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Hull-Compatible Underwater IPT System with Enhanced Electromagnetic–Thermal Performance for USVs

Author

Listed:
  • Qingyu Zhao

    (Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China)

  • Songyan Niu

    (Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China)

  • Ziyun Shao

    (School of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China)

  • Linni Jian

    (Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China)

Abstract

With the growing use of unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) for underwater exploration, efficient wireless charging solutions like inductive power transfer (IPT) are crucial for addressing power limitations. This paper presents a novel IPT system for USVs and introduces a systematic design approach for optimizing magnetic couplers. The proposed design addresses three critical challenges: misalignment tolerance, lightweight construction, and thermal safety, which are intricately linked through a magnetic field. In terms of misalignment, this paper demonstrates that the coil length is a key factor in determining misalignment tolerance. For a lightweight design, replacing the ferrite plate with ferrite bars can significantly reduce the weight of the coupler without causing core saturation. The design is further validated through a two-way coupled electromagnetic–thermal simulation. The results reveal that, with proper thermal management, the system avoids thermal risks in underwater environments compared to air. Finally, a 3 kW prototype is constructed and tested in fresh water, achieving 55 V and 50 A wireless charging at an 85.7% full-load dc-to-dc efficiency, thus confirming the practicality and performance of the design.

Suggested Citation

  • Qingyu Zhao & Songyan Niu & Ziyun Shao & Linni Jian, 2025. "Hull-Compatible Underwater IPT System with Enhanced Electromagnetic–Thermal Performance for USVs," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(2), pages 1-18, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:2:p:237-:d:1562059
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Niu, Songyan & Yu, Hang & Niu, Shuangxia & Jian, Linni, 2020. "Power loss analysis and thermal assessment on wireless electric vehicle charging technology: The over-temperature risk of ground assembly needs attention," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 275(C).
    2. Fengshuo Yang & Jinhai Jiang & Chuanyu Sun & Aina He & Wanqi Chen & Yu Lan & Kai Song, 2022. "Efficiency Improvement of Magnetic Coupler with Nanocrystalline Alloy Film for UAV Wireless Charging System with a Carbon Fiber Fuselage," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(22), pages 1-17, November.
    3. Bi, Zicheng & Kan, Tianze & Mi, Chunting Chris & Zhang, Yiming & Zhao, Zhengming & Keoleian, Gregory A., 2016. "A review of wireless power transfer for electric vehicles: Prospects to enhance sustainable mobility," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 179(C), pages 413-425.
    4. Kai Yan & Ruirong Dang & Xudong Feng & Wenzhen Wang, 2024. "A New Magnetic Coupler with High Misalignment Tolerance and Inherent Constant Current–Constant Voltage for Underground Wireless Charging," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(20), pages 1-20, October.
    5. Iñigo Martínez de Alegría & Iñigo Rozas Holgado & Edorta Ibarra & Eider Robles & José Luís Martín, 2024. "Wireless Power Transfer for Unmanned Underwater Vehicles: Technologies, Challenges and Applications," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(10), pages 1-34, May.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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