Inductive Power Transfer / Wireless Charging
Power Transfer beyond limits and constraints
An inductive power transfer system is a universal, contactless power solution that offers exceptional advantages across diverse applications, including production, logistics, elevators, and amusement parks. This cutting-edge technology ensures reliable, efficient power transfer without physical contact.
Based on electromagnetic induction, the systems function similarly to a transformer. However, unlike traditional transformers with closely coupled cores, inductive solutions use separate primary and secondary parts. The primary component is typically a conductor loop installed as a pair of cables along the travel path of powered vehicles, while the secondary pickups can move freely and are not coupled via a fixed core.
Key benefits include:
- Flexible Power Transfer: Efficient over large air gaps, accommodating varying speeds and positions.
- Advanced Control: Patented circuitry minimizes feedback, allowing multiple vehicles to operate independently on the same track.
- Safety and Availability: Completely insulated, no galvanic contacts for transfer
- Noiseless high speed: No sliding brushes and moving parts
This innovative design make contactless, inductive solutions the ideal choice for modern material handling and industrial mobility systems with numerous independent vehicles. The benefits result in lower operating costs and greatly reduced maintenance costs.
Find out more about Inductive Power Transfer / Wireless Charging
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
How are the human body affected by the fields generated by inductive power transfer solutions?
In general, the fields generated by inductive power transfer solutions are very localized, unlike the electromagnetic fields from cellular systems, which are designed to radiate over a wide area. The fields are further limited by the dual cable configuration of inductive power transfer solutions. As a result of the opposing current directions between the outgoing and return cables, two opposing fields are created. These combine cumulatively only in the space between the cables and differentially elsewhere. Thus, the magnetic field strength decreases with the square of the distance.
In a single-cable installation, the decrease would only be proportional to distance.
Regulatory limits vary from country to country. For the majority, however, the ICNIRP recommendations are the central guideline.
Why pay attention to iron free areas?
Any current-carrying conductor generates a magnetic field. This is a necessary condition for inductive power transfer to occur. Unfortunately, any ferromagnetic material within this field will generate eddy currents. These cause heating and unwanted losses due to the material's internal electrical resistance. These effects should be minimized by maintaining sufficient clearance and by bundling the track cables. Bundling is the practice of placing a pair of stranded conductors as close together as possible in all feeds and sections of track where no power transfer is required. For more information on clearances and installation requirements, refer to our application specific installation guides.
