Thermal Feedback for Power Transfer Optimization

A method of controlling power transfer between a base power-transfer apparatus and a vehicle power-transfer apparatus, the method comprising:

• measuring a temperature of at least one component of the base power-transfer apparatus or the vehicle power-transfer apparatus by using at least one temperature sensor;
• comparing the measured temperature to a temperature range defined by a lower temperature value and an upper temperature value;
• and
• controlling operation of the at least one component of the base power-transfer apparatus or the vehicle power-transfer apparatus by varying power delivered to the at least one component based on a result of the measured temperature being compared to the temperature range.

A wireless power-transfer system comprising:

• a vehicle power-transfer apparatus of an electric vehicle, the vehicle power-transfer apparatus including a coil configured to convert a magnetic field into an electric current;
• a vehicle control unit coupled to the vehicle power-transfer apparatus, the vehicle control unit including switching and power electronics configured to use the electric current to charge a battery of the electric vehicle;
• one or more temperature sensors coupled to the vehicle power-transfer apparatus, the one or more temperature sensors configured to measure a temperature of the vehicle power-transfer apparatus;
• and
• a system controller coupled to the vehicle power-transfer apparatus, the vehicle control unit, and the one or more temperature sensors, the system controller configured to control operation of at least one of the vehicle power-transfer apparatus or the vehicle control unit based on the measured temperature to shift losses and spread heating effects between different components of the vehicle power-transfer apparatus or the vehicle control unit.

A wireless power-transfer system comprising:

• a coil configured to generate a magnetic field based on an electric current;
• ferrite disposed proximate to the coil and configured to direct the magnetic field;
• a power supply unit coupled to the coil and configured to drive the coil with the electric current;
• a measuring means for measuring a temperature at one or more locations on the ferrite or at the power supply;
• and
• a controlling means for varying operation of the coil or the power supply based on the measured temperature.