Finite Element Assisted Development of Omnidirectional Inductively Coupled Power Transfer Source

Abstract

To date, a vast majority of near-field magnetic induction applications tend to largely support uni- or bi-directional planar movement of loads. This is due to a lack of omni-directional magnetic field distribution provided by the electromagnetic structures. This paper demonstrates the concept of an omni-directional near-field wireless power transfer source capable of supporting three-dimensional load displacements. This is done by developing customized electromagnetic structures assisted by modern finite element method analysis computation software. In particular, two models are developed for investigation into both continuous and discontinuous modes of operation. The magnetic frequency response was simulated at an AC frequency of 155kHz. From analysis of the fundamental parameter governing performance metrics, the magnetic flux density, was tailored to support load displacement along three orthogonal axes. The resulting magnetic structures are intended for use as a loosely coupled near-field inductively-coupled-power-transfer system.