Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Wireless power transfer (WPT) technology has gained significant attention in recent years due to its potential to revolutionize the way we charge electronic devices and power systems wirelessly. This research project focuses on the development and implementation of a wireless power transfer system. The primary objective is to design a system that can efficiently transfer power over a distance without the need for physical cables. The project begins with an in-depth study of the fundamental principles behind wireless power transfer systems, including electromagnetic induction and resonant inductive coupling. By understanding these principles, the research team can design a system that maximizes power transfer efficiency while ensuring safety and reliability. The development phase of the project involves designing the transmitter and receiver components of the wireless power transfer system. The transmitter consists of a power source, power management circuitry, and an antenna array to transmit power wirelessly. The receiver includes a resonant circuit tuned to the transmitter's frequency, rectification circuitry, and a load to power electronic devices. Once the design phase is complete, the project moves on to the implementation stage. This involves building a prototype of the wireless power transfer system and testing its performance under various conditions. The research team evaluates parameters such as power transfer efficiency, distance limitations, and interference from external sources to optimize the system's performance. To ensure the practicality and safety of the wireless power transfer system, the project also addresses issues such as electromagnetic interference (EMI) and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). By conducting thorough testing and compliance with regulatory standards, the research team aims to create a system that is not only efficient but also meets industry safety requirements. Overall, this research project contributes to the advancement of wireless power transfer technology by developing a functional system that can wirelessly transfer power over short to medium distances. The implementation of such a system has the potential to revolutionize various industries, including consumer electronics, automotive, and healthcare, by enabling convenient and efficient charging solutions without the constraints of traditional wired connections.

Thesis Overview

1 Introduction

Wireless power transfer (WPT) is an important topic nowadays. Although WPT has been known for more than a century, only now has the WPT industry started its rapid growth. The number of publications on wireless power has increased by at least 1200%

in the last 10 years [9,2]. Current solutions are having great success in the marketplace with diffusions of innovations from innovators to early adopters as of now. However the main focus of the current solutions is a “wow” factor which in most cases neglects convenience [7,14]. Obviously, there is a need for a real-life application, for average users

who are not particularly familiar with the engineering world and do not follow state of the art technologies.

The goal of the project was to evaluate and study the wireless power transfer technologies and physics behind it. The design and implementation of the wireless energy transmission system prototype and its implementation in the NextFloor innovative floor

was the main plan. It was crucial for NextFloor to integrate advanced technologies into their floor system in order to make it really “smart” and innovative and wireless power transfer was one of them.

WPT is a very broad though relatively new technology – almost 80% of my references

are dated later than the year 2010; hence, the scope of the project was limited to implementation of the inductive power transfer mode only. However, other types of WPT are also discussed in the thesis. The question my project was aimed to answer was

simple: Are we ready to use cordless electricity in our everyday lives?

Last but not least, my utmost aims that I set in the beginning were to apply the gained knowledge in practice, assess my professional competence and development needs and learn how to work in a professional team researching a totally new technology.