State of Art MHz Capacitive Wireless Power

WPT Workshop – Session 4 – Instructor: Khurram Afridi

Abstract and Session Summary:

Currently, most near-field wireless power transfer systems are inductive, which use magnetic field coupling between conducting coils to transfer energy. An alternative approach is capacitive wireless power transfer, which uses electric field coupling between conducting plates to transfer energy. Capacitive wireless power transfer systems have potential advantages over inductive systems because of the relatively directed nature of electric fields, which reduces the need for electromagnetic field shielding. Furthermore, because capacitive systems do not use ferrites, they can be operated at higher frequencies, allowing them to be smaller and lighter. However, there are also challenges associated with capacitive wireless power transfer. Using examples from my group’s research on MHz-frequency capacitive wireless power transfer systems, this talk will highlight the opportunities and challenges in this area.