Analysis of the Wireless Power Transfer System Using a Finite Grid of Planar Circular Coils

Abstract

In this paper was analysed a wireless power transfer system (WPT) with multiple resonators supplying, for example, sensors or LED lighting. Energy is transferred simultaneously using a group of identical planar spiral circular coils acting as transmitters and receivers. These coils were arranged to form transmitting and receiving planes. The receivers were connected to independent power supply circuits of each, e.g., sensor or LED lighting. Higher power reliability and flexibility can be achieved by isolating these circuits. The proposed system was described and discussed. Taking into account the skin effect and mutual couplings, a theoretical analysis was made. A detailed analysis was made at the resonant frequency of the system. The system was modeled using a matrix equation and appropriate formulas. The calculations were verified experimentally for different loads and two distances between transmitters and receivers. The efficiency and receiver power were compared and discussed. The maximum efficiency was about 45% at the small distance between the planes. The maximum efficiency of the WPT system decreased more than two times to less than 20% when the distance between the coils was doubled. The results and discussion of the conducted analysis may provide valuable knowledge when designing this type of system.