kQ-Theory for MIMO IPT

Abstract

This work briefly reviews kQ-theory as a tool for predicting the maximal achievable efficiency of inductive power transfer (IPT) systems with arbitrary numbers of transmitters and receivers. Using this theory, we will benchmark various multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) IPT topologies in comparison with conventional single-input single-output (SISO) IPT. Simulation results reveal that although MIMO topologies do not outperform their SISO counterpart under perfect coil alignment, they significantly improve the effiency when there is orientation misalignment between the transmitters and the receivers.