Title: Analysing the impact of magnetic coupler materials for wireless power transfer in electric vehicles

Authors: Ankur Yadav; Tushar Kanti Bera

Addresses: Department of Electrical Engineering, NIT Durgapur, Mahatma Gandhi Rd., Durgapur, 713209, West Bengal, India ' Department of Electrical Engineering, NIT Durgapur, Mahatma Gandhi Rd., Durgapur, 713209, West Bengal, India

Abstract: This research examines the impact of magnetic materials on wireless power transfer (WPT) systems for electric vehicles (EVs), focusing on 3D coil and coupler design using Ansys Maxwell. It explores how material choice influences WPT performance and reliability, analyzing parameters like coupling (k), mutual (M), and self-inductance (L) alongside magnetic flux density (B), field strength (H), energy, and thermal effects across air gaps (40-200 mm). Matlab verifies output voltage, current, power, and power transfer efficiency (PTE). Results show that ferrite achieves a peak PTE of 94.3% at an 80 mm gap, with a 30.4 kg weight and 400 × 400 × 20 mm dimensions, while alloy steel yields 73.9% PTE at 50.67 kg. The study aids in selecting materials to optimize PTE, reduce losses, ensure safety, and improve reliability, advancing WPT technology for efficient EV charging infrastructure.

Keywords: materials; Ferrite shielding; permalloy; Nickel-Iron; alloy steel; WPT; wireless power transfer; Ansys Maxwell; coil geometry; magnetic coupler.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.2025.148152

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 2025 Vol.97 No.2/3/4, pp.314 - 336

Received: 15 May 2024
Accepted: 09 Dec 2024
Published online: 27 Aug 2025 *

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