Pulse Skipping Analysis in Wireless Power Transfer Systems Based on a Reduced-Order Model

Wireless power transfer (WPT) systems with battery loads exhibit low damping, which results in significant current overshoots and sustained oscillations when subjected to disturbances. Pulse skipping control is frequently employed in WPT systems and can be considered a significant disturbance. However, the accurate analysis of the resulting system dynamics and current envelope remains a challenge. To allow accurate evaluation of the performance of WPT systems with pulse skipping, this article introduces a new reduced-order model for WPT systems through balanced truncation. The derived second-order model enables real-time computation of the current envelopes on both sides of the system, facilitating a comprehensive analysis of the overall performance. This article presents two case studies that utilize this reduced-order model to optimize pulse skipping control in WPT systems. The first study proposes a pulse skipping soft-start strategy based on this model. The second study investigates the optimal pattern of pulse skipping modulations. Simulations and experimental results from a laboratory prototype validate the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed reduced-order model and the design and refinement of the pulse skipping patterns. © 1986-2012 IEEE.