Low-power near-field magnetic wireless energy transfer links: A review of architectures and design approaches

The elimination of physical conductors as media for power transmission is an important step towards reducing the bulk of waste material generated when electronic gadgets are disposed of. In addition, the increasing deployment of low-power autonomous electronics in less accessible environments has provided an impetus for the development of wireless energy transfer alternatives to wired power delivery. This paper presents a review of near-field magnetic wireless energy transfer link architectures, and design approaches for realizing performance objectives specifically suited to low-power deployments. First, the paper provides a brief history of low-power magnetic wireless energy transfer development. This is followed by a fundamental description of the spatial regions surrounding an electromagnetic field source. Then, the paper presents a summary of basic topologies of magnetic wireless energy transfer link implementations, while emphasizing their distinctive features. Design approaches, which enable the realization of various link performance criteria, are also discussed. Finally, this paper highlights emergent wireless energy transfer link design trends inspired by communication network paradigms.