Optimization of a Magnetodynamic Receiver for Versatile Low-Frequency Wireless Power Transfer

Abstract

Magnetodynamic wireless power transfer (WPT), also known as electrodynamic wireless power transfer, is a low-frequency WPT technology based on an electromechanical receiver comprising a permanent magnet moving in a coil. Because of the low-frequency field, this technology is safe around humans and enables transfer through conductive media. In this paper, we focus on the design and the optimization of the power receiver with advanced modelling methods. Two operating modes, namely a continuously rotating mode and a resonant mode, targeting high-power-density and mid-range power transfer respectively, are investigated and compared to previous versions. The fabricated 25-cm3 receiver presents substantial improvements in terms of transferred power (3.3W) and power density (x7) compared to previous receivers in the same conditions of fields.