Efficiency comparison of inductive and microwave power transfer for biomedical applications

In this paper two methods of wireless power transfer for implanted biomedical devices are compared: inductive coupling and radiative transmission. Simulation models for both methods were developed and comparison was made in terms of power transmission efficiency at different spacing between the transmitter and receiver. The simulation results show that inductive coupling is more efficient than radiative transmission for small distances, up to around 26 mm. For larger distances radiative transmission is more efficient.