Design and optimization of air core spiral resonators for magnetic coupling wireless power transfer on seawater

Abstract

This paper focuses on the design of high quality spiral resonators for maximising wireless power transfer efficiency between an AUV and an underwater docking station. By using 3D electromagnetic simulations and numerical analysis, the relevant parameters for quality factor computation are extracted. The impact of different variables on a spiral resonator's quality factor is assessed, allowing to conclude on the optimum design parameters to achieve optimum efficiency on the power transmission through magnetic coupling. This work will contribute to enable the development future AUV wireless charging systems, which will allow for an improvement of AUV's range and endurance while ensuring lower operational costs. © 2016 IEEE.