Optimization of DC-DC Converters and Wireless Power Transfer Systems

Dear Colleagues,

The optimization of DC-DC converters, integral to the efficiency and performance of wireless power transfer (WPT) systems, has become a critical area of research as energy demands evolve across several sectors. This special session explores the latest advancements in the optimization of DC-DC converters for WPT, with an emphasis on both inductive and capacitive wireless coupling systems. It aims to provide a comprehensive review of the current methodologies, challenges, and opportunities in enhancing the performance of both power conversion and wireless energy transmission, spanning a range of applications from consumer electronics to electric vehicles and biomedical devices.

Inductive wireless power transfer (IPT) has emerged as the dominant technology due to its high power transfer efficiency, relatively wide operating range, and robustness in various environmental conditions. Recent innovations in resonant converter topologies—such as series–series, series–parallel, and LCC circuits—have improved both efficiency and power density, while new compensation techniques, such as adaptive impedance matching and multi-stage resonant networks, have helped mitigate power losses due to misalignment and spatial limitations. Advances in the design of magnetic materials, as well as the implementation of zero-voltage and soft-switching methods, have significantly contributed to reducing power losses and improving the overall performance of IPT systems. However, challenges related to coil size, electromagnetic interference, and alignment accuracy remain areas of active research.

In parallel, capacitive wireless power transfer (CPT) has garnered increasing attention for its potential advantages in smaller-scale applications, electromagnetic interference mitigation, and the ease of integration into metallic or compact environments. Recent developments in CPT have focused on enhancing the power transfer efficiency and bandwidth through the use of high-frequency capacitive links, novel dielectric materials, and advanced electrode designs. Hybrid systems combining IPT and CPT principles have also been proposed to leverage the strengths of both coupling mechanisms, offering flexibility and improved system performance in diverse scenarios.

This special session further addresses the critical aspect of achieving high efficiency, compactness, and effective thermal management in DC-DC converters that interface with WPT systems. Optimization control techniques such as model predictive control, multi-objective optimization, and real-time adaptive control algorithms will be considered to enhance power delivery while ensuring system stability, reducing electromagnetic emissions, and improving overall robustness. The role of wide bandgap semiconductors (e.g., GaN and SiC) in improving switching performance and reducing power losses is also explored in detail.

Topics of interest for publication include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Energy harvesting systems and integration with WPT.
• Resonant converter design and optimization.
• Electromagnetic field modeling and mitigation strategies.
• Thermal management techniques in high-power WPT systems.
• Design and optimization of resonant networks for efficient energy transmission.
• The impact of AI and machine learning techniques in adaptive power optimization and fault detection.

This Special Issue serves as a platform for researchers and designers to engage with cutting-edge solutions for power converter optimization and WPT technology. It highlights the multidisciplinary nature of the field and sets the stage for future research on integrated and intelligent wireless power systems.

Dr. Salvatore Musumeci
Dr. Luigi Solimene
Guest Editors

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