Takehiro Imura

Bio: Takehiro Imura is an academic researcher from Tokyo University of Science. The author has contributed to research in topics: Wireless power transfer & Power (physics). The author has an hindex of 24, co-authored 148 publications receiving 3042 citations. Previous affiliations of Takehiro Imura include University of Tokyo.

Maximizing Air Gap and Efficiency of Magnetic Resonant Coupling for Wireless Power Transfer Using Equivalent Circuit and Neumann Formula

Abstract: The progress in the field of wireless power transfer in the last few years is remarkable. With recent research, transferring power across large air gaps has been achieved. Both small and large electric equipment have been proposed, e.g., wireless power transfer for small equipment (mobile phones and laptops) and for large equipment (electric vehicles). Furthermore, replacing every cord with wireless power transfer is proposed. The coupled mode theory was proposed in 2006 and proven in 2007. Magnetic and electric resonant couplings allow power to traverse large air gaps with high efficiency. This technology is closely related to electromagnetic induction and has been applied to antennas and resonators used for filters in communication technology. We have studied these phenomena and technologies using equivalent circuits, which is a more familiar format for electrical engineers than the coupled mode theory. In this paper, we analyzed the relationship between maximum efficiency air gap using equivalent circuits and the Neumann formula and proposed equations for the conditions required to achieve maximum efficiency for a given air gap. The results of these equations match well with the results of electromagnetic field analysis and experiments.

Automated Impedance Matching System for Robust Wireless Power Transfer via Magnetic Resonance Coupling

Abstract: Recently, a highly efficient midrange wireless transfer technology using electromagnetic resonance coupling has been proposed and has received much attention due to its practical range and efficiency. The resonance frequency of the resonators changes as the gap between the resonators changes. However, when this technology is applied in the megahertz range, the usable frequency is bounded by the industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) band. Therefore, to achieve maximum power transmission efficiency, the resonance frequency has to be fixed within the ISM band. In this paper, an automated impedance matching (IM) system is proposed to increase the efficiency by matching the resonance frequency of the resonator pair to that of the power source. The simulations and experiments verify that the IM circuits can change the resonance frequency to 13.56 MHz (in the ISM band) for different air gaps, improving the power transfer efficiency. Experiments also verified that automated IM can be easily achieved just by observing and minimizing the reflected wave at the transmitting side of the system.

Basic experimental study on helical antennas of wireless power transfer for Electric Vehicles by using magnetic resonant couplings

Abstract: Wireless power transfer is required for the diffusion of Electric Vehicles (EVs) because it makes possible the process of automatically charging EVs The technology of wireless power transfer requires three main elements: large air gaps, high efficiency and a large amount of power Though, there has been no such technology, recently, the technology of electromagnetic resonant couplings was proposed and named WiTricity With this technology there are large air gaps, high efficiency and large amounts of power In this paper, the feasibility of wireless power transfer for EVs by electromagnetic resonance coupling is studied We studied small sized antennas that can be equipped on the bottom of a vehicle and we studied the electrical characteristics of the antenna with equivalent circuits, electromagnetic analysis and experimentation The length of the air gaps between a transmitting antenna and a receiving antenna affect resonance frequencies The resonance frequency changes from two to one depending on the length of the air gap Until a certain distance, maximum efficiencies are not changed Large air gaps are weak couplings In a weak coupling at resonance, magnetic resonance couplings can transfer energy with high efficiency The specification results at high power are proposed In this paper, the feasibility of wireless power transfer with large air gaps and high efficiency by small sized antennas that can be equipped on the bottom of EVs is proposed

Basic study of improving efficiency of wireless power transfer via magnetic resonance coupling based on impedance matching

Abstract: Wireless power transfer is essential for the spread of Electric Vehicle(EV) usage as it provides a safe and convenient way to charge the EVs. Recently, a highly efficient mid-range wireless power transfer technology using electromagnetic resonance coupling, WiTricity, was proposed. Studies show that the resonant frequencies of the two antennas change according to the air gap in between the antennas. To achieve maximum efficiency using this system, the resonance frequencies of the antennas and the frequency of the system has to be matched. However, when this technology is applied in the MHz range (which allows small sized antennas), the usable frequency is bounded by the Industrial, Scientific, and Medical(ISM) band. Hence a method to fix the resonance frequency within the ISM band is required. In this paper, the possibility of using impedance matching (IM) networks to adjust the resonance frequency of a pair of antennas at a certain distance to 13.56MHz is studied. We studied the electrical characteristics of the antenna with equivalent circuits, electromagnetic analysis and experiments. The equivalent circuits are used as reference to calculate the parameters of the IM circuits. The simulations and experiments shows that the IM circuits can change the resonance frequency to 13.56MHz for different air gaps, thus improving the power transfer efficiency.

Development of Wireless In-Wheel Motor Using Magnetic Resonance Coupling

Abstract: In-wheel motors (IWMs) in electric vehicles are particularly important for motion control. A conventional IWM is powered from a battery aboard the vehicle via cables. Since power cables and signal cables of an IWM are exposed to harsh environments, they can possibly become disconnected by high acceleration or vibration. In order to overcome this problem, the wireless-in wheel motor (W-IWM) has been proposed. The risk of disconnection would disappear if the cables of the IWM are removed. One way to implement wireless power transfer is by utilizing the magnetic resonance coupling method. However, motion of the W-IWM, and thus, a misalignment between the wheel and the vehicle, leads to variations in the secondary-side voltage provided. To account for this, this paper discusses two new control methods. One proposed method maintains the secondary voltage using a hysteresis comparator. The other proposed method estimates the secondary inverter output power, applying it to a feedforward controller in order to keep the secondary dc-link voltage constant. Experimental results show that these methods can drive a W-IWM effectively with high efficiency.

A Critical Review of Recent Progress in Mid-Range Wireless Power Transfer

Abstract: Starting from Tesla's principles of wireless power transfer a century ago, this critical review outlines recent magneto-inductive research activities on wireless power transfer with the transmission distance greater than the transmitter coil dimension. It summarizes the operating principles of a range of wireless power research into 1) the maximum power transfer and 2) the maximum energy efficiency principles. The differences and the implications of these two approaches are explained in terms of their energy efficiency and transmission distance capabilities. The differences between the system energy efficiency and the transmission efficiency are also highlighted. The review covers the two-coil systems, the four-coil systems, the systems with relay resonators and the wireless domino-resonator systems. Related issues including human exposure issues and reduction of winding resistance are also addressed. The review suggests that the use of the maximum energy efficiency principle in the two-coil systems is suitable for short-range rather than mid-range applications, the use of the maximum power transfer principle in the four-coil systems is good for maximizing the transmission distance, but is under a restricted system energy efficiency (<;50%); the use of the maximum energy efficiency principle in relay or domino systems may offer a good compromise for good system energy efficiency and transmission distance on the condition that relay resonators can be placed between the power source and the load.

A Double-Sided LCC Compensation Network and Its Tuning Method for Wireless Power Transfer

Abstract: This paper proposes a double-sided LCC compensation network and its tuning method for wireless power transfer (WPT). With the proposed topology and its tuning method, the resonant frequency is irrelevant with the coupling coefficient between the two coils and is also independent of the load condition, which means that the system can work at a constant switching frequency. Analysis in frequency domain is given to show the characteristics of the proposed method. We also propose a method to tune the network to realize zero voltage switching (ZVS) for the Primary-side switches. Simulation and experimental results verified analysis and validity of the proposed compensation network and the tuning method. A wireless charging system with output power of up to 7.7 kW for electric vehicles was built, and 96% efficiency from dc power source to battery load is achieved.

Design and Implementation of Shaped Magnetic-Resonance-Based Wireless Power Transfer System for Roadway-Powered Moving Electric Vehicles

Abstract: In this paper, the design and implementation of a wireless power transfer system for moving electric vehicles along with an example of an online electric vehicle system are presented. Electric vehicles are charged on roadway by wireless power transfer technology. Electrical and practical designs of the inverter, power lines, pickup, rectifier, and regulator as well as an optimized core structure design for a large air gap are described. Also, electromotive force shielding for the electric vehicle is suggested. The overall system was implemented and tested. The experimental results showed that 100-kW power with 80% power transfer efficiency under 26-cm air gap was acquired.

Wireless Charging Technologies: Fundamentals, Standards, and Network Applications

Abstract: Wireless charging is a technology of transmitting power through an air gap to electrical devices for the purpose of energy replenishment. The recent progress in wireless charging techniques and development of commercial products have provided a promising alternative way to address the energy bottleneck of conventionally portable battery-powered devices. However, the incorporation of wireless charging into the existing wireless communication systems also brings along a series of challenging issues with regard to implementation, scheduling, and power management. In this paper, we present a comprehensive overview of wireless charging techniques, the developments in technical standards, and their recent advances in network applications. In particular, with regard to network applications, we review the static charger scheduling strategies, mobile charger dispatch strategies and wireless charger deployment strategies. Additionally, we discuss open issues and challenges in implementing wireless charging technologies. Finally, we envision some practical future network applications of wireless charging.