Inductive power coupling systems for roadways

Abstract

An inductive power transfer system () for roadways includes at least one drive unit arrangement () coupled to at least one drive coil arrangement () disposed along a roadway () for generating a magnetic field extending upwardly from the roadway (), and at least one vehicle () including a corresponding pickup coil arrangement () coupled to a power conditioning circuit arrangement () for receiving the extending magnetic field for providing power to operate the at least one vehicle (). The at least one drive unit arrangement () is operable to excite, for example at resonance, the at least one drive coil arrangement () at a fundamental frequency (f) of at least 30 kHz, preferably at least 50 kHz, more preferably at least 100 kHz, and most preferably at least 140 kHz. The at least one drive coil arrangement () is implemented to be substantially devoid of ferromagnetic components for providing a path for the extending magnetic field. Optionally, the at least one drive unit arrangement () is operable to employ a balanced class-E amplifier arrangement for exciting the at least one drive coil arrangement () at the fundamental frequency (f). Optionally, the at least one drive unit arrangement () is operable to employ one or more Silicon Carbide semiconductor devices for switching the currents provided to the corresponding at least one drive coil arrangement (). Optionally, there is further included a passive and/or active suppression arrangement () for suppressing harmonic magnetic field components generated by the system () at multiples of the fundamental frequency (f) when in operation.