A Capacitor-Clamped SS Compensated Topology With Inherent Overcurrent Suppression for Inductive Power Transfer

The series–series (SS) compensated topology is popular due to its simple configuration and load-independent output characteristic. However, it is susceptible to overcurrent caused by large coupling variations, output open-circuit faults, and start-up transients. To address these challenges, a capacitor-clamped SS compensation topology that requires no active control or current detection is proposed. By integrating diodes in parallel with split primary compensation capacitors, the proposed topology achieves inherent overcurrent suppression during fault conditions while maintaining the original SS system’s operational features such as load-independent constant current output under normal conditions. In addition, this topology can automatically recover to the normal state after an overcurrent incident. The working modes of the proposed topology are presented and analyzed in the time domain, followed by design procedures considering soft switching requirements. A prototype is constructed to verify the feasibility of the proposed topology. Experimental results demonstrate effective overcurrent suppression during severe misalignment, output open-circuit faults, and start-up stage. © 1982-2012 IEEE.