Complete cycle of modeling and simulation for wireless power transfer using circuit theory, simple electronics, and open-source software

Abstract

This article presents a complete modeling and simulation framework for a simple resonant inductive coupling circuit, composed of a pair of inductive resonators that can wirelessly transfer about 60 W of power at a distance of approximately 15 cm. The circuit was physically implemented, and the transmitting coil was powered by a simple half-bridge electronic circuit that generated a square voltage signal. Measurements were compared to simulation results, and it was found that the proposed model could accurately explain and predict the behavior of the circuit. Our results show that optimum transfer of power varies according to the load values, the frequency and the distance between the transmitter and receiver, which can vary considerably depending on the application. Simulations using AC circuit analysis helped in depicting the behavior of the circuit under this kind of variability, and in characterizing the presence of the optimum points for power transfer, although these were attained at lower efficiency. The present analysis paves the way for further investigations using control theory to track the frequencies at which maximum power is delivered for each set of variables, i.e., the distance between the resonators and the load value.