Push-pull driven Low-cost Coupler Array for Dynamic IPT systems

Inductive power transfer (IPT) is an emerging technology that provides a convenient charging approach for stationary and moving electric vehicles (EVs), In a dynamic IPT roadway where multiple primary couplers are employed along the road, an increasing number of power electronic converters are required to provide continuous charge to moving EVs. Having a large number of power converters can adversely affect the system reliability, the installation cost and maintenance expenses. As a solution, this paper proposes a push-pull driven low cost coupler array, where a single switch can be used to activate a single coupler in the array. Moreover, it is possible to simultaneously drive any number of couplers in the array, as the current stress on the switches is not proportional to the number of energized couplers. The viability of the proposed configuration is validated using PLECS simulation of a 10 kW push-pull driven array consisting of three primary couplers.