Eddy loss analysis and parameter optimization of the WPT system in seawater

Magnetic resonance wireless power transfer (WPT) in the marine environment can be utilized in many applications. However, energy loss in seawater through eddy loss (EL) is another consideration other than WPT in air. Therefore, the effect of system parameters on electric field intensity (EFI) needs to be measured and ELs calculated to optimize such a system. In this paper, the usually complicated analytical expression of EFI is simplified to the product of frequency, current, coil turns, and a coefficient to analyze the eddy current loss (ECL). Moreover, as the calculation of ECL through volume integral is time-consuming, the equivalent eddy loss impedance (EELI) is proposed to help designers determine the optimum parameters quickly. Then, a power distribution model in seawater is conceived based on the introduction of EELI. An optimization flow chart is also proposed according to this power distribution model, from which a prototype system is developed which can deliver 100 W at 90% efficiency with a gap of 30 mm and a frequency of 107.1 kHz.