Wireless power transmission utilizing a phased array of Tesla coils

Abstract

This thesis discusses the theory and design of coupled resonant systems and how they can be linked in a phased array for the wireless transmission of electrical power. A detailed derivation of their operational theory is presented with a strong emphasis on the current and voltage waveforms produced. Formulas are presented relating the features of the waveforms to specific parameters of the system. They provide a theoretical basis for the design of the TeslaE coil systems. Unloaded and loaded operating efficiency is considered from both a power and energy perspective with emphasis on maximizing the two quantities. With these design formulas, a working set of two distinct coupled resonant systems were locked in frequency and controllable in phase to produce a phased array capable of wireless power transmission. The operational details and practical design considerations are presented and explained. The measured output waveforms were found to closely agree with the predicted models.