Eddy current loss analysis and frequency optimization design of double-sided LCC-IPT system in seawater environment

Inductive power transfer system can generate eddy current when operating in seawater medium. On the one hand, it can cause eddy current loss, and reduce operating efficiency of the system. On the other hand, it can change parameters of the system and increase difficulty of system design. To grasp the influence mechanism of seawater on the inductive power transfer system,firstly, an equivalent circuit model of double-sided inductor-capacitor-capacitor(LCC) inductive power transfer system in seawater environment was established based on loosely-coupled transformer model of eddy current. Then, based on Maxwell’s equations, the distribution function of the magnetic field and electric current density along radium direction of the coupling coils in seawater medium was obtained by analytical calculation. Besides, in combination with Biot-Savart law, expression of the eddy current loss in transfer direction was derived, and based on which expression of the equivalent of the eddy current loss on the coupling coils was got. Thus the equivalent resistance of the eddy current on the coupling coils in a seawater environment could be predicated, and the optimal operating frequency of the inductive power transfer system could be further optimized. Finally, a prototype of inductive power transfer system was established, which gave the experimental results, and verified the correctness of theoretical analysis, and the experiments showed that: in air medium, the transfer distance was 100 mm, the transfer power was 3.3 k W, and the transfer efficiency was 92.6%;while, in seawater medium, the transfer efficiency was 87%. Eddy current losses mainly caused the reduction in efficiency, and the experimental results of eddy current loss were consistent with the simulation results.