High-efficiency transcutaneous wireless energy transfer for biomedical applications

Transcutaneous wireless power transfer to implantable devices with high efficiency is the research focus due to the unfavorable coupling conditions in biomedical applications. This paper analyzes the overall efficiency from the system point of view and two key factors are elaborated. First, the choice of the optimal power carrier frequency is considered by decomposing of inductive coupling and transcutaneous effects, which is seldom highlighted before. Second, resonant coupling as a promising energy transfer method for biomedical implants is compared with conventional inductive coupling. Some encouraging conclusions are drawn and further ongoing research is also included.