Power Links and Methods for Improved Efficiency
First Claim
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1. A method of improving transfer efficiency in a power link having a send transducer and a receive transducer and configured to transmit at a transmit frequency, the method comprising detecting changes in inter-transducer separation and adjusting the transmit frequency.
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Abstract
Among other things, in general, methods of increasing transfer efficiency in a power link are described, as well as power links implementing such methods. Methods of dynamic charging are also described. Applications of such methods and power links include the charging of portable electronic devices as well as implantable medical devices.
5 Citations
8 Claims
- 1. A method of improving transfer efficiency in a power link having a send transducer and a receive transducer and configured to transmit at a transmit frequency, the method comprising detecting changes in inter-transducer separation and adjusting the transmit frequency.
- 2. A method of improving transfer efficiency in a power link having a send transducer and configured to transmit at a transmit frequency, the method comprising detecting changes in impedance phase as seen by the send transducer and adjusting the transmit frequency.
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4. A method of dynamic charging in a power link, the method comprising detecting a change in an electrical impedance during charging and discontinuing the charge upon detection of the change.
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5. A method of dynamic charging in a power link having a transmit unit and a receive transducer, the method comprising changing an electrical load impedance as seen by the receive transducer, wherein the transmit unit detects that more power is needed.
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6. A method of maintaining high power transfer efficiency in a power link having a send transducer and configured to transmit at a transmit frequency, the method comprising the steps of:
- periodically scanning the transmit frequency through a range of discrete frequencies;
digitizing current and voltage waveforms from the power link at each discrete frequency;
integrating, digitizing, and calculating impedance phase at each discrete frequency; and
setting the transmit frequency to the discrete frequency having an impedance phase extremum closest to fopt for the send transducer. - View Dependent Claims (8)
- periodically scanning the transmit frequency through a range of discrete frequencies;
Specification