Precise Modeling and Design of Self-Resonant for High-Efficiency Mid-Range Wireless Power Transfer System

Transfer power and efficiency of wireless power transfer (WPT) systems are limited by the quality factor and coupling coefficient of the transmitting (Tx) coil and receiving (Rx) coil. Getting rid of compensation circuits, self-resonant coils have simple structure, high system reliability, high quality factor and high power level, making it a promising candidate for WPT applications. In modeling and computation of self-resonant coils, the results derived from the transmission line theory have obvious errors, and the finite element simulation takes a long computing time. For obtaining accurate results and achieving fast computation, a partial-element equivalent circuit (PEEC) method is applied to calculate the self-resonant frequency (SRF) and the current distribution of helical coils. To validate the accuracy of the proposed model, some prototypes were simulated and measured. The theoretical calculation predications are in great agreements with the simulation and measurement results. The magnetic coupling model between Tx and Rx is also established using PEEC method and a novel design guideline of self-resonant helical coils is proposed. Furthermore, a WPT system with 6.78 MHz self-resonant helical coils was designed, fabricated and tested for a high-efficiency mid-range energy transfer. It was used to drive a 5W load wirelessly as a demonstration to validate the feasibility of the proposed system in practical applications.

Automated summary

The power and efficiency of wireless power transfer (WPT) systems are limited by the quality factor and coupling coefficient of the transmitting and receiving coils. Self-resonant coils, with their simple structure, high system reliability, high quality factor, and high power level, are promising for WPT applications. To accurately calculate the self-resonant frequency and current distribution of helical coils, a partial-element equivalent circuit (PEEC) method is applied. The proposed model is validated through simulation and measurement, and a new design guideline for self-resonant helical coils is proposed.