System and method for inductively transferring AC power and self alignment between a vehicle and a recharging station

An inductively coupled battery recharging system, comprising:

• a first inductive winding coupled to an exterior power source and including
• a first core,
• a first winding area of the first core including a first winding cross sectional area;
• a first pole section of the first core including a first pole sectional area, a second pole section of the first core including a second pole sectional area, and a third pole section of the first core including a third pole section area, wherein the first core first, second and third surface areas are substantially similar in shape and size;
• and
• a second inductive winding coupled to a rechargeable battery and including
• a second core,
• a second winding area of the second core including a second winding cross sectional area;
• a first pole section of the second core including a first pole sectional area, and a second pole section of the second core includes a second pole sectional area, and a third pole section of the second core including a third pole sectional area, wherein the second core first, second, and third pole sectional areas are substantially similar in shape and size, the first and second core winding sectional areas are substantially similar in shape and size, and the first, second, and third pole sectional areas of the first and second cores are substantially similar in shape and size, respectively, and further wherein,
• the ratio of the area of the pole of the core to the area of the winding of the core is between 2.0 and 5.0, whereby a first magnetic flux area formed between the first pole of the first core and the first pole of the second core, and a second magnetic flux area formed between the second pole of the first core and the second pole of the second core, and a third magnetic flux area formed between the third pole of the first core and the third pole of the second core are substantially contained, respectively, within a first volume formed by the cross sectional areas of the first pole of the first core and the first pole of the second core, the second pole of the first core and the second pole of the second core, and the third pole of the first core and the third pole of the second core.

Apparatus for inductively charging a battery in a vehicle, comprising

• (a) a fixture;
• (b) an interface plate connected with said fixture and movable with respect thereto;
• (c) a transformer including
• (1) a primary coil mounted on said interface plate;
• and
• (2) a secondary coil mounted on the vehicle, whereby when the vehicle is positioned adjacent to said fixture and said secondary coil is opposite said primary coil and power is supplied to said primary coil, inductive power is transmitted to said secondary coil to charge the vehicle battery.