Stability and control of inductively coupled power transfer systems

Inductively coupled power transmission (ICPT) is becoming an accepted techn ique for transferring power from an extended loop (track) to a number of ga lvanically isolated movable pickup coils. Operation of ICPT systems is disc ussed and limiting factors in their operation are investigated. In particul ar, the control of multiple pick-up coils and the number of such pick-ups t hat may be used before the system becomes unstable is investigated. These t heoretical developments are compared with practical measurements from a pro totype ICPT system.