B2362 - WIRELESS POWER TRANSFER FOR SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY M

Learning outcomes

The objective of the course is to provide analytical, numerical tools and the necessary skills for the design of entire wireless power transmission systems to both static and “on-the-move” devices, for different power values and at different working frequencies. The course intends to provide the design solutions to ensure the compatibility of such systems in humanized environments. The analytical and numerical techniques for the analysis and design of near-field wireless power transmission systems towards static and moving devices are developed. design of Different architectures will be developed, based on both inductive and capacitive coupling, with single and multiple elements coils/capacitive plates. The main circuit components for the transmission and reception of power and the related figures of merit are also addressed. The main non-linearities responsible for the energy conversion, from RF to DC and vice versa, and the CAD tools for the design of the entire system are studied. Experimental laboratory activities are foreseen in which simple representative systems, for both static and dynamic power transmission operations and their main characteristics, will be designed and characterized.

Course contents

Functional blocks of wireless systems for the transfer of energy and information. Main non-linearities that underlie the functioning of functional blocks, and tools to be able to analyze and design them. Analytical methods to characterize and exploit the main nonlinearities i: generation of new frequencies, saturation, AM-PM conversion, frequency conversion and nonlinear distortion. Non-linear circuit models of devices for power generation (transmitter side) and for RF-dc conversion (receiver side): MESFETs and DIODEs. Harmonic balancing method and introduction to commercial simulators of nonlinear circuits. Notes on electromagnetic simulators. Definition of the main network functions for the circuit evaluation of an RF system. In particular, the efficiency of an entire connection for Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) is considered and the different contributions are described from a circuit and system point of view. Analysis and design of subsystems for both radiative (far-field) and non-radiative (near-field) WPTs. Near field techniques Inductive and capacitive coupling: wireless link design and efficiency definition. Electromagnetic models of coils and capacitive systems. and performance analysis Schemes and projects of the transmitter and receiver. Far-field techniques Collection of energy from the environment and intentional power transmission Main characteristics of the antennas to be used Possible schemes of systems for receiving power. Different topologies of rectenna (rectifier antenna). The final part of the course is dedicated to the study of: - some applications of near-field transmission systems for wearable or implantable devices

Office hours

See the website of Alessandra Costanzo