Class-E Half-Wave Zero dv/dt Rectifiers for Inductive Power Transfer

This paper analyses and compares candidate zero dv/dt half-wave Class-E rectifier topologies for integration into multi-MHz inductive power transfer (IPT) systems. Furthermore, a hybrid Class-E topology comprising advantageous properties from all existing Class-E half-wave zero dv/dt rectifiers is analyzed for the first time. From the analysis, it is shown that the hybrid Class-E rectifier provides an extra degree of design freedom that enables optimal IPT operation over a wider range of operating conditions. Furthermore, it is shown that by designing both the hybrid and the current-driven rectifiers to operate below resonance provides a low deviation input reactance and inherent output voltage regulation with duty cycle allowing efficient IPT operation over wider dc load range than would otherwise be achieved. A set of case studies demonstrated the following performances: First, for a constant dc load resistance, a receiving end efficiency of 95% was achieved when utilizing the hybrid rectifier, with a tolerance in required input resistance of 2.4% over the tested output power range (50-200 W). Second, for a variable dc load in the range of 100-10%, the hybrid and current-driven rectifiers presented an input reactance deviation less than 2% of the impedance of the magnetizing inductance of the inductive link respectively and receiving end efficiencies greater than 90%. Third, for a constant current in the receiving coil, both the hybrid and the current-driven rectifier achieve inherent output voltage regulation in the order of 3% and 8% of the nominal value, respectively, for a variable dc load range from 100% to 10%.