Wireless Battery Charging by Adaptive Inductive Coupling
Navy SBIR FY2008.2


Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2008.2
Topic No.: N08-108
Topic Title: Wireless Battery Charging by Adaptive Inductive Coupling
Proposal No.: N082-108-0088
Firm: Physical Optics Corporation
Photonic Systems Division
20600 Gramercy Place, Bldg. 100
Torrance, California 90501
Contact: Kevin Degrood
Phone: (310) 320-3088
Web Site: www.poc.com
Abstract: In response to the Navy need for wireless battery charging methods for distributed electronic equipment worn or carried by the soldier, Physical Optics Corporation (POC) proposes to develop a novel wireless battery charging system using inductive coupling. Called the Battery Inductive Coupling Adaptive Recharger (BICAR) system, it incorporates such innovations as adaptive inductive coupling, a magnetomechanical-adaptive receiver module, advanced power management, algorithms, and a graphical user interface to remotely recharge batteries. The GUI profiles a given alternating power source conversion for a given battery, in terms of power and voltage, including its aging stage. The BICAR operates over wide electromagnetic frequency (60-400 Hz) and voltage ranges. It recharges typical Marine Corps devices such as the mounted thermal weapons scope. In Phase I, POC will construct a preliminary BICAR prototype and demonstrate the feasibility of the concept. By the end of Phase II, a BICAR prototype at TRL-5 will be demonstrated to the Navy.
Benefits: Products offering adaptive inductive coupling offer benefits in market niches that require battery recharging in safe, user-friendly conditions (avoiding short circuits, connector failures, and other electricity risks). With some adaptations, it can be applied even in consumer markets, such as in easy and risk-free recharging of car batteries.

Return