Comparison of two electromagnetic couplers in an inductive power transfer system for Autonomous Underwater Vehicle docking application

Abstract

Inductive power transfer (IPT) technology provides a good solution to enlarge the working range of an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle(AUV), which plays an important role in ocean observatory. Electromagnetic coupler is the most crucial component of IPT system. In this paper, two novel electromagnetic couplers, PM coupler and reshaped EE coupler for AUV docking application were proposed. Firstly, the detail structure and fixed configuration was proposed. Secondly, the reluctance model and mutual-coupling circuit model were built. Finally, an underwater IPT prototype system was set up to verify and compare the power transfer characteristics of two different novel magnetic coupling actuators.