Thesis Abstract

Abstract
Wireless power transfer (WPT) technology has gained significant attention in recent years due to its ability to transmit electrical energy without the need for physical connectors. This research project focuses on the development and implementation of a wireless power transfer system. The primary objective is to design a system that can efficiently transfer power over a distance, enabling applications in various fields such as consumer electronics, medical devices, and automotive systems. The research begins with a comprehensive review of existing WPT technologies, including inductive coupling, magnetic resonance, and radio frequency-based systems. By analyzing the advantages and limitations of each approach, the research aims to identify the most suitable technology for the intended application. Based on this analysis, a system architecture is proposed, taking into account factors such as efficiency, range, and safety. The design phase involves developing the necessary components for the WPT system, including the transmitter and receiver modules, power management circuitry, and control algorithms. Special attention is given to optimizing the efficiency of power transfer while ensuring compatibility with different devices and power requirements. The system is also designed to incorporate safety features such as overcurrent protection and foreign object detection to prevent accidents and damage to equipment. Implementation of the WPT system involves prototyping and testing the developed components in a real-world environment. Experimental results are used to evaluate the performance of the system in terms of power transfer efficiency, range, and reliability. Iterative improvements are made based on the test data to enhance the overall system performance. Furthermore, the research explores the potential applications of the developed WPT system in various industries. Case studies are presented to demonstrate how wireless power transfer technology can be integrated into existing products and infrastructure to improve convenience and flexibility. The economic feasibility and environmental impact of adopting WPT systems are also considered to assess the practicality and sustainability of widespread implementation. Overall, this research project aims to contribute to the advancement of wireless power transfer technology by developing a reliable and efficient system for practical applications. By addressing key design challenges and exploring potential use cases, the project seeks to promote the adoption of WPT technology in diverse fields, paving the way for a wireless future.

Thesis Overview

1 Introduction

Wireless power transfer (WPT) is an important topic nowadays. Although WPT has been known for more than a century, only now has the WPT industry started its rapid growth. The number of publications on wireless power has increased by at least 1200%

in the last 10 years [9,2]. Current solutions are having great success in the marketplace with diffusions of innovations from innovators to early adopters as of now. However the main focus of the current solutions is a “wow” factor which in most cases neglects convenience [7,14]. Obviously, there is a need for a real-life application, for average users

who are not particularly familiar with the engineering world and do not follow state of the art technologies.

The goal of the project was to evaluate and study the wireless power transfer technologies and physics behind it. The design and implementation of the wireless energy transmission system prototype and its implementation in the NextFloor innovative floor

was the main plan. It was crucial for NextFloor to integrate advanced technologies into their floor system in order to make it really “smart” and innovative and wireless power transfer was one of them.

WPT is a very broad though relatively new technology – almost 80% of my references

are dated later than the year 2010; hence, the scope of the project was limited to implementation of the inductive power transfer mode only. However, other types of WPT are also discussed in the thesis. The question my project was aimed to answer was

simple: Are we ready to use cordless electricity in our everyday lives?

Last but not least, my utmost aims that I set in the beginning were to apply the gained knowledge in practice, assess my professional competence and development needs and learn how to work in a professional team researching a totally new technology.