Modelling and calculation of key design parameters for an Inductive Power Transfer system using Finite Element Analysis- a comprehensive discussion

Although coils for Inductive Power Transfer (IPT) works on the fundamental principle of Ampere´s and Faraday´s laws, on which conventional transformers work, there is difference in approach required for designing coils for IPT than designing a conventional transformer. Because of the complex design of some IPT coils and the increasing emphasis on the magnetic field strength of such systems, Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software is often used to model these systems. However modeling must be conducted very carefully in order to obtain the real behavior from the modeled coils. Aim of this paper is to study the modelling and calculation of key design parameters of IPT system through FEA analysis. A low power (capable of giving 100W at its rated current) IPT setup has been built to verify the FEA analysis of IPT system. Key factors such modelling litz wire, importance of element size in Meshing, advantages and shortcoming of 2D modelling and 3D modelling as well as how to calculate the parameters of the coils has been discussed in this paper. In addition to that different electrical models used for representing IPT system has been studied and compared.