Project Abstract

Abstract
Wireless power transfer (WPT) is a technology that enables the transmission of electrical energy from a power source to an electrical load without the need for physical connections such as wires. This technology has gained significant attention in recent years due to its potential applications in various fields such as consumer electronics, automotive, medical devices, and industrial automation. The development and implementation of WPT systems have been the focus of many research studies and initiatives to overcome the limitations of traditional wired power transmission systems. The main objective of this project is to design, develop, and implement a WPT system that is efficient, reliable, and safe for practical applications. The project involves the design of the transmitter and receiver units, which are essential components of the WPT system. The transmitter unit consists of a power source, a power amplifier, and a transmitting antenna, while the receiver unit comprises a receiving antenna, a rectifier, and a load. The transmitter unit generates an electromagnetic field, which is then captured by the receiving antenna to induce an electric current that powers the load. Several key challenges need to be addressed in the development of a WPT system, including efficiency, distance, alignment, and safety. Efficiency is a critical factor in WPT systems to minimize energy losses during power transmission. Distance plays a crucial role in determining the feasibility and practicality of WPT systems for different applications. Alignment between the transmitter and receiver units is essential to ensure efficient power transfer. Safety considerations are paramount to prevent electromagnetic interference and exposure to harmful radiation. To address these challenges, various techniques and technologies have been developed, such as resonant inductive coupling, magnetic resonance coupling, and beamforming. Resonant inductive coupling allows for efficient power transfer over short distances, while magnetic resonance coupling enables power transfer over longer distances with higher efficiency. Beamforming techniques can enhance the efficiency and range of WPT systems by focusing the electromagnetic energy towards the receiver. In conclusion, the development and implementation of WPT systems hold great promise for revolutionizing the way electrical power is transmitted and utilized in various applications. By addressing key challenges and leveraging advanced technologies, WPT systems can offer efficient, safe, and convenient solutions for powering electronic devices wirelessly.

Project 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.