Inductive energy transfer system based on drone

Abstract

The aim of this project is to model and validate an inductive system in order to be able to power wirelessly a sensor. The design of the inductive system must be small and light enough to fulfil the requirements of a nano-quadcopter, in which the system is going to be outfitted. Recent investigations about inductive systems added to the Energy Harvesting trend, predict a future based on wireless power. Thereby, the possibility to change the current "wire-dependence" of any device. At the beginning the bases of magnetic resonant induction are given in detail to understand how the energy can be transferred. Then, an inductive model based on two resonant coils is presented. Its main features are explained, as well as the behaviour of the coil variables and their effects. Some coils are defined to be tested using the most suitable resonant configuration. Hence, providing that our purpose is not to optimize efficiency, but to achieve higher receiver power levels. Once the model is defined, numerous measurements of the test coils, under different con- ditions, are performed to validate the model, and so select the most suitable coils for our inductive system. The architecture and design of the wireless power transfer system are studied separately; transmitter and receiver. While attempting to minimize the weight at transmitter's side, a recurring topic during the project, on the receiver side it is intended to efficiently acquire and manage the microwatts to milliwatts of power generated from the transmitter. At the end of the project a temperature sensor is introduced as a technology demonstra- tion. The experiment results shows successfully wireless power transfer for the resonant configuration selected, being able to completely charge the battery and to power the tem- perature sensor, at the same time.