Search Results (271)

Unmanned aerial vehicles, which are widely used today, require human assistance to meet their energy needs. This dependency disrupts autonomous operation. At this point, wireless power transfer technology offers a promising solution for full autonomy. These vehicles can be easily charged by contactless power transfer between magnetic couplers in seemingly impossible locations. Coupler configurations are critical due to the size constraints of these vehicles. In current studies, analyses of transfer efficiency are conducted using one or two parameters. In this study, in addition to the coupler configuration, the effects of air gap, duty cycle, and magnetic core on efficiency were analyzed together. The performance of couplers with rectangular, circular, and double-D configurations was investigated through comprehensive simulations and experiments. The AC and DC efficiencies of the wireless power transfer system were analyzed by performing 46 experiments, while the operating frequency of the system was between 95 and 105 kHz, the input power was around 250 W. Simulations of the system and couplers were performed in MATLAB and Ansys. In the experiments, the highest AC efficiency was 98.9%, and the DC efficiency was 86.7%. The error margins in MATLAB and Ansys models are less than 1% and 4%, respectively. Full article

Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) for electric vehicles is transitioning from laboratory prototypes to deployable charging infrastructure, driven by the demand for safer, automated, and weather-robust charging in residential parking, depots, and public bays, and more recently by pilot electric-road concepts. This review focuses on near-field resonant inductive WPT and explicitly frames the discussion around standardization and deployment readiness, with SAE J2954 and related international frameworks as reference points for interoperability, alignment, conformance testing, and certification planning across static, quasi-dynamic, and dynamic solutions. Recent surveys and representative demonstrators are synthesized to consolidate dominant research and engineering themes, including magnetic coupler and shielding design, compensation-network and control co-design, segment architecture and handover strategies for dynamic tracks, safety functions, electromagnetic exposure verification, electromagnetic compatibility constraints, bidirectional operation, and data-driven methods supporting design and field adaptation. For light-duty static charging, interoperable pad families, alignment procedures, and mature compensation topologies enable repeatable high-efficiency operation and increasingly standardized validation workflows, supporting early commercial availability. Heavy-duty depot charging appears technically attractive where duty cycles favor opportunity charging and packaging constraints are manageable. Dynamic WPT has reached pilot readiness via segmented selective-energization tracks and coordinated localization and handover, but corridor-scale rollout remains limited by maintainability, seasonal reliability, cost per kilometer, and route and site-specific verification of safety, exposure, and EMC margins. Full article

The widespread commercialization of wireless chargers for electric vehicles generally suffers from one main problem, which is the perfect alignment between the two coils, leading to a decrease in mutual inductance, which causes a drop in magnetic coupling and even a failure to transfer power. To address this persistent problem, this work proposes a comprehensive and integrated method for optimizing the coils and control architecture for reliable and safe battery charging. To address the challenges of a complex, nonlinear design space and the need for misalignment-tolerant geometries, we employ a memetic algorithm (MA) that hybridizes Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) for broad global exploration with Mesh Adaptive Direct Search (MADS) for precise local refinement. This combination effectively avoids poor local solutions—a limitation of standalone PSO or GA approaches reported in recent studies—while efficiently converging to coil geometries that maintain strong magnetic coupling under misalignment. After the coils have been designed, electromagnetic validation is tested using finite element analysis (FEA), which allows the magnetic field distribution to be evaluated, as well as the coupling coefficient under different scenarios of misalignment and variation in the air gap between the ground side and the vehicle side. At the same time, a comprehensive control strategy for the primary side of the system has been developed. This control method ensures power management on the primary side, enabling system interoperability for charging multiple types of vehicles, as well as reducing vehicle weight for greater range. All this is combined with an innovative pulsed current charging method, chosen for its advantages in terms of thermal stability, ensuring safe and efficient recharging that is mindful of battery health. Simulation and experimental validation demonstrate that the proposed framework maintains stable wireless power transfer and achieves over 87% DC–DC efficiency under lateral misalignments up to 100 mm, fully complying with SAE J2954 alignment tolerance requirements. Full article

In wireless power transfer (WPT) systems, magnetically coupled wireless power transfer has become a major research focus due to its advantages such as long transmission distance, strong tolerance to misalignment, and high power transfer capability. It is also widely applied in vehicle wireless power transfer systems. From the perspective of practical engineering applications, this paper investigates the problem of system parameter variations caused by changes in inductance and load, in combination with magnetically coupled structures. During actual system operation, misalignment of the coupling mechanism leads to variations in mutual inductance, while the load resistance may also fluctuate. These parameter changes result in alterations to the overall output characteristics of the system, which are detrimental to stable system operation. Moreover, adopting a dual-side communication control strategy is susceptible to interference from the system’s power circuitry. To address these issues, this paper proposes a novel state variable modeling method and designs a state observer based on the extended Kalman filter (EKF) algorithm to estimate the secondary-side parameters, thereby enabling observation of the voltage across the load at the receiver side. The state observer is configured with two operating modes to monitor variations in mutual inductance and load resistance. The observer outputs are compared with the actual load-side voltage, and the effectiveness of the proposed state observer is verified. Full article

This work investigates the geometric design and optimisation of a dynamic inductive power transfer coupler for two-wheeled electric vehicles under misalignment and magnetic-field exposure constraints. A computational three-dimensional finite-element model of a shielded rectangular coupler is developed to characterise coupling coefficients and magnetic flux density levels on control planes along the longitudinal travel range and under lateral and angular misalignments. Two simulation datasets are generated: one varying only geometric parameters at a nominal position for surrogate construction and global sensitivity analysis, and a second jointly sampling geometry, the travel range and misalignments for optimisation. Sparse Polynomial Chaos Expansions and Canonical Low-Rank Approximation surrogates are built to quantify Sobol’ indices, revealing that a small subset of primary-side geometric variables dominates both coupling efficiency and magnetic field levels. Random forest regressors are then trained on the extended dataset and embedded in the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II to solve a multi-objective optimisation problem that maximises worst-case coupling, improves robustness to misalignment, and enforces magnetic-field leakage limits. Optimal designs were obtained, and a subset was selected for re-evaluation using the finite-element method. The results confirm that the proposed surrogate-assisted framework yields coupler geometries with enhanced coupling and reduced magnetic field leakage while respecting the mechanical constraints for the electric motorcycle system. Full article

This paper proposes a novel magnetic coupler, a segmented bipolar pad (SBP) that outperforms the conventional bipolar pad (BP) with symmetrical geometrical dimensions. The performance parameters: mutual inductance (M_TR), coupling coefficient (k), output power (P_O), and DC-DC efficiency (η). The performance evaluation of the proposed pad is compared with the conventional pad under cases: (1) lateral misalignment (ΔY), and (2) interoperability with non-polarized pad (NPP) and polarized pad (PP). A 4.7 kW inductive power transfer (IPT) system is designed with an inductor–capacitor–capacitor-series (LCC-S) compensation network. For case 1, the M_TR of the SBP at ΔY = ±90 mm is the same as the M_TR of BP at ΔY = 0 mm, ensuring better misalignment tolerance capability of SBP. The maximum η of SBP is 93.64%, which is 4.96% greater than the highest η of BP. For case 2, the M_TR of the SBP with NPP is 22–24% and with PP is 20–25% higher than the BP interoperable performance. The obtained η shows maximum improvement of 2.46% for SBP with NPP, and 3.7% for SBP with PP when compared to the interoperable results of BP. SBP gives enhanced performance for both cases compared to the conventional pad at no additional pad design cost. The proposed work is validated through an experimental setup. Full article

Wireless power transfer (WPT) systems are generally sensitive to variations in separation distance and coil alignment, which result in reduced power transfer efficiency and delivered power. Various approaches based on control system and active matching circuits have resulted in more complex implementations. This work, by contrast, presents a full DC–DC inductively coupled WPT system employing coupled nonlinear resonators to automatically adapt the system for variations in transfer coil separation and orientation, maintaining high transfer efficiency at a constant output power level. With entirely passive circuit components, the nonlinear resonators suppress the frequency-splitting phenomenon typical of WPT systems that leads to efficiency degradation. A class-EF power amplifier used in the transmitter experiences an approximately constant impedance, providing a constant output power while maintaining high efficiency. On the receive side, a class-E rectifier operates at a constant input power, achieving high overall efficiency without active control. An experimental demonstration delivers 5 W with a 6.12% power variation over a 1 to 9 cm distance variation and achieves a peak DC–DC efficiency of 71.6%. The response of the system to changes in coil separation is compared with a conventional linear WPT circuit, showing a constant-power and high-efficiency operation. Full article

Dynamic wireless power transfer (DWPT) systems for in-motion electric vehicle (EV) charging often suffer from unstable power delivery due to spatial variations in magnetic coupling caused by vehicle misalignment. This study presents a stabilization-oriented DWPT design methodology that prioritizes minimizing spatial variations of mutual inductance rather than maximizing peak coupling under perfect alignment. A ferrite-backed double-D coil configuration is analyzed and refined using three-dimensional finite-element electromagnetic modeling integrated with circuit-level co-simulation to evaluate coupling behavior, magnetic field homogeneity, and power transfer efficiency under realistic dynamic misalignment conditions. The proposed design achieves a coupling coefficient of 0.50–0.55 under aligned conditions and exhibits smooth, predictable degradation for lateral offsets up to 40–50 mm. Quantitative analysis demonstrates a low spatial coupling gradient of approximately 0.001 mm⁻¹, indicating that abrupt coupling transitions are effectively suppressed during vehicle motion. The system attains a maximum power transfer efficiency of 84.37% at an 80 mm air gap, while maintaining stable performance under both lateral and vertical displacement. Comparative evaluation shows improved misalignment tolerance and coupling stability relative to conventional double-D configurations. The results demonstrate that electromagnetic field shaping focused on coupling smoothness is an effective and practical strategy for reliable dynamic wireless charging of electric vehicles. Full article

The determination of the actual series and sequence impedances, including the reduction factor of a certain HV or EHV distribution cable line, as well as the resulting screening factor of its sheaths and surrounding metal installations, including its inductive influence on any of the surrounding metal installations, is not possible by calculations alone. Considering the inductive influence of surrounding metal installations on the values of these quantities is possible only by the method that includes the test measurements during a simulated ground fault in the supplied substation. However, such measurements presuppose putting at least one HV substation and its feeding line out of service. That is why electricity distribution companies rarely allow such measurements, i.e., only immediately before the commissioning of a newly built HV substation or during a periodical overhaul. In this paper, it is demonstrated that these characteristics of cable lines can also be determined based on the results of synchronous measurements performed permanently in the substations at their ends. In this way, the need to perform a simulated ground fault and corresponding test measurements in HV distribution substations practically disappears, and the necessary characteristics can be determined whenever they are required. Full article

Wireless power transfer (WPT) has emerged as a key enabling technology for the large-scale adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), offering enhanced charging flexibility, improved safety, and seamless integration with intelligent transportation and renewable energy infrastructures. This paper presents a comprehensive review and technical synthesis of WPT technologies spanning both near-field and far-field domains, including inductive power transfer (IPT), magnetically coupled resonant WPT (MCR-WPT), capacitive power transfer (CPT), microwave power transfer (MPT), and laser wireless charging (LPT). Particular emphasis is placed on MCR-WPT, the most widely adopted approach for EV wireless charging, for which the coupler structures, resonant compensation networks, power converter architectures, and control strategies are systematically analyzed. The review further identifies that hybrid WPT architectures, adaptive compensation design and wide-coverage coupling mechanisms will be central to enabling high-power, long-distance, and misalignment-resilient wireless charging solutions for next-generation electric transportation systems. Full article

This paper proposes a dual path mixed coupling wireless power transfer (DPMPT) coupler as a four-port structure for near-field wireless power transfer in drone and unmanned aerial vehicles. The DPMPT coupler integrates orthogonal double-D coils and 8-plates to realize mixed inductive–capacitive coupling at 6.78 MHz without additional lumped matching networks. A four-port equivalent model is developed by classifying the mutual networks into three coupling types and representing them with a transmission-matrix formulation fitted to three-dimensional full-wave simulations. The model is used to identify the main coupling paths and to evaluate the effect of rotation and lateral/diagonal misalignment on power-transfer characteristics. Simulation results at a transfer distance of 70 mm show a maximum transmission coefficient of about 0.82 at 6.78 MHz and high robustness against rotation. When switch-based port selection is applied on the transmit side, blind spots associated with pose variations that cause an abrupt drop in transmission characteristics are significantly reduced, demonstrating that the DPMPT coupler with switch control provides an effective structural basis for enhancing alignment tolerance in mixed coupling wireless power transfer systems. Full article

This paper presents a method for determining the equivalent circuit parameters of magnetically coupled air-core coils used in wireless power transfer (WPT) systems. The proposed approach enables fast and accurate modeling of inductively coupled energy transfer structures, which is essential for the design and optimization of high-efficiency wireless energy systems. The equivalent circuit of the analyzed system was developed using Cauer circuits, while a two-dimensional (2D) axisymmetric electromagnetic field model was employed to derive the equations. The model was implemented in proprietary software based on the edge-element finite element method (FEM) using the A–V formulation. The A–V formulation combines the magnetic vector potential A and the electric scalar potential V, enabling simultaneous representation of magnetic field distribution and current flow in conducting regions. The eddy currents in the conductors were considered in the electromagnetic field analysis. Simulations were carried out for two operating states: short-circuit and idle. The results were used to determine the parameters of the horizontal and magnetizing branches of the equivalent circuit of considered system and to analyze the frequency dependence of the resistances and inductances of the coupled coil system. The proposed modeling approach provides an effective and energy-oriented tool for the design of wireless power transfer systems with improved efficiency and reduced computational cost. The proposed method reproduces impedance characteristics with an accuracy of 0.2 × 10⁻³% in the idle state and 1.4 × 10⁻³% in the short-circuit state compared to the full FEM model, while significantly reducing the computation time. Full article

Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) technologies are rapidly maturing, offering alternatives to traditional wired connections in applications ranging from consumer electronics to industrial automation. This review provides a technical analysis of WPT methodologies published between 2010 and 2025, explicitly distinguishing between non-radiative near-field techniques (specifically Inductive Power Transfer [IPT] and Capacitive Power Transfer [CPT]) and radiative far-field systems (Microwave Power Transfer [MPT] and Laser Power Transfer [LPT]). Unlike previous reviews that categorize primarily by coupling mechanism, this paper proposes a novel multi-parametric classification framework incorporating efficiency, alignment sensitivity, and emerging operational paradigms such as AI-optimized tuning and acoustic transfer. The analysis evaluates the engineering trade-offs between short-range, high-efficiency inductive systems and long-range, lower-efficiency radiative links. Furthermore, the paper identifies critical technical barriers to commercialization, specifically focusing on electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), biological safety (SAR) limits, and end-to-end system efficiency. Finally, the review extends beyond the physics to provide a rigorous economic analysis of the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for electric vehicle infrastructure and industrial IoT, highlighting the strategic viability of WPT in future smart grids. Full article

Wireless power transfer is gaining attention in medium-to-short-range applications such as 1–3 kW-class UAVs and AGVs due to its safety, reliability, and adaptability to complex environments. The LCC-S topology is widely adopted due to its favorable output characteristics and device voltage-stress distribution. However, under fixed coil parameters and operating frequencies, conventional LCC-S achieves high efficiency only near the optimal equivalent load. When the actual load deviates from this value—especially in heavy-load regions—resonant cavity current increases sharply, voltage gain drops significantly, and overall efficiency deteriorates. To overcome this structural limitation without increasing control complexity or adding active regulation stages, this paper proposes a transformer-assisted LCC-S wireless charging topology based on “equivalent load reconstruction.” First, a unified equivalent circuit is constructed to derive analytical expressions for voltage gain, input impedance, and efficiency under arbitrary coupling coefficients and loads for both the traditional LCC-S and the proposed topology, revealing the mechanism behind efficiency degradation under heavy loads. Building upon this foundation, a high-frequency transformer is introduced, with an efficiency-oriented collaborative design method for its turns ratio and excitation inductance. Furthermore, by integrating simplified copper and iron-loss models, the losses in the resonant cavity and the transformer are decomposed and evaluated. Results demonstrate that when transformer parameters are appropriately selected, the newly introduced transformer losses are significantly smaller than the resonant cavity losses reduced through load reconstruction. The constructed 1 kW, 85 kHz prototype demonstrates that within the 0.5–2.5 Ω load range, the proposed topology achieves efficiency exceeding 88%. Under typical heavy-load conditions, its peak efficiency surpasses that of the conventional LCC-S by approximately 20%. The theoretical analysis, simulation, and experimental results are highly consistent, verifying that the transformer-assisted LCC-S topology and its efficiency-oriented design method can effectively expand the high-efficiency operating range across a wide load spectrum without altering the control strategy. This provides a concise and feasible structural optimization solution for wireless charging systems. Full article

This paper presents a high-efficiency wireless power transfer (WPT) architecture employing a resonant inductive coupling to power smart sensor nodes in remote or sealed environments, where conventional power delivery is unfeasible. The system integrates a photovoltaic (PV) energy source with a step-down DC-DC converter based on the LM2596 buck regulator to adjust the voltage from the PV. The proposed conditioned power system supplies the entire electronic circuit consisting of a PWM modulator based on an NE555, which drives an IR2110 gate driver connected to a Class D power amplifier. The amplifier excites a pair of high-Q resonant coils designed for mid-range inductive coupling. On the receiver side, the inductively coupled AC signal is rectified and regulated through an AC-DC conversion stage to charge a secondary energy storage unit. The design eliminates the need for physical electrical connections, ensuring efficient, contactless energy transfer. The proposed system operates at a resonant frequency of 24.46 kHz and achieves up to 80% transmission efficiency at a distance of 113 mm. The receiver provides a regulated DC output between 4.80 V and 4.97 V, sufficient to power low-consumption smart sensors. Full article