Auto-Resonant Detection Method for Optimized ZVS Operation in IPT Systems With Wide Variation of Magnetic Coupling and Load

In wireless charging systems, the H-bridge converter's switching frequency is set close to the system's natural resonance for achieving optimized zero voltage switching (ZVS). Variations to the system's natural resonance are commonly tracked by following the changes in the resonant current's polarity, i.e., current zero-crossings. The main implementation challenge is accounting for the time delay between the real monitored current and the final resulting switches’ commutations. This becomes critical at high switching frequencies, particularly when the magnetic coupling and loading vary widely. This paper proposes an auto-resonant detection method that continuously ensures optimized ZVS turn-on with the minimal circulating current over the operable range of magnetic coupling and load. The suggested implementation provides two split variable references for the resonant frequency detection, which adaptatively compensate for the propagation delay based on the resonant current slope. The auto-resonant scheme is benchmarked against the commonly employed method with fixed current detection references. The results highlight the auto-resonant strategy's advantages, namely extended operable range, wider ZVS turn-on region, ease start-up, and improved DC-to-DC efficiency. The auto-resonant features and functionality are verified experimentally with a 200 W low-voltage e-bike wireless charger. Finally, the benefits of the presented method are analytically explored for high-power applications by considering the H-bridge semiconductor losses of a state-of-art 50 kW wireless charging system.