Systems and methods for improving thermal performance of wireless power transfer systems
A transmit resonator for use in a wireless power transfer system is provided. The transmit resonator includes a core defining an annular groove, a coil element disposed within the annular groove, and a housing surrounding the core and the coil element. The housing includes a casing. and a metal plate, wherein the metal plate is positioned on a side of the transmit resonator that is opposite a receive resonator during operation of the wireless power transfer system, and wherein the metal plate facilitates reducing far-field electromagnetic emissions and improving cooling of the wireless power transfer system.
1 . A transmit resonator for use in a wireless power transfer system for supplying power to an implantable medical device, the transmit resonator comprising:
a core defining an annular groove;
a coil element disposed within the annular groove; and
a housing surrounding the core and the coil element, the housing comprising:
a casing; and
a metal plate, wherein the metal plate is positioned on a side of the transmit resonator that is opposite a receive resonator during operation of the wireless power transfer system, and wherein the metal plate facilitates reducing far-field electromagnetic emissions and improving cooling of the wireless power transfer system, wherein the metal plate forms a side of the housing.
2 . The transmit resonator of claim 1 , wherein the metal plate is an aluminum plate.
3 . The transmit resonator of claim 1 , wherein the metal plate is an aluminum alloy plate.
4 . The transmit resonator of claim 1 , wherein the casing is plastic.
5 . The transmit resonator of claim 1 , wherein the casing is a thermally conductive material.
6 . A wireless power transfer system for supplying power to an implantable medical device comprising:
a receive resonator; and
a transmit resonator comprising:
a core defining an annular groove;
a coil element disposed within the annular groove; and
a housing surrounding the core and the coil element, the housing comprising:
a casing; and
a metal plate, wherein the metal plate is positioned on a side of the transmit resonator that is opposite a receive resonator during operation of the wireless power transfer system, and wherein the metal plate facilitates reducing far-field electromagnetic emissions and improving cooling of the wireless power transfer system, wherein the metal plate forms a side of the housing.
7 . The wireless power transfer system of claim 6 , wherein the metal plate is an aluminum plate.
8 . The wireless power transfer system of claim 6 , wherein the metal plate is an aluminum alloy plate.
9 . The wireless power transfer system of claim 6 , wherein the casing is plastic.
10 . The wireless power transfer system of claim 6 , wherein the casing is a thermally conductive material.
11 . A transmit resonator for use in a wireless power transfer system for supplying power to an implantable medical device, the transmit resonator comprising:
a core defining an annular groove;
a coil element disposed within the annular groove; and
a housing surrounding the core and the coil element, the housing made of a thermally conductive material to facilitate improving thermal performance of the wireless power transfer system, wherein the housing comprises a metal plate, the metal plate forming a side of the housing; wherein a gap is defined between the housing and the core, and wherein the gap is filled with a thermally conductive gap material.
12 . The transmit resonator of claim 11 , wherein the thermally conductive material is a high-purity aluminum ceramic.
13 . The transmit resonator of claim 11 , wherein the thermally conductive gap material is alumina.
14 . The transmit resonator of claim 11 , and wherein the metal plate is positioned on a side of the transmit resonator that is opposite a receive resonator during operation of the wireless power transfer system.
15 . A wireless power transfer system for supplying power to an implantable medical device comprising:
a receive resonator; and
a transmit resonator comprising:
a core defining an annular groove;
a coil element disposed within the annular groove; and
a housing surrounding the core and the coil element, the housing made of a thermally conductive material to facilitate improving thermal performance of the wireless power transfer system, wherein the housing comprises a metal plate, the metal plate forming a side of the housing; wherein a gap is defined between the housing and the core, and wherein the gap is filled with a thermally conductive gap material.
16 . The wireless power transfer system of claim 15 , wherein the thermally conductive material is a high-purity aluminum ceramic.
17 . The wireless power transfer system of claim 15 , wherein the thermally conductive gap material is alumina.
18 . The wireless power transfer system of claim 15 , wherein the metal plate is positioned on a side of the transmit resonator that is opposite a receive resonator during operation of the wireless power transfer system.