Integrated Coupler Design for UAV Free-Positioning Wireless Power Transfer With Inherent Cross- Coupling Utilization and Enlarged Charging Coverage
Heshou Wang, Yu Wu, Udaya K. Madawala, Xiaofei Li, Xin Dai, Yue Sun, Jiefeng Hu
Abstract
This paper proposes an advanced framework for wireless charging systems in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that integrates magnetic coupling structures with multi-coupling LCC-LCC compensation topologies. Unlike existing systems that focus on limited axis misalignment, the proposed system accommodates full 360-degree rotational misalignment, allowing the UAV to land freely and charge in any orientation thanks to the carefully optimized turn numbers and spacings. As a result, the system supports a broad charging zone with lateral misalignments of Δx ∊ [-100 mm, 100 mm], Δy ∊ [-70 mm, 70 mm], and full 360-degree rotational freedom. Under such a large charging area, the proposed coupler consistently delivers key benefits such as quasi-load-independent output and zero-voltage switching (ZVS). The proposed optimized magnetic coupler, by exploiting the inherent cross-coupling capabilities within the multi-coupling LCC-LCC compensation network, effectively expands the ZVS region in the designed charging area.