Invention Reference Number
This invention presents a wireless power transfer (WPT) system that uses a four-phase coil architecture to improve energy transfer efficiency while supporting flexible installation constraints. By leveraging a square layout rather than the traditional circular three-phase arrangement, the system enhances coupling, reduces current demands, and minimizes material usage. It also operates effectively with existing single-phase and double-D WPT systems. The design reduces ripple currents and stray fields, lowering requirements for filtering and shielding while improving operational safety and system reliability.
Description
This technology introduces a four-phase WPT coil configuration designed to maximize usable area in a square geometry, enabling stronger electromagnetic coupling and lower per-phase coil currents compared with typical circular three-phase systems. The coil form factor can be adapted to rectangular shapes, allowing integration into space-limited environments such as under-vehicle platforms. The system is capable of multiple operational modes, including those that interoperate with widely used circular and double-D coil formats.
In its native four-phase mode, the design distributes magnetic flux more evenly, which helps mitigate localized losses and reduces ripple in direct-current pathways on both the inverter and rectifier sides. This lowers the burden on filtering components and minimizes stray field emissions. The system accommodates a range of tuning network types, enabling compatibility with common WPT power electronics architectures. Together, these attributes support safer, more efficient wireless charging for high-power applications.
Benefits
- Improved magnetic coupling and reduced current loading
- Lower material requirements and enhanced installation flexibility
- Decreased DC ripple currents and reduced stray field emissions
- Compatible with multiple WPT coil formats for broad interoperability
Applications and Industries
- Electric vehicle wireless charging
- Battery-powered drones and autonomous robotic equipment
- Industrial and commercial wireless energy delivery systems
- Transportation and mobility electrification infrastructure
Contact
To learn more about this technology, email partnerships@ornl.gov or call 865-574-1051.
