Two-Transmitter Wireless Power Transfer with Optimal Activation and Current Selection of Transmitters

The paper proposes optimal driving conditions of two transmitters (TXs) in magnetic wireless power transfer, where the couplings from each TX to an RX are not identical. First, for the case of identical TX coil currents, a criterion for deactivating a specific TX element is proposed. Specifically, one TX element among the two TXs often has weaker coupling coefficient than the other TX element. It is found that the TX element with weaker coupling should be deactivated if its coupling coefficient is less than 0.414 times of the stronger coupling. Second, for the case of adjustable TX coil currents, the optimal current ratio between the two TX coils is proposed. It is found that the TX coil current ratio should be equal to the coupling coefficient ratio, e.g., the TX coil with twice coupling with an RX should carry twice current. The results are widely applicable regardless of absolute coupling strength and load condition because it turns out that the results only depend on the ratio of couplings. Finally, it is discussed that the required component values of an LCC inverter should be adjusted based on the current ratios and coupling between adjacent TXs.