Design of a misalignment-resistant capacitive coupler for wireless power transfer under fresh water

Abstract

In this study, we describe the design of a misalignment-resistant capacitive coupler under fresh water. The two main issues discussed in this study are: the relation between misalignment and efficiency when using a typical capacitive coupler, and the design of a misalignment-resistant capacitive coupler. Theoretical calculation and analytical results show no relation between misalignment and transmission efficiency in terms of monotonic reduction. Further, the relation between misalignment and transmission efficiency is discussed with respect to the coupling coefficient. Finally, we establish the design guideline using coupling factors that take into account misalignment and design a misalignment-resistant capacitive coupler.