US 11,447,029 B2 · Fault detection and monitoring methods for safe operation of a WEVC system

Abstract

A wireless electric vehicle charging system comprises base-side equipment for generating a magnetic field and vehicle-side equipment for receiving energy via the magnetic field to supply power to a vehicle-driving battery. Monitoring circuitry monitors one or more of voltage, current, or phase associated with the base-side equipment and halts generation of the magnetic field in response to a change in the voltage, current, or phase associated with the operation of the base-side equipment that indicates a fault condition at the vehicle-side equipment, which may include a loss of power or disconnection of a battery. Based on detection of the change, the monitoring circuitry can halt generation of the magnetic field to prevent damage at the vehicle-side equipment.

Claims20

Dependent claims

Base-side equipment of a wireless electric vehicle charging system, the base-side equipment comprising:

an inverter configured to provide a high frequency output;
tuning circuitry coupled to the inverter, the tuning circuitry configured to receive the high frequency output and provide an output power signal;
a coil coupled to the tuning circuitry, the coil configured to receive the output power signal and generate a magnetic field for delivery of power to vehicle-side equipment;
and
monitoring circuitry between the inverter and the tuning circuitry, the monitoring circuitry configured to:
monitor voltage and current associated with operation of the base-side equipment;
and
halt generation of the magnetic field in response to a change in the voltage, current, or voltage and current, that indicates a fault condition at the vehicle-side equipment.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Fault detection and monitoring methods for safe operation of a WEVC system

Life of this patent

Fault detection and monitoring methods for safe operation of a WEVC system

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20