Detection of a metal obstacle in wireless power transfer via magnetic resonance

Wireless power transfer via magnetic resonance is a technique to realize higher transmission efficiency over a distance of several meters. However, if there are obstacles to the transmission coil, it is difficult to maintain high transmission efficiency. This is caused by variation of matching frequency for the transmission coil brought about by a metal obstacle. This paper evaluates the effect of the transmission performance via magnetic resonance for wireless power transfer when metal obstacles approach the transmission coil. In addition, this paper proposes a procedure for detecting metal obstacles via magnetic resonance.