Design of a transcutaneous energy transmission system using a series resonant converter

A full-bridge, zero-voltage-switched, series resonant converter which transfers 12-48 W of power (regulated voltage) across a large, variable air gap has been designed and built. This converter can power an artificial heart through intact skin by utilizing a transformer with an air gap of 1-2 cm between the primary winding and the secondary winding. The secondary winding would be implanted under the skin, and the primary would be placed on top of the secondary outside the body. The steady-state operation of an experimental transcutaneous power supply has been accurately predicted by theoretical analysis. The small-signal behavior of a transcutaneous DC-DC converter has been characterized. This task has been accomplished by applying already existing theory for a series resonant converter to this application. The small-signal behavior is also verified by experimental measurements. A control loop has been designed to ensure stability and optimum regulator performance.<>