Remote power communication system and method thereof

• US 6,792,259 B1
• Filed: 08/25/2000
• Issued: 09/14/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 05/09/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Ronald J. Parise
• Original Assignee: Ronald J. Parise
• Inventors: Parise, Ronald J.
• Primary Examiner(s): GELIN, JEAN ALLAND
• Application Number:
  US09/648,951
• Time in Patent Office: 1,481 Days
• Field of Search: 455/343.1, 455/127.1, 320/101, 320/104, 320/109, 320/108, 320/106, 340/333, 361/235, 701/22, 180/2.1, 180/313
• US Class Current: 455/343.1
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 2101/2305 Mixers of the two-component package type, i.e. where at least two components are separately stored, and are mixed in the moment of application
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 25/4314 with helical baffles
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 33/5011 portable during use, e.g. hand-held
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2240/62 Vehicle position
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2270/32 of electricity
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 50/53 in combination with an external power supply, e.g. from overhead contact lines
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 50/90 using propulsion power supplied by specific means not covered by groups B60L50/10 - B60L50/50, e.g. by direct conversion of thermal nuclear energy into electricity
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 53/32 by charging in short intervals along the itinerary, e.g. during short stops
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 8/00 Electric propulsion with power supply from forces of nature, e.g. sun or wind
• CPC Class Codes: F01N 3/2006 Periodically heating or cooling catalytic reactors, e.g. at cold starting or overheating by electrically controlling the supply of combustible mixture or its constituents only F02D41/0235
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/443 in response to temperature
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 8/04007 related to heat exchange
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/27 characterised by the type of receiving antennas, e.g. rectennas
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/30 using light, e.g. lasers
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/40 using two or more transmitting or receiving devices H02J50/50 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/80 involving the exchange of data, concerning supply or distribution of electric power, between transmitting devices and receiving devices
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/90 involving detection or optimisation of position, e.g. alignment
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/00034 Charger exchanging data with an electronic device, i.e. telephone, whose internal battery is under charge
• CPC Class Codes: H10N 10/00 Thermoelectric devices comprising a junction of dissimilar materials, i.e. devices exhibiting Seebeck or Peltier effects integrated devices or assemblies of multiple devices H10N19/00
• CPC Class Codes: Y02A 50/20 Air quality improvement or preservation, e.g. vehicle emission control or emission reduction by using catalytic converters
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/10 : Energy storage using batteries
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/50 : Fuel cells
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/12 : Improving ICE efficiencies
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/70 : Energy storage systems for electromobility, e.g. batteries
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/7072 : Electromobility specific charging systems or methods for batteries, ultracapacitors, supercapacitors or double-layer capacitors
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/72 : Electric energy management in electromobility
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 90/12 : Electric charging stations
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 90/14 : Plug-in electric vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 90/16 : Information or communication technologies improving the operation of electric vehicles

Abstract

A power system and method for communicating power to a power receiver employing wireless energy transmission. The power system includes a power transmission unit, which transmits energy as a directional power beam, and a power receiver system which receives the transmitted energy. The power receiver system is preferably incorporated in a surface vehicle and includes a receptor capable of receiving a wireless energy beam and transferring the electrical energy to the storage device. The power receiver system further includes a translocator for transmitting a communication signal to the power transmission unit corresponding to the location of the power receiver system and thereby activating the power transmission unit. The power transmission unit receives and locks onto the signal and preferably tracks the power receiver system location during energy transmission. The communication signal is transmitted until the energy is no longer needed by the power receiver system.

Claims

1. A remote power system comprising:

an energy source;

a power transmission unit operably connected to the energy source comprising;

power unit communication means for receiving a power beam request signal,

power unit transmitter means selectively activatable between off and on conditions for transmitting energy as a wireless power beam in the on condition,

power unit controller means operably connected to the power unit communication means and the power unit transmitter means for activating the power unit transmitter means from the off condition to the on condition after the power transmission unit receives the power beam request signal; and

a first power receiver system comprising;

energy receptor means for receiving the wireless power beam,

energy conversion means for transforming energy in the received wireless power beam to a usable energy form, and

translocator means for transmitting the power beam request signal as a function of a demand for energy,

wherein the wireless power beam is in the form of a plurality of discrete energy pulses.

2. The remote power system of claim 1, wherein the first power receiver system comprises energy storage means for storing energy in the usable energy form and power usage monitor means for determining a level of energy stored in the storage means, the translocator means operably connected to the power usage monitor means for transmitting the power beam request signal when the stored energy level is below a predetermined level and terminating the signal when the stored energy level is at or above the predetermined level.

3. The remote power system of claim 1, wherein the power transmission unit comprises locating means for locating the first power receiver system energy receptor means and aiming means for directing the wireless power beam thereto.

4. The remote power system of claim 1, further comprising a second power receiver system having second energy receptor means for receiving the wireless power beam wherein the power transmission unit transmits the power beam to both the first and second energy receptor means.

5. The remote power system of claim 1, wherein the power transmission unit comprises two way fuse means for terminating transmission of the power beam after a predefined amount of energy has been transmitted unless the first power receiver system verifies receipt of the predefined amount of energy to the power transmission unit.

6. The remote power system of claim 1, wherein the power transmission unit comprises two way fuse means for terminating transmission of the power beam after a predefined amount of energy has been transmitted unless the first power receiver system verifies receipt of the predefined amount of energy to the power transmission unit and wherein the two-way fuse means comprises a piezoelectric element.

7. The remote power system of claim 1, wherein the power transmission unit comprises pathway sensor means at least partially located within the power beam, for terminating transmission of the power beam after a predefined amount of energy has been transmitted unless the first power receiver system acknowledges receipt of the predefined amount of energy to the power transmission unit.

8. The remote power system of claim 1, wherein the energy conversion means transforms the received power beam to a thermal energy form.

9. The remote power system of claim 1, wherein the energy conversion means transforms the received power beam to a supply of a working fluid.

10. The remote power system of claim 1, wherein the energy receptor means and the energy conversion means comprise rectenna means for receiving the wireless power beam and transforming energy in the received power beam to a usable energy form.

11. The remote power system of claim 1, wherein the energy receptor means and the energy conversion means comprise enclosed energy receptor means for receiving the wireless power beam and transforming energy in the received power beam to a usable energy form.

12. The remote power system of claim 1, wherein the energy receptor means and the energy conversion means comprise combination energy receptor means for receiving the wireless power beam and transforming energy in the received power beam to a usable energy form.

13. The remote power system of claim 1, wherein the translocator means transmits the power beam request signal in a single direction.

14. The remote power system of claim 1, wherein the translocator means transmits the power beam request signal in a plurality of directions.

15. The remote power system of claim 1, wherein the translocator means alternates between transmission of the power beam request signal in a single direction and transmission of the power beam request signal in a plurality of directions.

16. The remote power system of claim 1, wherein the power transmission unit comprises means for transmission of a power unit communication signal and the first power receiver system comprises means for receiving the power unit communication signal, the power beam request signal and the power unit communication signal providing for the establishment of a two way communication link between the power transmission unit and the first power receiver system.

17. The remote power system of claim 1, wherein the power unit transmitter means transmits the directional wireless power beam at various frequencies.

18. The remote power system of claim 1 wherein the power transmission unit is mounted to an airborne vehicle.

19. The remote power system of claim 1 comprising a vehicle including the power receiver system operably connected thereto.

20. A remote power system comprising:

an energy source;

a power transmission unit operably connected to the energy source comprising;

power unit communication means for receiving a power beam request signal,

power unit transmitter means selectively activatable between off and on conditions for transmitting energy as a wireless power beam in the on condition,

power unit controller means operably connected to the power unit communication means and the power unit transmitter means for activating the power unit transmitter means from the off condition to the on condition after the power transmission unit receives the power beam request signal; and

a first power receiver system comprising;

energy receptor means for receiving the wireless power beam,

energy conversion means for transforming energy in the received wireless power beam to a usable energy form, and

translocator means for transmitting the power beam request signal as a function of a demand for energy,

wherein the power unit transmitter means transmits the wireless power beam as a first discrete energy pulse, the first power receiver system verifies receipt of the first energy pulse to the power transmission unit and the power unit transmitter transmits a second energy pulse only after verification.

21. A remote power system comprising:

an energy source;

a power transmission unit operably connected to the energy source comprising;

power unit communication means for receiving a power beam request signal,

power unit transmitter means selectively activatable between off and on conditions for transmitting energy as a wireless power beam in the on condition,

power unit controller means operably connected to the power unit communication means and the power unit transmitter means for activating the power unit transmitter means from the off condition to the on condition after the power transmission unit receives the power beam request signal; and

a first power receiver system comprising;

energy receptor means for receiving the wireless power beam,

energy conversion means for transforming energy in the received wireless power beam to a usable energy form, and

translocator means for transmitting the power beam request signal as a function of a demand for energy,

wherein the power transmission unit comprises means for transmission of a power unit communication signal and the first power receiver system comprises means for receiving the power unit communication signal, the power beam request signal and the power unit communication signal providing for the establishment of a two way communication link between the power transmission unit and the first power receiver system wherein the two-way communication link must be established before the power unit transmitter means is activatable to the on condition.

22. A remote power system comprising:

an energy source;

a power transmission unit operably connected to the energy source comprising;

power unit communication means for receiving a power beam request signal,

power unit transmitter means selectively activatable between off and on conditions for transmitting energy as a wireless power beam in the on condition,

power unit controller means operably connected to the power unit communication means and the power unit transmitter means for activating the power unit transmitter means from the off condition to the on condition after the power transmission unit receives the power beam request signal; and

a first power receiver system comprising;

energy receptor means for receiving the wireless power beam,

energy conversion means for transforming energy in the received wireless power beam to a usable energy form,

translocator means for transmitting the power beam request signal as a function of a demand for energy, and

proximity detection means for detecting an object within a security zone adjacent the energy receptor means, the proximity detection means operably connected to the first power receiver system to end transmission of the power beam request signal when the object enters the security zone.

23. The remote power system of claim 22, wherein the proximity detection means comprises a member selected from the group consisting of a motion detector and a translocator signal.

24. A wireless power system comprising:

a first power receiver system;

an energy source;

a power transmission unit operably connected to the energy source comprising;

power unit transmitter means for transmitting energy as a wireless power beam to the first power receiver system, and

power unit controller means operably connected to the power unit transmitter means for controlling the power unit transmitter means, wherein the power unit transmitter means transmits the wireless power beam as a first discrete energy pulse, the first power receiver system verifies receipt of the first energy pulse to the power transmission unit and the power unit transmitter means transmits a second energy pulse only after verification.

25. A wireless power system comprising:

an information signal;

a first power receiver system;

an energy source;

a power transmission unit operably connected to the energy source and the information signal comprising;

power unit transmitter means for transmitting the information signal and energy from the energy source as a wireless power beam to the first power receiver system, and

power unit controller means operably connected to the power unit transmitter means for controlling the power unit transmitter means.

26. The wireless power system of claim 25 wherein the information signal originates from a signal source external to the power transmission unit and a communication interface connects the signal source to the power transmission unit.

27. The wireless power system of claim 25 wherein the power unit transmitter means transmits the wireless power beam as a discrete pulse, the first power receiver system verifies receipt of the pulse to the power transmission unit and the power unit transmitter transmits a subsequent pulse only after verification.

28. A wireless power system comprising:

an information signal;

an energy source;

a power transmission unit operably connected to the energy source and the information signal comprising;

power unit transmitter means for transmitting energy as a wireless power beam to the first power receiver system,

power unit controller means operably connected to the power unit transmitter means for controlling the power unit transmitter means, and

a power unit communication device for transmission of the information signal; and

a first power receiver system comprising receiver means for receiving the information signal.

29. A wireless power system comprising:

an energy source;

a power transmission unit operably connected to the energy source comprising;

power unit transmitter means for transmitting energy as a wireless power beam to the first power receiver system, and

power unit controller means operably connected to the power unit transmitter means for controlling the power unit transmitter means, and

a power unit communication device for transmission of a first information signal and receipt of a second information signal; and

a first power receiver system comprising receiver means for receiving the first information signal from the power unit communication device and transmitting the second information signal to the power unit communication device.

30. The wireless power system of claim 29 wherein the first and second information signals provide a bi-directional communication link between the power transmission unit and the first power receiver system.

31. The wireless power system of claim 29 wherein a communication interface connects a signal source external to the power transmission unit to the power transmission unit, the first information signal originates from the signal source and the second information signal is sent to the signal source.

32. The wireless power system of claim 29 wherein the power receiver system comprises a translocator and the second information signal comprises a translocator signal.

33. A wireless power system comprising:

a first power receiver system;

an energy source;

a power transmission unit operably connected to the energy source comprising;

power unit transmitter means for transmitting energy as a wireless power beam to the first power receiver system,

power unit controller means operably connected to the power unit transmitter means for controlling the power unit transmitter means, and

two way fuse means for terminating transmission of the power beam after a predefined amount of energy has been transmitted unless the first power receiver system verifies receipt of the predefined amount of energy to the power transmission unit.

34. A wireless power system comprising:

a first power receiver system;

an energy source;

a power transmission unit operably connected to the energy source comprising;

power unit transmitter means for transmitting energy as a wireless power beam to the first power receiver system,

power unit controller means operably connected to the power unit transmitter means for controlling the power unit transmitter means, and

pathway sensor means at least partially located within the power beam for terminating transmission of the power beam after a predefined amount of energy has been transmitted unless the first power receiver system acknowledges receipt of the predefined amount of energy to the power transmission unit.

35. A wireless power system comprising:

a first power receiver system comprising,

energy receptor means for receiving a wireless power beam, and

translocator means for transmitting a power beam request signal;

an energy source;

a power transmission unit operably connected to the energy source comprising;

power unit transmitter means for transmitting the wireless power beam to the first power receiver system,

power unit controller means operably connected to the power unit transmitter means for controlling the power unit transmitter means, and

proximity detection means for detecting an object within a security zone adjacent the energy receptor means, the proximity detection means operably connected to the first power receiver system to end transmission of the power beam request signal when the object enters the security zone.

36. A method for transmitting a wireless power beam to a power receiver system having an energy receptor comprising:

starting transmission of a power beam request signal;

receiving the power beam request signal at a first power transmission unit;

starting transmission of the wireless power beam from a first power transmission unit to the energy receptor in response to receiving the power beam request signal;

stopping transmission of the power beam; and

losing the power beam request signal at the first power transmission unit wherein the step of stopping transmission of the power beam is a function of the loss of the power beam request signal.

37. A method for transmitting a wireless power beam to a power receiver system having an energy receptor comprising:

starting transmission of a power beam request signal;

receiving the power beam request signal at a first power transmission unit;

starting transmission of the wireless power beam from a first power transmission unit to the energy receptor in response to receiving the power beam request signal;

stopping transmission of the power beam; and

ending transmission of the power beam request signal wherein the step of stopping transmission of the power beam is a function of the end of the power beam request signal.

38. A method for transmitting a wireless power beam to a power receiver system having an energy receptor comprising:

starting transmission of a power beam request signal;

receiving the power beam request signal at a first power transmission unit;

starting transmission of the wireless sower beam from a first power transmission unit to the energy receptor in response to receiving the power beam request signal; and

stopping transmission of the power beam;

wherein the power receiver system comprises an energy storage device with a variable energy level and comprising the steps of ending transmission of the power beam request signal and monitoring the energy level in the storage device;

wherein the step of starting transmission of the power beam request signal occurs when the energy level is below a pre-established level; and

the step of ending transmission of the power beam request signal occurs when the energy level is at or above the pre-established level.

39. A method for transmitting a wireless power beam to a power receiver system having an energy receptor comprising:

starting transmission of a power beam request signal wherein the power beam request signal comprises a data stream;

receiving the power beam request signal at a first power transmission unit;

starting transmission of the wireless power beam from a first power transmission unit to the energy receptor in response to receiving the power beam request signal;

stopping transmission of the power beam; and

losing the power beam request signal at the first power transmission unit wherein the step of stopping transmission of the power beam is a function of the loss of the power beam request signal.

40. A method for transmitting a wireless power beam to a power receiver system having an energy receptor comprising:

starting transmission of a power beam request signal;

receiving the power beam request signal at a first power transmission unit;

starting transmission of the wireless power beam from a first power transmission unit to the energy receptor in response to receiving the power beam request signal;

stopping transmission of the power beam; and

maintaining transmission of energy as a wireless power beam from the power transmission unit to the energy receptor only as long as the power beam request signal is received by the power transmission unit.

41. A method for transmitting a wireless power beam to a power receiver system having an energy receptor comprising:

starting transmission of a power beam request signal;

receiving the power beam request signal at a first power transmission unit;

starting transmission of the wireless power beam from a first power transmission unit to the energy receptor in response to receiving the power beam request signal;

stopping transmission of the power beam after a predetermined amount of energy has been transmitted;

acknowledging receipt of the predetermined amount of energy by the power receiver system to the power transmission unit; and

starting transmission of the power beam for a subsequent predetermined amount of energy after the step of acknowledging.

42. A method for transmitting a wireless power beam to a power receiver system having an energy receptor comprising:

starting transmission of a power beam request signal;

receiving the power beam request signal at a first power transmission unit;

starting transmission of the wireless power beam from a first power transmission unit to the energy receptor in response to receiving the power beam request signal; and

stopping transmission of the power beam;

wherein the wireless power beam is in the form of discrete energy pulses each containing a predetermined amount of energy.

43. A method for transmitting a wireless power beam to a power receiver system having an energy receptor comprising:

starting transmission of a power beam request signal;

receiving the power beam request signal at a first power transmission unit;

starting transmission of the wireless power beam from a first power transmission unit to the energy receptor in response to receiving the power beam request signal; and

stopping transmission of the power beam;

wherein the wireless power beam is in the form of discrete energy pulses each containing a predetermined amount of energy and the power beam request signal comprises an acknowledgment of receipt of the predetermined amount of energy at the energy receptor and comprising the step of stopping transmission of the power beam in response to a failure to acknowledge receipt of the power beam.

44. A method for transmitting a wireless power beam to a power receiver system having an energy receptor comprising:

starting transmission of a power beam request signal;

receiving the power beam request signal at a first power transmission unit;

starting transmission of the wireless power beam from a first power transmission unit to the energy receptor in response to receiving the power beam request signal;

stopping transmission of the power beam;

transmitting a power unit communication signal from the power transmission unit;

receiving the power unit communication signal at the power receiver system;

establishing a two way communication link between the power transmission unit and the power receiver system; and

stopping transmission of the power beam in response to a loss of the two-way communication link.

45. A method for transmitting a wireless power beam to a power receiver system having an energy receptor comprising:

starting transmission of a power beam request signal;

receiving the power beam request signal at a first power transmission unit;

starting transmission of the wireless power beam from a first power transmission unit to the energy receptor in response to receiving the power beam request signal; and

stopping transmission of the power beam;

wherein the power receiver system is moving and comprising the step of tracking a location of the moving power beam request signal.

46. A method of transmitting a wireless power beam to a power receiver system having an energy receptor comprising:

starting transmission of the wireless power beam from a first power transmission unit to the energy receptor;

stopping transmission of the power beam after a predetermined amount of energy has been transmitted;

acknowledging the receipt of the predetermined amount of energy by the power receiver system to the power transmission unit; and

starting transmission of the power beam for a subsequent predetermined amount of energy after the step of acknowledging.

47. A method for transmitting a wireless power beam to a power receiver system having an energy receptor comprising:

starting transmission of a power beam request signal;

receiving the power beam request signal at a first power transmission unit;

transmitting a power unit communication signal from the power transmission unit;

receiving the power unit communication signal at the power receiver system;

establishing a two way communication link between the power transmission unit and the power receiver system;

starting transmission of the wireless power beam from a first power transmission unit to the energy receptor in response to receiving the power beam request signal; and

stopping transmission of the power beam in response to a loss of the two-way communication link.

48. A remote power system comprising:

an energy source;

a power transmission unit operably connected to the energy source comprising;

power unit communication means for receiving a power beam request signal,

power unit transmitter means selectively activatable between off and on conditions for transmitting energy as a wireless power beam in the on condition,

power unit controller means operably connected to the power unit communication means and the power unit transmitter means for activating the power unit transmitter means from the off condition to the on condition after the power transmission unit receives the power beam request signal; and

a first power receiver system comprising;

energy receptor means for receiving the wireless power beam,

energy conversion means for transforming energy in the received wireless power beam to a usable energy form, and

translocator means for transmitting the power beam request signal as a function of a demand for energy, wherein the translocator means alternates between transmission of the power beam request signal in a single direction and transmission of the power beam request signal in a plurality of directions.