A Quasi-Uniform Magnetic Coupling Array for a Multiload Wireless Power Transfer System with Flexible Configuration Strategies

The coupling problem between the transmitter coils (Tx) and receiving coils (Rx) is influenced by the transmission power and efficiency for a multiload wireless power transfer (WPT) system. In order to solve this problem, a novel array WPT system with quasi-uniform coupling (QC) is proposed in this paper. Owing to the comprehensive design of the Tx and its mutual positional relationship, the proposed system supports simultaneous activation of multiple and even adjacent Tx while maintaining QC. In addition, the structure of Tx is simple and can be obtained with a low-cost optimization procedure, and the compact Rx coil provides sufficient misalignment transmission tolerance for one or two Rx within the Tx and overlapping areas. Furthermore, a parity-time (PT) symmetry-based Rx position detection method is adopted to support flexible unit operation strategies without additional communication procedures. Each Tx unit is equipped with an ingenious dynamic compensation circuit to solve the frequency detuning problem caused by adjacent Tx cross-coupling. Finally, the effectiveness of the design is proved by the prototype; the Tx can provide a QC area that is 1.44 times or 4.44 times the Rx coil area for each receiver in independent and composite modes, and it can match the operation strategy to achieve optimal configuration of the charging area.