Design of high-power static wireless power transfer via magnetic induction: An overview

Recent years have witnessed the booming development of wireless power transfer (WPT) via magnetic induction, which has the advantages of convenience, safety, and feasibility to special occasions. WPT can be applied to electric vehicles and ships, where high-power WPT technology is required to shorten the charging time with the increasing battery capacity. This paper reviews the state-of-the-art development of high-power static WPT systems via magnetic induction. Selected prototypes and demos of high-power WPT systems are demonstrated with key transfer characteristics and solutions. Theoretical foundation of magnetically coupled WPT systems is analyzed and the maximum power capability of coils is derived. Compensation topologies suitable for high-power applications are discussed. Four basic planar coils, namely the bipolar coil, the square coil, the circular coil, and the rectangular coil, are simulated and compared. The state-of-the-art silicon carbide MOSFET development is introduced. The power electronics converters with power elevation techniques, including cascading, paralleling and inductive elevation, are investigated. Future development of high-power WPT systems is discussed. © 2017 CPSS.