Design, implementation and characterisation of a contactless power transfer system for rotating applications

Potter, B. A. and Shirsavar, S. A. (2006) Design, implementation and characterisation of a contactless power transfer system for rotating applications. In: IECON 2006 32nd Annual Conference on IEEE Industrial Electronics, pp. 2168-2173.

Abstract/Summary

This paper describes the design, implementation and characterisation of a contactless power transfer system for rotating applications. The power transfer system is based upon a zero-voltage-switched, full-bridge, DC-DC converter, but utilises a non-standard transformer. This transformer allows power transfer between its primary and secondary windings while also allowing free rotation between these windings. The aim of this research is to develop a solution that could replace mechanical slip-rings in certain applications where a non-contacting system would be advantageous. Based upon the design method presented in this paper, a 2 kW prototype system is constructed. Results obtained from testing the 2 kW prototype are presented and discussed. This discussion considers how the performance of the transformer varies with rotation and also the overall efficiency of the system