from an inductive power outlet to an inductive power receiver with no connecting wires.

An oscillating electrical potential, or driving voltage, is applied across a primary inductor associated with the inductive power outlet. This produces a varying magnetic field in the vicinity of the primary inductor. When the inductive receiver is brought near to the inductive outlet, a secondary potential difference, or output voltage, is generated across a secondary inductor positioned within this varying magnetic field. The output voltage may be used to charge or power electrical devices wired to the secondary inductor.

In order to maintain a stable operating voltage for an electrical device it is necessary to regulate the output voltage from the secondary inductor. Regulation of the output voltage may be provided by monitoring the output voltage, providing feedback signals from the receiver to the outlet and controlling the driving voltage accordingly.

There is a need for a regulation system which may provide continuous regulation of power over an operating range. The disclosure herein addresses this need. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is according to one aspect of the current disclosure to present an inductive power transfer system comprising at least one inductive power receiver comprising at least one secondary inductor for forming an inductive couple with a primary inductor and providing power to an electric load; at least one inductive power outlet comprising at least one primary inductor wired to a power supply via a driver configured to provide a driving voltage across the primary inductor, the driving voltage oscillating at a transmission frequency significantly different from the natural frequency of the inductive couple; at least one power monitor; and at least one frequency modulator operable to adjust the natural frequency of the inductive couple thereby regulating power provided to the electric load.

Optionally, the frequency modulator is selected from at least one of an outlet side frequency modulator and a receiver side frequency modulator. Where appropriate the frequency modulator comprises at least one frequency modulation coil operable to modify magnetic permeability of at least one magnetic flux guide.

In various examples, the frequency modulator comprises at least one variable capacitor. Alternatively or additionally, the frequency modulator comprises at least one variable inductor.

In some embodiments, the frequency modulator may comprise at least one dimension modifier configured to modify the dimensions of at least one inductor. Alternatively or additionally, the frequency modulator comprises at least one dimension modifier configured to modify the dimensions of at least one capacitor. Optionally, the dimension modifier comprises a piezoelectric element wired to a variable DC supply.

Optionally, the dimension modifier comprises a piezoelectric element. A dimension modifier may futher be any element operable to adjust the dimensions of the system in response to electrical signlals such as motors, actuators, piezoelectric element, electric field generators, bimetalic strips or the like.

Where appropriate, the dimension modifier is configured to adjust distance between an inductive coil and a ferromagnetic core. Additionally or alternatively, the dimension modifier is configured to adjust distance between electrodes of the variable capacitor. Variously, the dimension modifier may be configured to adjust overlap area of electrodes of the variable capacitor.

In some embodiments the system further comprises at least one magnetic flux guide for directing magnetic flux from the primary inductor to the secondary inductor and the frequency modulator comprises at least one modulation coil wired to a variable direct current supply and operable to modify magnetic permeability of the magnetic flux guide. Optionally, the system further comprises at least one magnetic flux guide for directing magnetic flux from the primary inductor to the secondary inductor wherein the frequency modulator comprises at least one dimension modifier configured to adjust the dimensions of a between the flux guide and at least one of the primary inductor and the secondary inductor.

Variously the system may further comprise at least one magnetic flux guide for directing magnetic flux from the primary inductor to the secondary inductor and the frequency modulator may comprise at least one modulation coil wired to a variable direct current supply and operable to modify magnetic permeability of the magnetic flux guide.

Optionally, at least one magnetic flux guide may be provided for directing magnetic flux from the primary inductor to the secondary inductor wherein the frequency modulator comprises at least one dimension modifier configured to adjust the distance between the flux guide and at least one of the primary inductor and the secondary inductor. For example, the dimension modifier may comprise at least one piezoelectric crystal coupled to the flux guide and the primary inductor and wired to a variable direct current supply such that the distance between the flux guide and the primary inductor is adjusted when the direct current supply is varied. Additionally or alternatively, the dimension modifier may comprise at least one piezoelectric crystal coupled to the flux guide and the secondary inductor and wired to a variable direct current supply such that the distance between the flux guide and the secondary inductor is adjusted when the direct current supply is varied.

Optionally, again, the system may comprise at least one capacitor wired to at least one of the primary inductor and the secondary inductor, the capacitive element comprising two capacitive plates separated by a dielectric and a dimension modifier configured to adjust the distance between the capacitive plates. Accordingly, the dimension modifier may comprise at least one piezoelectric crystal wired to a variable direct current supply and coupled to at least one capacitive plate of the capacitor such that the distance between the capacitive plates is adjusted when the direct current supply is varied.

Alternatively or additionally, the system may further comprise at least one capacitor wired to at least one of the primary inductor and the secondary inductor, the capacitive element comprising two capacitive plates separated by a dielectric and a piezoelectric element configured to adjust overlapping area of the capacitive plates. According to another aspect of the disclosure a method is taught for regulating power transfer between an inductive power outlet and an inductive power receiver. The method comprising: transferring power to an electric load via an inductive couple; determining a required power range for the electric load; monitoring power received by the electric load; comparing monitored power received to the required power; and adjusting natural frequency of the inductive couple if the monitored power lies outside the required power range.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

For a better understanding of the invention and to show how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, purely by way of example, to the accompanying drawings.

With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion only, and are presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the embodiments. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the embodiments in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding; the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice. In the accompanying drawings:

Figs. 1A and IB schematically represent an inductive power transmission system including an inductive power outlet and an inductive power receiver;

Figs. 1C-E illustrate three possible inductive power adaptors for use as inductive power receivers in an inductive power transmission system;

Figs. 2A-C are block diagrams showing various possible configurations of selected components of inductive power transmission systems incorporating frequency modulation units for regulating power provided to an electrical load; Fig. 3A is a graph showing the profile of output voltage induced in a secondary inductor over a range of transmission frequencies for an LC circuit having a fixed natural frequency and how the output voltage may be altered by adjusting transmission frequency of input voltage across a primary inductor;

Fig. 3B is a graph showing the output voltage profile of an LC circuit for a fixed transmission frequency may be altered by adjusting natural frequency of the circuit and how the output voltage may be altered accordingly; Fig. 4 is a flowchart of a method for regulating inductive power transfer using a receiver based regulator;

Figs. 5A and 5b schematically represent inductive transfer systems including possible frequency modulation coils operable to modify the magnetic permeability of the magnetic flux guide;

Figs 6A-C schematically represent a piezoelectric crystal element which may be used as a dimension modifier in various frequency modulators of the disclosure; Fig. 7A-C schematically represents a frequency modulator incorporating a spacer configured to shift an inductive coil along the axis of a magnetic core so as to adjust the natural frequency of an inductive circuit;

Figs. 8A and 8B schematically represent two possible frequency modulators incorporating a dimension modifier configured to shift parallel plates of capacitors so as to adjust the natural frequency of an LC circuit; and

Fig 9 represents a third variable capacitor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference is now made to Figs. 1A and IB showing an inductive power transmission system 100. The transmission system 100 includes an inductive power outlet 200 and an inductive power receiver 300. The inductive power outlet 200 is configured to transmit power to the inductive power receiver 300 wirelessly using electromagnetic induction.

The inductive power outlet 200 of the example, which is presented for illustrative purposes only, consists of four primary inductors 220a-d incorporated within a platform 202. The inductive power receiver 300 includes a secondary inductor 320 incorporated within a case 302 for accommodating a mobile telephone 342. When a mobile telephone 342 is placed within the case 302 a power connector 304 electrically connects the secondary inductor 320 with the mobile telephone 342. As shown in Fig. 1A, the inductive power receiver 300 may be placed upon the platform 202 in alignment with one of the primary inductors 220b so that the secondary inductor 320 inductively couples with the primary inductor 220b.

It is noted that in alternative embodiments, inductive power receivers 200 may be otherwise configured, for example being incorporated within powerpacks for charging power cells or being wired directly to electrical loads 340 for powering such loads directly. In still other embodiments of the inductive power receiver, dedicated inductive power adaptors are provided for connecting to electrical devices by power cables which may be hard wired to the adaptor or connectable via a conductive pin- and-socket connector.

Figs. 1C, ID and IE show three alternative power adaptors 1300a-c according to embodiments of the inductive power receiver 300. Fig. 1C shows a first inductive power adaptor 1300a connected to a computer 1340a via a hardwired power cable 1310a. The first inductive power adaptor 1300a draws power from an inductive power transmitter 200 via a secondary inductor 1320. Fig. ID shows a second inductive power adaptor 1300b hardwired to a light fitting 1310b for inductively powering a light bulb 1340b. Fig. IE, shows still a third inductive power adaptor 1300c in which a convnentional mains-type power socket 1310c is providing for connecting to external electrical device (not shown) via conventional power plugs.

It will be appreciated that various embodiments of the inductive power receiver may be used to provide power to a variety of electrical devices either via adaptors or through the inductive receiver directly into the electrical devices. Thus, for example, inductive receivers may be used to power entertainment equipment such as media players, portable music players, video recorders, DVD players, portable DVD players, radios, cassette players, Walkman®s, CD players, televisions, video players, music centers and the like. In addition, inductive receivers may be used in the work environement to power office equipment such as computers, telephones, PDAs, dictaphones, mobile communications devices, standing lamps, paper shredders, fans, photocopiers, printers, desk lamps, wireless telephones, mobile telephones, speakers, speaker phones, conference call base units, electric pencil sharpeners, electric staplers, display devices, electronic picture frames, VDUs, projectors, calculators, scanners, fax machines as well as heavy machinery and the like.

Because no conductive connections are required, inductive power transfer is particularly suited for use in wet environments. Thus in some embodiments, inductive power receivers may be used to provide power to devices used in the kitchen such as the cooking appliances, fridges, freezers, washing machines, clothes dryers, ambient lighting units, fans, hot plates, electrically heated mugs, egg beaters, bread-makers, liquidizers, citrus juice extractors, vegetable juicers, food-processors, electric knives, toasters, sandwich toasters, waffle makers, electrical barbecue grills, slow cookers, hot-plates, deep-fat fryers, electrical frying pans, knife sharpeners, domestic sterilizers, kettles, urns, and electrical tin-openers, popcorn makers and magnetic stirrers and the like.

Inductive power receivers are similarly suitable for providing power to devices commonly used in the bathroom environment such as hairdryers, shavers, defoliators, delapidators, heaters, wax-melting equipment, hair curlers, beard trippers, bathroom- scales, lights and radios and such like.

Referring now to the block diagrams of Figs. 2A-C various possible configurations are represented for selected components of three embodiments of the inductive power transmission systems, 101 , 102, 103, incorporating various frequency modulation units 401, 402, 403 for regulating power provided to an electrical load.

With particular reference to Fig. 2A, one embodiment of an inductive power transmission system 101 is shown including an inductive power outlet 201 and an inductive power receiver 301. The inductive power outlet 201 includes a primary inductor 221, wired to a power source 240 via a driver 231. It is noted that the inductive power outlet 201 may draw power from a variety of power sources 240, as will occur to those in the art, such as mains power points, power supply transformers, power packs, electrochemical cells, solar cells, fuel cells and the like. The driver 231 typically includes electronic components, such as a switching unit for example, for providing an oscillating electrical potential to the primary inductor 221. The oscillating electrical potential across the primary inductor 221 produces an oscillating magnetic field in its vicinity.

The inductive power receiver 301 includes a secondary inductor 321 wired to an electric load 341 , typically via a rectifier 331 , a power monitor 351 and a receiver side frequency modulator 401. The secondary inductor 321 is configured such that, when placed in the oscillating magnetic field of an active primary inductor 221, a secondary voltage is induced across the secondary inductor 321. Optionally a magnetic flux guide 601 may be provided to improve inductive coupling between the primary inductor 221 and the secondary inductor 321. The secondary voltage may be used to power the electric load 341. It is noted that an induced secondary voltage across the secondary inductor 321 produces an alternating current (AC). Where the electric load 341 requires direct current (DC), such as for charging electrochemical cells, the rectifier 331 may be provided to convert AC to DC. Where AC output is required, such as in the inductive power adaptor 1300c (Fig. IE) used for providing a mains-type output, an AC- AC converter (not shown) may be further provided.

The receiver side frequency modulator 401 is operable to adjust the natural frequency of the inductive power transmission system 101. For example, the frequency modulator 401 may variously effect the natural frequency by altering the dimensions of the secondary inductor 321 , altering the permeability of the magnetic flux guide 601, changing the inductance or capacitance of the reception circuit or otherwise adjusting resonant frequency of the inductive system. Various examples of frequency modulators are described herein which may be used as receiver side frequency modulators 401 in such an inductive power transfer system 101.

The power monitor 351 and receiver side frequency modulator 401 may be used in combination to regulate the power delivered to the electric load 341. The power monitor 351 is configured to directly monitor the output voltage produced by the secondary inductor 321 and to compare the monitored output value with the operating voltage required by the electric load 341. The receiver side frequency modulator 401 may be operable to bring the monitored output voltage closer to the required operating voltage of the electric load 341 by adjusting the natural frequency of the inductive transmission system 101. Optionally the monitor may be further configured to monitor additional operating parameters, such as temperature, current and the like. An alternative inductive power transmission system 102 is represented by the block diagram of Fig. 2B. The inductive power transmission system 102 of the embodiment includes an inductive power outlet 202 and an inductive power receiver 302 and a signal transfer system 612 providing a communication channel therebetween. It is noted that the inductive outlet 202 further includes an outlet side frequency modulator unit 402, for adjusting the natural frequency of the inductive power transmission system 102.

The inductive power outlet 202 includes a primary inductor 222, wired to a power source 240 via a driver 232 and further includes the outlet side frequency modulator unit 402 and a signal detector 622.

The inductive power receiver 302 includes a secondary inductor 322 wired to an electrical load 342 via rectifier 332 and a power monitor 352. The inductive power receiver 302 further includes a signal emitter 632 for sending signals to the signal detector 622. Optionally a magnetic flux guide 602 may be provided to improve inductive coupling between the primary inductor 222 and the secondary inductor 322.

The power monitor 352, the signal transfer system 612 and outlet side frequency modulator 402 may be used in combination to regulate the power delivered to the electric load 342. The power monitor 352 is configured to directly monitor the output voltage produced by the secondary inductor 322 and to compare the monitored output value with the operating voltage required by the electric load 342. The signal transfer system 612 may be used to communicate signals between the inductive power receiver 302 and the inductive power outlet 202 pertaining to power regulation. Accordingly, the outlet side frequency modulator 402 may be operable to bring the monitored output voltage closer to the required operating voltage of the electric load 342 by adjusting the natural frequency of the inductive transmission system 102. Where appropriate, the signal transfer system 612 may communicate instruction signals to the inductive power outlet such as described, for example, in United States Application No. 13/205,672, which is incorporated herein by reference.

It is noted that various signal transfer systems 612 may be used such as combinations of optical, inductive, ultrasonic signal emitters or the like and their associated detectors as well as coil-to-coil signal transmission systems. It is particularly noted that although a separate emitter 632 and secondary inductor 322 are indicated in the block diagram, the secondary inductor 322 may itself serve as a signal emitter. Similarly, although a separate detector 622 and primary inductor 222 are indicated in the block diagram, the primary inductor 222 may itself serve as a signal detector. Such a coil-to-coil signal transmission system is described for example in United States Application No. 12/563,544, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Furthermore, the signal transfer system may additionally be used to communicate other signals for a variety of functions such as inter alia, confirming the presence of a power receiver 302, communicating an identification signal or for communicating required power transmission parameters. The latter being particularly useful in systems adapted to work at multiple power levels.

Still a further inductive power transmission system 103 is represented in the block diagram of Fig. 2C. The inductive power transmission system 103 of the embodiment includes an inductive power outlet 203 and an inductive power receiver 303 and a signal transfer system 613 providing a communication channel therebetween. The inductive power outlet 203 includes a primary inductor 223, wired to a power source 240 via a driver 233 and further includes the outlet side frequency modulator unit 403 and a signal detector 623. The inductive power receiver 303 includes a secondary inductor 323 wired to an electrical load 343 via rectifier 333 and a power monitor 353. The inductive power receiver 303 further includes a signal emitter 633 for sending signals to the signal detector 623. Optionally a magnetic flux guide 603 may be provided to improve inductive coupling between the primary inductor 223 and the secondary inductor 323.

It is particularly noted that the inductive outlet 203 includes an outlet side frequency modulator unit 403A and the inductive receiver 303 includes an outlet side frequency modulator unit 403B for adjusting the natural frequency of the inductive power transmission system 103. Accordingly, the power monitor 353, the signal transfer system 613, the outlet side frequency modulator 403 A, and the receiver side frequency modulator 403B may be used in combination to regulate the power delivered to the electric load 343.

Reference is now made to the graph of Fig. 3A. The graph demonstrates the profile of output voltage induced in a secondary inductor over a range of transmission frequencies for an LC circuit having a fixed natural frequency f_R. The profile demonstrates how the output voltage may be altered by adjusting transmission frequency f_t of input voltage across a primary inductor. The strength of an induced voltage in the secondary inductor of an inductive couple varies according to the oscillating frequency of the electrical potential provided to the primary inductor. The induced voltage is strongest when the oscillating frequency equals the resonant frequency of the system. The resonant frequency fR depends upon the inductance L and the capacitance C of the system according to the equation f„ = .

The amplitude of the voltage is at its highest when the transmission frequency is equal to the resonant frequency f_R of the system, this maximum amplitude is known as the resonance peak 2. It is further noted that the slope of the graph is steepest in the regions 4a, 4b to either side of the resonance peak 2. Thus in inductive transfer systems, which operate at or around resonance, a small variation in frequency results in a large change in induced voltage. Similarly, a small change in the resonant frequency of the system results in a large change in the induced voltage. For this reason resonant inductive transfer systems may be very sensitive to small fluctuations in environmental conditions or variations in alignment between the induction coils.

In non-resonant inductive transfer systems, such as described in United States Application No. 12/563,544, the transmission frequency may be used to regulate the inductive power transfer. The transmission frequency may be selected to lie within one of the near-linear regions 6, 8 where the slope of the frequency-amplitude graph is less steep. For example, the frequency of transmission f_t may be selected to be in the approximately linear region 8 of the curve between a lower frequency value of fL and an upper frequency value of fu- Accordingly, the transmission frequency f_t, higher than the resonant frequency f_R of the system, produces an induced voltage of V_t. The induced voltage may be increased by reducing the transmission frequency and the induced voltage may be reduced by increasing the transmission frequency. For example, an increase in transmission frequency of δί produces a decrease in induced voltage of δν.

In other non-resonant inductive transfer systems, induced power may be regulated by adjusting the natural frequency of the LC circuit for a fixed transmission frequency. Referring now to the graph of Fig. 3B, the shift in output voltage profile of an LC circuit is illustrated when the natural frequency of the system is altered from a lower value f_R to a higher value f_R'. The output voltage peaks when the operating frequency is equal to the natural frequency fR, fR' of the system. The full line A represents the voltage profile for the reception circuit with no resonance-altering component connected. The dashed line B represents the voltage profile for the reception circuit with a resonance-altering component connected such that the resonant frequency of the system increases from fR to fR'. Such an increase may be effected, for example, by using a frequency modulator such as described herein above in reference to Figs. 2A-C.

It is noted that, for a transmission frequency f_t above the resonant frequency f_R of the system, the output voltage V_t may be increased by increasing the resonant frequency of the system. Thus, if a frequency modulator increases the natural frequency of the system, an output voltage at a certain value V_t may rise to a higher value V_t'. Similarly, if a frequency modulator decreases the natural frequency of the system, the voltage profile may be shifted down and the output voltage may decrease. A power regulator may therefore use a frequency modulator to regulate induced power.

The embodiments described in relation to Fig. 3B relate to inductive power transmission systems which operate at a transmission frequency fR higher than the resonant frequency f_t of the system. It will be appreciated that other embodiments may operate at transmission frequencies lower than the resonant frequency f_t of the system. Where the operating frequency is lower than the resonant frequency f_R, the regulator may be configured to introduce resonance reducing elements into the reception circuit in order to increase the output voltage and introduce resonance increasing elements into the reception circuit in order to reduce the output voltage.

By way of illustration, the flowchart of Fig. 4 represents a possible method for regulating inductive power transfer using a frequency modulator. The method includes: driving a primary inductor at a transmission frequency significantly different from a first resonant frequency of the inductive power transfer system - step (a), inducing a secondary voltage across a secondary inductor associated with the reception circuit - step (b), monitoring the output voltage from the reception circuit - step (c).

The monitored power may be compared to a required range - step (d). For example a power monitor may compare the power delivered to the electric load to predetermined reference values or to reference values calculated on the fly according to varying requirements of the load. If the power lies within a required range then the natural frequency is not adjusted and the monitor continues to monitor the output voltage. If the power does not lie within the required range the frequency modulator may be used to adjust the natural frequency of the LC circuit as required.

For example, if the output voltage drops below a first reference value, a first resonance-altering component to the reception circuit may be introduced such that the resonant frequency of the inductive power transfer system shifts closer to the transmission frequency, whereas if the output voltage rises above a second reference value, a second resonance-altering component may be introduced such that the resonant frequency of the inductive power transfer system shifts away from the transmission frequency. Alternatively, or additionally, the frequency modulator may disconnect the secondary inductor from the reception circuit as required.

Referring back to Figs. 2A-C, it is noted that various frequency modulation units 401, 402, 403 may be incorporated into the system in order to adjust the natural frequency, discretely or continuously, in order to regulate the power provided to the electric load 341 , 342, 343. In order to better describe the disclosure and for illustrative purposes a number of embodiments of the frequency modulation units are described below. It is to be understood that other frequency modulation units may be alternatively used as suit requirements.

Referring now to Figs. 5A and 5B, schematic representations are presented of embodiments of inductive transfer systems which include frequency modulation coils 1420 A, 1420B operable to modify the magnetic permeability of the magnetic flux guide between the primary and secondary inductors.

With particular reference to Fig. 5A, an inductive transfer system 1100A is presented including a receiver side frequency modulator 1400 A. The inductive transfer system 1100A includes an inductive outlet 1200A and an inductive receiver 1300A. The inductive outlet 1200A comprises a driver 1230A operable to produce an alternating current potential across a primary inductor 1220A. The primary inductor 1220 A may be wound around a first ferromagnetic core 1620A which forms a primary side flux guide for shaping the magnetic field produced by the primary inductor and directing the flux lines towards the secondary inductor 1320A of the inductive receiver 1300 A. The inductive receiver 1300A comprises a secondary inductor 1320 A, a second ferromagnetic core 1630 A, a receiving circuit 1330 A, an electric load 1340A, a power monitor 1352A and a receiver side frequency modulator 1400A. The secondary inductor 1320 A may be wound around the second ferromagnetic core 1630 A which forms a secondary flux guide directing magnetic flux from the primary inductor 1220A therethrough. The electric load 1340A is wired to the secondary inductor 1320A and is operable to draw power therefrom via the receiving circuit 1330 A, which may include inter alia a rectifier unit, smoothing capacitors and such like. The power monitor 1352A is operable to monitor power received by the electric load 1340A and to control the receiver side frequency modulator 1400A to regulate power delivered to the electric load 1340 A by adjusting the permeability of the secondary ferromagnetic core 1630A.

It is noted that the inductance of the coupled system depends upon the inductance of the primary inductor and the inductance of the secondary inductor. The inductance of a solenoid, such as the primary inductor or secondary inductor depends upon the relative permeability of the magnetic core. It is noted that the receiver side frequency modulator 1400A is operable to adjust the natural frequency of the coupled system by altering the permeability of the secondary flux guide 1630A.

The receiver side frequency modulator 1400A includes a receiver side frequency modulation coil 1420A and a variable DC power supply 1440A. The receiver side frequency modulation coil 1420 A is wound around the secondary flux guide 1630A and wired to the variable DC power supply 1440A. It is noted that by applying a DC potential across the receiver side frequency modulation coil 1420A, the effective permeability of the flux guide may be altered. This may occur at least in part because the flux guide may become magnetically saturated thereby.

Accordingly, the DC potential may be adjusted in response to input from the power monitor such that the natural frequency of the system may be altered. As described herein, the power provided to the electric load may therefore be regulated by thus altering the natural frequency of the coupled system.

It is particularly noted that a continuous variable DC supply may be used together with the frequency modulation coil 1420A to provide continuous modulation of the natural frequency over an operating range. Alternatively, or additionally, the frequency modulation coil 1420A may provide discrete modulation where this may suit requirements.

Referring now to Fig. 5B, an alternative inductive transfer system 1100B is presented including an outlet side frequency modulator 1400B. The inductive transfer system 1100B includes an inductive outlet 1200B and an inductive receiver 1300B. The inductive outlet 1200B comprises a driver 1230B operable to produce an alternating current potential across a primary inductor 1220B and an outlet side frequency modulator 1400B operable to modulate the natural frequency of the coupled system. The primary inductor 1220B may be wound around a first ferromagnetic core 1620B which forms a primary side flux guide for shaping the magnetic field produced by the primary inductor and directing the flux lines towards the secondary inductor 1320B of the inductive receiver 1300B. The inductive receiver 1300B comprises a secondary inductor 1320B, a second ferromagnetic core 1630B, a receiving circuit 1330B, an electric load 1340B, a power monitor 1352B. The secondary inductor 1320B may be wound around the second ferromagnetic core 1630B which forms a secondary flux guide directing magnetic flux from the primary inductor 1220B therethrough. The electric load 1340B is wired to the secondary inductor 1320B and is operable to draw power therefrom via the receiving circuit 1330B, which may include inter alia a rectifier unit, smoothing capacitors and such like. The power monitor 1352B is operable to monitor power received by the electric load 1340B and to communicate with the outlet side frequency modulator 1400B, for example via a communication channel such as a signal transfer system 612 (Fig. 2B) or the like, in order to regulate power delivered to the electric load 1340B by adjusting the permeability of the primary ferromagnetic core 1620B.

It is noted that the outlet side frequency modulator 1400B is operable to adjust the natural frequency of the coupled system by altering the permeability of the secondary flux guide 1620B.

The outlet side frequency modulator 1400B may include an outlet side frequency modulation coil 1420B and a variable DC power supply 1440B. The outlet side frequency modulation coil 1420B may be wound around the primary flux guide 1620B and wired to the variable DC power supply 1440B. It is noted that by applying a DC potential across the receiver side frequency modulation coil 1420B, the effective permeability of the flux guide may be altered. Accordingly, the DC potential may be adjusted in response to input from the power monitor such that the natural frequency of the system may be altered. As described herein, the power provided to the electric load may therefore be regulated by thus altering the natural frequency of the coupled system.

As noted above, frequency modulators may be operable to effect the natural frequency by altering the configuration or dimensions of elements, such as inductors or capacitors of the LC circuit of the coupled system. Accordingly, a configuration modifier may be introduced, for example, to adjust the distance between the primary and secondary inductors. Where appropriate the primary inductor may be mounted upon a travelling platform operable to shift the primary inductor radially, longitudinally or laterally relative to the secondary inductor.

Additionally or alternatively, a dimension modifier may be introduced to alter the dimensions of the inductors, capacitors or their configuration in the system. Various dimension modifiers may be used as suit requirements, for example, a dimension modifier may be any element operable to adjust the dimensions of the system in response to electrical signlals such as motors, actuators, piezoelectric element, electric field generators, bimetalic strips or the like.

By way of example only, such dimension adjustments may be effected using a piezoelectric crystal configured to change shape depending upon a potential difference applied thereacross. Figs 6A-C illustrate such a piezoelectric crystal element 460A-C in a variety of configurations. Piezoelectric crystal elements such as this may be used as dimension modifiers in various frequency modulators.

Figs 6A-C show the piezoelectric element 460A wired to a variable DC supply 440. The dimensions of the piezoelectric element 460A change as the variable DC supply 440 applies different voltages thereacross. Accordingly, as illustrated in Fig. 6A, the crystal may have a first width and thickness when a first voltage Vi is applied thereacross. As shown in Fig. 6B, the width may be reduced and thickness increased by applying a second voltage V₂ thereacross. As shown in Fig. 6C, the width may be increased and thickness decreased by applying a third voltage V3 thereacross.

Referring now to Figs. 7A-C, a variable inductor 2220A-C is illustrated incorporating a dimension modifier 2460A-C such as a piezoelectric element or the like. Such a variable inductor 2220A-C may be incorporated into a frequency modulator such as described herein and used to modulate the natural frequency of the system so as to regulate power transfer to an electric load as described hereinabove. The variable inductor 2220A-C includes an inductive coil 2222A-C and a flux guide 2620, such as a ferromagnetic core or the like. The inductive coil 2222A-C may be coupled to the dimension modifier 2460A-C such that as the dimensions of the dimension modifier 2460A-C are adjusted, the inductive coil 2222A-C moves relative to the flux guide 2620, thereby altering the inductance of the variable inductor 2220A-C. Referring now to Fig. 8A, a first variable capacitor 3480 is illustrated incorporating a dimension modifier 3460 such as a piezoelectric element or the like. Such a variable capacitor 3480 may be incorporated into a frequency modulator such as described herein and used to modulate the natural frequency of the system so as to regulate power transfer to an electric load as described hereinabove.

The variable capacitor 3480 includes two electrode plates 3482A, 3482B separated by a dielectric layer 3484 and a dimension modifier 3460. The dimension modifier 3460 may be used to control the separation distance d between the electrode plates and may be adjusted as required. Optionally, the dimension modifier 3460 may be introduced into the gap between the electrode plates 3482A, 3482B, for example where the dielectric layer 3484 itself comprises a dimension modifying material.

Referring now to Fig. 8B, alternatively, or additionally, a second variable capacitor 3480' is illustrated incorporating a dimension modifier 3460' as shown in Fig. 8B. The dimension modifier 3460' of the second variable capacitor 3480' is positioned outside the electrode plates and coupled thereto so as to adjust the separation distance d as required.

With reference to Fig. 9, a third variable capacitor 4480 is represented incorporating a dimension modifier 4460 such as a piezoelectric element or the like. The third variable capacitor 4480 may be incorporated into a frequency modulator such as described herein and used to modulate the natural frequency of the system so as to regulate power transfer to an electric load as described hereinabove.

The third variable capacitor 4480 includes two electrode plates 4482A, 4482B separated by a dielectric layer 4484 and a dimension modifier 4460. The dimension modifier 4460 may be coupled to one of the electrode plates 4482B such that it may be shifted laterally relative to the other plate 4482A thereby controlling the overlapping area A of the electrode plates. Accordingly, the capacitance of variable capacitor may be adjusted as required.

Still further frequency modulators will occur to those skilled in the art.

The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and includes both combinations and sub combinations of the various features described hereinabove as well as variations and modifications thereof, which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description. In the claims, the word "comprise", and variations thereof such as "comprises", "comprising" and the like indicate that the components listed are included, but not generally to the exclusion of other components.

Claims

1. An inductive power transfer system comprising:

at least one inductive power receiver comprising at least one secondary inductor for forming an inductive couple with a primary inductor and providing power to an electric load;

at least one inductive power outlet comprising at least one primary inductor wired to a power supply via a driver configured to provide a driving voltage across said primary inductor, said driving voltage oscillating at a transmission frequency significantly different from the natural frequency of said inductive couple;

at least one power monitor; and

at least one frequency modulator operable to adjust the natural frequency of the inductive couple thereby regulating power provided to the electric load.

2. The inductive power transfer system of claim 1 , wherein said frequency modulator is selected from at least one of an outlet side frequency modulator and a receiver side frequency modulator.

3. The inductive power transfer system of claim 1, wherein said frequency modulator comprises at least one frequency modulation coil operable to modify magnetic permeability of at least one magnetic flux guide.

4. The inductive power transfer system of claim 1 , wherein said frequency modulator comprises at least one variable capacitor.

5. The inductive power transfer system of claim 1, wherein said frequency modulator comprises at least one variable inductor.

6. The inductive power transfer system of claim 1, wherein said frequency modulator comprises at least one dimension modifier configured to modify the dimensions of at least one inductor.

7. The inductive power transfer system of claim 1, wherein said frequency modulator comprises at least one dimension modifier configured to modify the dimensions of at least one capacitor.

8. The inductive power transfer system of claims 6 or 7, wherein said dimension modifier is selected from a group consisting of: piezoelectric elements, motors, actuators and combinations thereof.

9. The inductive power transfer system of claim 8, wherein said dimension modifier is wired to a variable DC supply.

10. The inductive power transfer system of claim 6, wherein said dimension modifier is configured to adjust distance between an inductive coil and a ferromagnetic core.

11. The inductive power transfer system of claim 7, wherein said dimension modifier is configured to adjust distance between electrodes of said variable capacitor.

12. The inductive power transfer system of claim 7, wherein said dimension modifier is configured to adjust overlap area of electrodes of said variable capacitor.

13. The inductive power transfer system of claim 1 , further comprising at least one magnetic flux guide for directing magnetic flux from the primary inductor to the secondary inductor wherein said frequency modulator comprises at least one modulation coil wired to a variable direct current supply and operable to modify magnetic permeability of the magnetic flux guide.

14. The inductive power transfer system of claim 1 , further comprising at least one magnetic flux guide for directing magnetic flux from the primary inductor to the secondary inductor wherein said frequency modulator comprises at least one dimension modifier configured to adjust the dimensions of a between the flux guide and at least one of the primary inductor and the secondary inductor.

15. The inductive power transfer system of claim 14, wherein said dimension modifier comprises at least one piezoelectric crystal coupled to the flux guide and the primary inductor and wired to a variable direct current supply such that the distance between the flux guide and the primary inductor is adjusted when the direct current supply is varied.

16. The inductive power transfer system of claim 14, wherein said dimension modifier comprises at least one piezoelectric crystal coupled to the flux guide and the secondary inductor and wired to a variable direct current supply such that the distance between the flux guide and the secondary inductor is adjusted when the direct current supply is varied.

17. The inductive power transfer system of claim 1 , further comprising at least one capacitor wired to at least one of the primary inductor and the secondary inductor, the capacitive element comprising two capacitive plates separated by a dielectric and a dimension modifier configured to adjust the distance between the capacitive plates.

18. The inductive power transfer system of claim 17, wherein said dimension modifier comprises at least one piezoelectric crystal wired to a variable direct current supply and coupled to at least one capacitive plate of the capacitor such that the distance between the capacitive plates is adjusted when the direct current supply is varied.

19. The inductive power transfer system of claim 1 , further comprising at least one capacitor wired to at least one of the primary inductor and the secondary inductor, the capacitive element comprising two capacitive plates separated by a dielectric and a piezoelectric element configured to adjust overlapping area of the capacitive plates.

20. A method for regulating power transfer between an inductive power outlet and an inductive power receiver, the method comprising:

transferring power to an electric load via an inductive couple;

determining a required power range for the electric load;

monitoring power received by the electric load;

comparing monitored power received to the required power; and

adjusting natural frequency of said inductive couple if the monitored power lies outside the required power range.