Stability and control of inductively coupled power transfer systems

Inductively coupled power transmission (ICPT) is becoming an accepted technique for transferring power from an extended loop (track) to a number of galvanically isolated movable pickup coils. Operation of ICFT systems is discussed and limiting factors in their operation are investigated. In particular, the control of multiple pick-up coils and the number of such pick-ups that may be used before the system becomes unstable is investigated. These theoretical developments are compared with practical measurements from a prototype ICPT system.