SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR WIRELESS POWER

• US 20120206096A1
• Filed: 01/20/2012
• Published: 08/16/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 06/01/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: WiTricity Corporation
• Original Assignee: WiTricity Corporation
• Inventors: John, Michael Sasha
• Granted Patent: US 9,095,729 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 320/108
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/37223 Circuits for electromagnetic coupling
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/37252 Details of algorithms or data aspects of communication system, e.g. handshaking, transmitting specific data or segmenting data
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3785 generated by biological activity or substance, e.g. body movement
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3787 from an external energy source
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/10 using inductive coupling
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/20 using microwaves or radio frequency waves
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/70 involving the reduction of electric, magnetic or electromagnetic leakage fields
• 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: H04B 1/40 Circuits
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 5/77 for interrogation
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 5/79 for data transfer in combination with power transfer

Abstract

The present invention is a wireless power system which includes components which can be recharged by harvesting wireless power, wireless power transmitters for transmitting the power, and devices which are powered from the components. Features such as temperature monitoring, tiered network protocols including both data and power communication, and power management strategies related to both charging and non-charging operations, are used to improve performance of the wireless network. Rechargeable batteries which are configured to be recharged using wireless power have unique components specifically tailored for recharging operations rather than for providing power to a device. A wireless power supply for powering implanted devices benefits from an external patient controller which contains features for adjusting both power transmission and harvesting provided by other components of the wireless power network.

Claims

1. A rechargeable battery system for receiving wireless power comprising:

an antenna for receiving wireless energy;

a harvesting module for converting wireless energy into power;

an energy storage module configured for recharging at least a first rechargeable battery while simultaneously providing power to a device from a second battery; and

,

a power receiver control module for controlling said recharging and providing power operations, said power receiver control module being implemented partially within a rechargeable batter and also being configured for making electrical connection with said device.

2. A rechargeable battery system of claim 1 wherein said power receiver control module is at least partially under control of the device.

3. A rechargeable battery system of claim 1 wherein said power receiver control module is configured to provide the device with an indication of at least one of:

power level of at least one of the said batteries;

amount of power being harnessed over a current period.

4. A rechargeable battery system of claim 1 further comprising an energy profile module configured to provide an indication of how much energy is available for harvesting within at least one selected spectral range.

5. A rechargeable battery system of claim 1 further comprising an energy profile module configured to provide an indication of how much energy is being harvested from at least one selected spectral range.

7. A rechargeable battery system of claim 5 wherein said energy profile module is connected to an output of the energy harvesting module.

8. A rechargeable battery system of claim 5 wherein said recharging at least one rechargeable battery comprises recharging at least two rechargeable batteries at different moments in time.

9. A rechargeable battery system of claim 5 wherein said recharging at least one rechargeable battery comprises periodically alternating between recharging at least one of at least two rechargeable batteries at different moments in time.

6. A rechargeable battery system 5 wherein said energy profile module is connected to the antenna.

10. A rechargeable battery system for receiving wireless power comprising:

A wireless rechargeable battery configured with at least one recharging surface configured for receiving power from a wireless-power harvesting device and for storing said power, said recharging surface being physically distinct from terminals used for communicating power from the battery to the device;

A wireless-power harvesting device configured for sending power to the wireless rechargeable battery.

11. The rechargeable battery of claim 10 wherein the at least one recharging surface comprises a first surface electrically coupled to a positive portion of the rechargeable battery and a second surface electrically coupled to a negative portion of the rechargeable battery.

12. The rechargeable battery of claim 10 wherein the wireless power harvesting device is configured for producing harvested power from a near field induction-based power transmitter and for relaying this power to the recharging surface of the battery.

13. The rechargeable battery of claim 10 wherein the wireless power harvesting device is configured for producing harvested power from a far field induction-based power transmitter and for relaying said harvested power to the recharging surface of the battery.

14. The rechargeable battery of claim 10 wherein the wireless rechargeable battery is further configured for accepting control commands sent from the wireless-power harvesting device.

15. The rechargeable battery of claim 10 wherein the wireless rechargeable battery is further configured for communication with the wireless-power harvesting device.