Dan Filip PhD thesis

Wireless power transfer systems using resonant coupling

The last decade has seen a significant increase in portable electronic devices. Everyday life of every person depends increasingly on such devices, whether we talk about devices used in communications such as mobile phones, tablets or laptops, be it medical devices such as hearing aids, pacemakers, etc. All of this requires a portable power supply with the possibility of recharging as quickly as possible or, if not, as convenient as possible. Wireless power transfer comes as an alternative to charging these devices without involving the end user.  In other words, charging devices is not a problem unless it requires the user’s attention.

This thesis aims at studying electrical energy transfer systems without using wires but by resonating coupling between two or more inductive elements. The study is focused on the finite element method, building a more accurate model of the transfer system for use in later design of such systems. Also, the use of finite element simulations allows a careful analysis of the electromagnetic field generated around the inductive elements to optimize power transfer and reduce induced disturbances in the rest of the circuit.

Personal contributions:

  • Modeling and finite element simulation of a wireless power transfer system consisting of three transmitting coils in perpendicular planes and a receiving coil in the immediate vicinity of the system.
  • Coil modeling by filament current method and multiturn coil method and use of finite element method simulation for determining mutual inductance and coupling factor between two coils.
  • Finite element method simulation of a wireless power transfer system by resonating coupling, composed of four coils.
  • Modeling and finite element simulation of the BQTesla resonant power transfer system.
  • Modeling and construction of a helical coil for plasma production in the open air.