Design of Loosely Coupled Magnetic Systems Based on Finite Element Method for Inductive Power Transfer Applications

Rodolfo Castanho Fernandes; Azauri Albano de Oliveira Jr.

doi:10.18618/REP.2015.1.094103

Authors

Rodolfo Castanho Fernandes Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos, USP - Universidade de São Paulo, Depto. de Engenharia Elétrica e de Computação. São Carlos - SP, Brasil
Azauri Albano de Oliveira Jr. Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos, USP - Universidade de São Paulo, Depto. de Engenharia Elétrica e de Computação. São Carlos - SP, Brasil

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18618/REP.2015.1.094103

Keywords:

Biomedical Implants, Electrical Vehicles, Finite Element Method, Inductive Power Transfer, Portable Devices

Abstract

This paper proposes an iterative approach for the design of loosely coupled inductors for inductive power transfer applications. The procedure is based on the finite element method and is suitable for realistic coil geometry development where non-linear magnetic materials are required. Dedicated algorithms represent self-inductances and mutual inductances in terms of equivalent geometric parameters and vice-versa thus allowing an approach that is not possible in analytical formulations. Also, finite element method is used to analyze the coil system, with two or more coils, under axial, lateral and angular misalignment prior to the development of prototypes. The iterative method can be used to support development of wireless power converters for biomedical implants, electric vehicles recharging systems and chargers for portable devices, with simple and minor modifications. Also, it has specific tools for geometry optimization that can lead to maximized power transfer. Experimental results are presented for coupling coefficient under spatial misalignment.

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Author Biographies

Rodolfo Castanho Fernandes, Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos, USP - Universidade de São Paulo, Depto. de Engenharia Elétrica e de Computação. São Carlos - SP, Brasil

was born in 1986. He graduated in electrical engineering from Univ. Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Ilha Solteira, SP, in 2008. He obtained the MSc. degree in power electronics in 2010 from the same institution. Currently, he is working towards the DSc. degree in dynamical systems at Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos, Universidade de São Paulo. Since 2010 he is with Brazilian heavy automotive industry where he is involved in research and development programs on heavy machinery automation, portable battery operated products and power converters.

Azauri Albano de Oliveira Jr., Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos, USP - Universidade de São Paulo, Depto. de Engenharia Elétrica e de Computação. São Carlos - SP, Brasil

was born in 1955. He graduated in electrical/electronic engineering in 1977 from Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos (EESC), Universidade de São Paulo (USP), where he also obtained the MSc. degree in electrical engineering in 1984. He concluded his DSc. in electrical engineering in 1991 in Escola Politécnica, Universidade de São Paulo. Since 1978, he is professor at the Electrical and Computing Engineering Department, EESC, USP where he is the current coordinator of Power Electronics and Control Laboratory. His research interests include power electronics, electric machinery drives and engineering education.

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