Design and optimization of an inductively coupled power transfer system for the underwater sensors of ocean buoys

Abstract

Batteries are commonly used as the power source of present underwater sensors of ocean buoys. However, batteries need to be frequently replaced, which is costly. To implement the real-time power supply for a buoy's underwater sensor, a new inductively coupled power transfer (ICPT) system that consists of two couplers and a closed cable is proposed in this paper. The special closed cable, which is the both mooring cable and transmission media, is designed to diminish the influence of changes on impedance. A model of the particular ICPT system is established. Optimization of system parameters are carried out based on the model and verified by means of the simulations. Resonant compensation is used to improve the power transfer performance. Finally, many experiments are implemented to compare with the original prototype. It is confirmed that this system can help solve the difficulty of the energy limit to a buoy's underwater sensor.