Title: Analytical model of a multi-coil inductive power transmission system for movable low-power wireless devices with constant speed

Authors: Bilel Kallel; Olfa Kanoun; Hafedh Trabelsi

Addresses: Chair for Measurement and Sensor Technology, Technische Universität Chemnitz, Reichenhainer Straße 70, 09126, Chemnitz, Germany; Computer, Electronic and Smart Engineering Systems Design, National Engineering School of Sfax, University of Sfax, Road Soukra km 4, 3038 Sfax, Tunisia ' Chair for Measurement and Sensor Technology, Technische Universität Chemnitz, Reichenhainer Straße 70, 09126, Chemnitz, Germany ' Computer, Electronic and Smart Engineering Systems Design, National Engineering School of Sfax, University of Sfax, Road Soukra km 4, 3038 Sfax, Tunisia

Abstract: Inductive power transfer (IPT) can be considered to transfer power to wireless sensors installed in movable devices. The main challenge thereby is the variable mutual inductance and, therefore, the coupling factor which is decisive for the amount of transmitted energy. Suitable models for the mutual coupling are therefore very important not only for predicting the system behaviour, but also for the system design in general. In this paper, we present an analytical model for a multi-coil IPT system consisting of an array of multiple circular air-cored coils connected in series, without any magnetic or soft-magnetic materials around them and a receiving coil in movement in parallel to them and having a constant speed. The equivalent inductance, equivalent mutual inductance, coupling factor and induced voltage and current are estimated. The proposed analytical models are validated by both finite element simulations and experiments. Results fit very well together implying the validity of the proposed model. The model is not only limited to low-power IPT systems having a receiver with constant speed but also it is principally applicable for higher power range applications including electrical vehicles and trains.

Keywords: inductive power transfer; IPT; multi-coil system; wireless sensors; movable receiver; analytical model; finite element simulations; experimental verification.

DOI: 10.1504/IJDSSS.2020.111004

International Journal of Digital Signals and Smart Systems, 2020 Vol.4 No.4, pp.219 - 232

Received: 31 Jan 2018
Accepted: 11 Feb 2019
Published online: 05 Nov 2020 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article