A rotation-lightweight wireless power transfer system for solar wing driving

In this paper, a novel magnetic coupler of wireless power transfer system for the solar wing driving of the spacecraft is designed. Compared with the traditional slip-ring power supply, the proposed magnetic coupler is characterized by non-contact, high efficiency, wear free, safety, and reliability. Particularly, it can be applied to the rotating condition. To realize light weight and small volume of the receiver, the magnetic coupler has been optimized from both compensation topology and coil configuration. First, a series-none topology is employed to eliminate the bulky secondary-side compensation capacitor. Second, a new nested solenoid coil with strip core is proposed to ensure miniaturization, stable power transfer, and high efficiency. Finally, the experimental setup is built to verify the performance of the designed magnetic coupler. Experimental results are well matched to simulations, demonstrating that the weight of the prototype is 1.3 kg and the transfer power is 3 kW at an ac-dc efficiency of 92.7%.