Research Ben Minnaert

Abstract

This research proposal focuses on a multi-port wireless power transfer system that applies electric coupling to transfer energy from one or more transmitters to one or more receivers. The fundamental research question is how novel optimization algorithms can keep the operating conditions of this capacitive system with an unpredictable electric coupling optimized, depending on the chosen optimization goal. This includes determining the suitable models and fundamental relationships between the system characteristics (including its unpredictable coupling) and the different optimization gains. An important aspect is the experimental validation of the models via a low power setup, containing a versatile driver in order to allow easy frequency adaptation. More specifically, the contributions of this project will be the following: (i) Development of a model describing quantitatively the fundamental relationships between varying couplings and the (relative) variation of the impedance compensation networks. (ii) Modelling the so called "frequency bifurcation phenomenon" for multi-port systems. (iii) Determining and applying optimization algorithms for different scenarios, i.e. applying impedance and frequency adaptations based on a feedback procedure in order to keep the multi-port system in its (near-to) optimal operating condition, and finally (iv) validation of the aforementioned models and algorithms by simulation and experiment.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Minnaert Ben
• Fellow: Van Ieperen Aris

Research team(s)

• Co-Design of Cyber-Physical Systems (Cosys-Lab)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

Capacitive wireless power transfer (CPT) applies the electric field to transfer energy from a transmitter to a receiver without the need of physical connections. However, depending on the distance between transmitter and receiver, and their relative alignment, the system performance varies. A CPT system that automatically positions itself in the optimal working point, regardless the value of the unpredictable coupling, is therefore necessary. This is in particular challenging for a setup with multiple transmitters and multiple receivers, i.e., a Multiple Input – Multiple Output (MIMO) configuration. The objective of this project is to determine the necessary fundamental relationships to enable and implement algorithms to keep the operating conditions of a MIMO CPT system optimized.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Minnaert Ben
• Co-promoter: Derammelaere Stijn
• Fellow: Van Ieperen Aris

Research team(s)

• Co-Design of Cyber-Physical Systems (Cosys-Lab)

Project type(s)

• Research Project

Abstract

This research project aims at developing a module to wirelessly transport energy from photovoltaic solar cells in buildings. A crucial problem with building integrated photovoltaics (e.g. as a facade, or embedded in a window) is that with current technology, electrical cables still have to be pulled from the outside to the inside of the building, which has negative consequences for the insulation and water tightness of the building. Through prototypes, we test the efficiency and reliability of wireless energy transfer applied to the context of a building.

Researcher(s)

• Promoter: Minnaert Ben

Research team(s)

• Co-Design of Cyber-Physical Systems (Cosys-Lab)

Project type(s)

• Research Project