A Shape-Reconfigurable Modularized Wireless Power Transfer Array System for Multipurpose Wireless Charging Applications

We present a shape-reconfigurable modularized magnetically coupled resonance wireless power transfer (MCR-WPT) array system for multipurpose wireless charging applications. In it, three interconnected resonant modules are employed for the transmitter and two interconnected resonant modules for the receiver. Such a modularized configuration allows both the transmitter and receiver to be reconfigurable in shapes and positions conformal to the devices to be charged; it also provides multiple power flow paths that improve system stability and reliability. Unlike the conventional systems, the proposed system achieves shape reconfigurability by different positional combinations of resonant modules and structures without any control circuits or changes of any resonant and matching capacitances. A prototype was developed, simulated, and tested. It has the power transfer efficiencies above 78% in various positions. Thus, the proposed system presents a good and simple system for practical WPT applications.