Introduction
Wireless Power Transfer is a technology that allows the transmission of energy
without physical wires.
• History:
Nikola Tesla experimented with transmitting electrical energy wirelessly in the
late 19th century. He built Tesla coils to transfer energy over short distances.
Modern WPT uses similar principles with higher efficiency and safety.
• Need:
Traditional wiring can be inconvenient, unsafe, or inefficient in certain
situations. WPT allows contactless energy transfer for charging devices, powering
implants, and remote robotics.
• Principle:
Energy transfer occurs through electromagnetic induction and is maximized using
resonant coupling, where both coils are tuned to the same natural frequency.
• Benefits:
• Reduces wiring and maintenance costs
• Enables charging in hazardous areas
• Reduces wear and tear in mechanical connectors
5. Objectives
1. Understand electromagnetic induction.
2. Study resonant inductive coupling.
3. Design and demonstrate a working WPT model.
4. Measure efficiency at different distances.
5. Explore practical applications of WPT.
6. Theory
6.1 Electromagnetic Induction
Faraday’s Law states:
\mathcal{E} = - \dfrac{d\Phi_B}{dt}
A changing magnetic flux \Phi_B through a coil induces an electromotive force
(emf). Lenz’s Law explains that the induced current opposes the change in flux.
6.2 Mutual Inductance
Two coils are said to be magnetically coupled if a current in one induces a voltage
in the other. The induced emf in the secondary coil is:
\mathcal{E}_2 = -M \dfrac{dI_1}{dt}
Where M = mutual inductance.
6.3 Resonant Inductive Coupling
Each coil with a capacitor forms an LC circuit. Its natural frequency is:
f = \dfrac{1}{2 \pi \sqrt{LC}}
When both coils resonate at the same frequency, energy transfer is maximized.
6.4 Efficiency of Power Transfer
Efficiency (\eta) depends on:
• Coil alignment
• Distance between coils
• Quality factor Q = \frac{\omega L}{R}
Efficiency formula:
\eta = \frac{R_L}{R_L + R_s} \times \frac{k^2 Q_1 Q_2}{1 + k^2 Q_1 Q_2}
6.5 Factors Affecting Performance
• Wire resistance (energy loss)
• Coil diameter and number of turns
• Capacitance tolerance and frequency mismatch
• Alignment and distance between coils
7. Apparatus / Materials Required
• Copper wire (0.5–1 mm)
• Plastic pipe/cardboard for coil winding
• 2 Capacitors (~22 nF)
• Breadboard
• Power supply (9V DC)
• Oscillator circuit (555 timer or transistor-based)
• LED (as load)
• Multimeter
• Connecting wires
8. Experimental Setup
Block Diagram:
Transmitter coil → Air gap → Receiver coil → Load (LED)
Circuit Diagram:
• Primary coil connected to oscillator with capacitor
• Secondary coil connected to LED and capacitor
• Both LC circuits tuned to same frequency (~150 kHz)
Procedure Diagram:
(Insert hand-drawn or software schematic of coil placement)
9. Procedure
1. Wind two identical coils with 20–30 turns each.
2. Connect the primary coil to the oscillator circuit with capacitor.
3. Connect the secondary coil with capacitor and LED as load.
4. Place the coils parallel at a distance of 2–10 cm.
5. Switch on the oscillator; adjust capacitor values for resonance.
6. Observe LED brightness at different distances.
7. Measure input voltage/current and output voltage/current.
8. Record results and calculate efficiency.
