Analysis and Design of a Contactless Energy Transmission System with Flexible Inductor Positioning for Automated Guided Vehicles

This paper describes the analysis and development of a new contactless energy transmission system (GETS) for applications with flexible inductor positioning. Therefore it compares the full bridge series-series-resonant and series-parallel-resonant converter for their usability in applications with large air gaps and a flexible positioning of the windings as, for example, given for inductive battery charging of automated guided vehicles. With the selection of the right converter topology, an independent design of the transmission system for a varying air gap or misalignments is possible. Finally measurements of a built resonant converter that transfers 1 kW proof the significant benefits of the series-series-resonant converter for this special application