- By:
- Gastineau, Lucas; Lewis, Donovin; Onar, Omer C; Ionel, Dan
- Page Number:
- 1-5
- Book Title:
- Proceedings of the 2026 IEEE Transportation Electrification Conference & Expo (ITEC) & Electric Aircraft Technologies Symposium (EATS) (ITEC+EATS)
- Publication Date:
- September 24, 2026
- Publisher Location:
- IEEE, New Jersey, United States of America
- Conference Name:
- 2026 IEEE Transportation Electrification Conference & Expo (ITEC) & Electric Aircraft Technologies Symposium (EATS) (ITEC+EATS)
- Conference Location:
- Novi, Michigan, United States of America
- Conference Sponsor:
- IEEE
- View DOI Listing:
- https://doi.org/10.1109/ITECEATS66641.2026.11592815
Abstract
Wireless power transfer (WPT) has been proposed for charging of electric cars, robots, and drones to increase battery capacity factor, charging reliability, and autonomous functionality. Multiphase WPT systems using large-diameter coils have been explored to increase specific power transferred, enhance tolerance to misalignment, and reduce stray-field emissions. Stationary drone-charging inductive coils are assumed to operate with minimal airgaps (10-30 mm) compared to airgaps for electric vehicles, which may enable different coil-design tradeoffs. This paper investigates single- and multiphase wireless charging coil geometries, specifically targeting small airgap drone charging conditions. Parametric electromagnetic studies are conducted using ANSYS Maxwell 3D FEA to evaluate coupling and power delivery across multiple single- and multiphase coil geometries. Inductance matrices, current requirements, and power-delivery are then used to compare geometries to observe potential advantages. Results indicate flux-path segmentation in multiphase configurations alters coupling behavior, necessary excitation current, and switching frequency requirements. Electromagnetic simulations are validated through experimental prototype Litz and PCB coil inductance measurements that are consistent with FEA results. Results indicate trade-offs in alternative geometry and multiphase configurations that affects coil performance at small airgaps for WPT couplers in drone charging systems.
