Method and apparatus for power transfer through high permeability materials

A magnetic saturation apparatus for a wireless inductive power and/or data transfer system which comprises a magnetic field transmitter positioned on a first side of a barrier and a magnetic field receiver positioned on a second side of the barrier. The magnetic saturation apparatus includes a saturation magnet which is positioned on one side of the barrier and which in use generates a saturation flux in an adjacent saturation region of the barrier which is located at least partially between the transmitter and the receiver. The saturation flux effectively lowers the magnetic permeability of the saturation region and thereby inhibits the magnetic flux generated by the transmitter from shorting through the barrier and back into the transmitter. Thus, the saturation region facilitates the flow of magnetic flux from the transmitter into the receiver.