Wireless Power Transmission Using Ultrasonic Guided Waves – Electric Circuit Measurement and Simulation

Abstract

A project investigating the possibility to transmit electrical power (several mW) along the structure of an aircraft by using an intermediate medium of ultrasonic Lamb waves is being carried out at Cardiff University in conjunction with Airbus. This power supply method is aimed at wireless, surface-bonded sensor packages, primarily for the aircraft structural health monitoring (SHM) applications. It is expected to replace conventional batteries or energy harvesting devices. This paper presents methods of piezoelectric transducer characterisation, electric power measurement and electric circuit simulation that were developed in support of the ultrasonic power transmission project. The unique combination of low power and a high AC frequency range (up to 200 kHz) precluded the use of conventional power measurement instruments and called for a tailored system and software to be developed. Two approaches were developed: one relying on the measurement of the ultrasonic transducers impedance characteristics and their subsequent use in a circuit simulation; and another relying on the direct measurement of voltage waveforms in the power transmission setup. The two methods were found to be capable of producing closely matching results up to 300 kHz. Results of early power transmission trials are also presented. The optimum approach resulted in 1 mW of power transmission over a distance of 74 cm in a 1.5 mm thick aluminium plate.