Abstract
Inductive power transfer is a practical approach to recharging the autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). The performance of the magnetic coupler determines the system transfer capacity. The annular magnetic coupler is widely utilized in the underwater wireless charging system. However, this magnetic coupler has limitations on magnetic field distribution. The flux linkage occupies the center of the AUV, and hence, the electronics inside the AUV are susceptible to electromagnetic interference. Additionally, the weight of the annular magnetic coupler greatly increases the burden on AUV power supply. In this paper, the magnetic coupler structure evolution is analyzed and a dipole-coil-based magnetic coupler with a novel circumferential coupling manner is presented. The magnetic flux is perfectly confined by the coupling manner, and the magnetic coupler weight is reduced by dimension optimization. To implement the magnetic coupler, the Fe-based nanocrystalline soft magnetic material is taken into consideration. To validate the proposal, a wireless charging system is built. Experimental results show that the system transfers 630W under water with a DC-DC efficiency of 89.7%.
Highlights
Wireless power transfer is known by Tesla’s experiment in 1890 [1]
Wireless power transfer technology is widely used in electronics [2], [3], biomedical implants [4], [5] and electric vehicles [6], [7]
The capacity of rechargeable batteries carried by the autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) is limited, which cannot sustain sufficiently mission times [9]
Summary
Wireless power transfer is known by Tesla’s experiment in 1890 [1]. Nowadays, wireless power transfer technology is widely used in electronics [2], [3], biomedical implants [4], [5] and electric vehicles [6], [7]. C. Cai et al.: Circumferential Coupled Dipole-Coil Magnetic Coupler for AUVs Wireless Charging Applications coupler, additional fixtures are required to be installed on the AUV surface, which may destroy AUV’s streamlined structure and increase AUV march friction. The annular magnetic coupler and coreless coil structure both need a large gap over 15mm between the AUV and the docking station. For a narrow air gap, it is almost impossible for AUV to enter the docking station conveniently These magnetic couplers ignore the magnetic field distribution, which may lead to the equipment in AUV affected by electromagnetic interference. Tianze Kan et al studied the annular magnetic coupler magnetic field distribution and proposed a three-phase system with several segmented ferrite bars and the ferrite cores were installed in the AUV [17], [18].
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