Functional magnetoinductive wave devices for wireless power transfer: MiWaves

• Applicant: Dr.-Ing. Fralett Suárez Sandoval
• Subject Area: Microsystems ; Electronic Semiconductors, Components and Circuits, Integrated Systems, Sensor Technology, Theoretical Electrical Engineering
• Term: from 2018 to 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 416462705

This project focuses on the design and implementation of fully functional wireless power transfer (WPT) devices working with magnetoinductive waves that propagate through a line or a pad of LC resonating circuits. This approach aims to provide in-plane ubiquitous wireless power to multiple receivers in an efficient way. Positioning-freedom or even wireless power to mobile devices is the principal allure of WPT. However, these two features have been proven very difficult to achieve. Most of the existing research in this topic has recurred to increased circuital complexity in the form of multiple power channels including control and power supply modules. Since a magnetoinductive wave device requires only one point of excitation and can be designed to propagate the power throughout and in the near field very efficiently, they are an attractive solution to this problem.The previous work described and validated 1D and 2D devices for WPT concerning efficiency and possible output power. Nevertheless, both systems are still bound for use only in the laboratory because they depend on cumbersome equipment like signal generators and power amplifiers. To deliver a truly functional system, there are still aspects that must be addressed, which directly translate into the research objectives as:I. Control module of the padThe proposed 2D MIW device is subjected to standing waves throughout its surface, making the power available to change with respect to the receiver position. Therefore, its controller must recognize the presence of a power-needing receiver(s) while discerning strange objects and it must ensure that the receiver is not above a minimum of a standing wave.II. Power electronics module for the 1D, 2D devicesThis module will enable functioning of the devices without laboratory equipment and shall include an AC-DC converter and a high-frequency inverter. Moreover, this module is in communication with the control module from above.III. Improvements to the 1D, 2D devicesThe performance of the MIW devices will be assessed for effective temperature management and lack of electromagnetic interference with other electronic devices.The three objectives are treated consecutively in three work packages and each clearly defines the research challenges. I proposed a possible course of action to accomplish each task in the form of methodologies and validation strategies. This proposal also provides the opportunity to student assistants and master students to be part of the project’s development and encourage them to get involved in science.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants