Experimental Analysis on Wireless Power Transfer for Continuous Charging of a Mobile Robot

Abstract

Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) is not a new finding in Electrical Engineering technology; however, currently, it is back to fame due to the increment of device mobility, avoiding the hazardous wiring application, cleaner connection, and improves vehicle mobility. The WPT can be an alternative to power an automatic transport system that results in an aesthetic and safe system. The continuous charging ensures system reliability. The main problem with WPT is that it is still limited by the distance, which can be overcome by setting the transmitter and receiver in a sufficient distance. This paper discussed the prototype of automated transport and simulated using a line follower mobile robot, which is charged continuously by a WPT system. The proposed method is tested by two experimental test-bed settings; the under the track and overhead transmitter setting. The produced voltage and currents move the robot at a different speed that is achieved by varying the distance between transmitter and receiver. The ideal distance between transmitter and receiver attached to the line follower robot is 2 cm indicated by DC motor speed. For under the track transmitter setting, at the distance of 2 cm, the robot's DC motor moves in 104.5 RPM, and for the overhead transmitter setting, DC motor speed is 93.4 RPM. This difference is not very significant; therefore, both applications are applicable. However, for the application in a real automated transport system, the under the track transmitter setting is aesthetically more pleasant for city planning.