A design method to optimize GaN-based class E resonant inductive wireless power transfer systems – application to non-mating connectors

Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) systems have demonstrated their efficiency over a broad frequency spectrum. However, the design and the optimization of multi-MHz frequency WPT systems remain complex due to parasitic components specifically. This paper outlines a methodology for designing and optimizing a compact 13.56 MHz resonant inductive coupling WPT systems based on a GaN Class E inverter. The proposed design approach combines analytical modeling and advanced numerical simulations taking into account parasitic elements. The effectiveness of this approach is experimentally confirmed through a prototype, which shows an efficiency of 78% for a transmitted power of 43 W to a 5.54 cm 3 coupler. The advanced modeling results perfectly match with the experimental ones (mismatch of only 2% for the evaluation of efficiency). The WPT system developed thanks to this method shows a power density among the highest ones in the non-mating connectors’ state of the art.