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Franz Wikner hopes that his thesis can contribute to greener battery management. The goal is to extend the life of devices and create robust systems that can protect against moisture and dust.
5 January 2024
Wireless fast charging for future IoT solutions in industry
Within the framework of his thesis in Electronic Systems, Franz Wikner, an Engineering Physics student, has delved into inductive fast charging for encapsulated Internet of Things (IoT) devices. The objective is to extend the lifespan of devices and create robust systems capable of protecting against moisture and dust.
Internet of Things devices are often battery-powered and well-encapsulated to withstand challenging industrial conditions. It is a challenge to make them perform their tasks over extended periods without disruption due to battery replacement. The ideal scenario would be for the devices to be charged wirelessly and rapidly, thereby prolonging the lifespan of the systems and reducing the need for disposal.
– If we can avoid operational disruptions with each battery replacement, we can extend the lifespan of the devices. Properly encapsulated systems can be protected against moisture or dust. The method I have employed ensures completely sealed enclosures, minimizing the risk of system damage or calibration issues during battery replacement, says Franz Wikner, who has studied technical physics.
– Similar technologies are already used in daily electronics, such as phone chargers, but my work takes a step towards higher powers and greater reliability for IoT devices.
In his project, Franz Wikner simulated and tested electromagnetic fields, power transfer, and efficiency of transmitter and receiver systems consisting of different types of coils. One coil is a traditional transformer-like coil, and the other is a flat spiral coil, enabling the transfer of electromagnetic energy through the induced electric field. To maximize efficiency, the coils have been compensated with series-connected capacitors, achieving high power transfer with up to 92 percent efficiency.
– The technology I have developed has parallels in the use of inductive electric vehicle chargers, where larger coils and higher powers are used over longer distances. By applying these principles to IoT devices, they could be charged with at least 30 watts. This, in turn, improves or extends the use of IoT in various industries. The lifespan of the systems is prolonged, and fewer systems are discarded, explains Franz Wikner.
How has it been to work on a thesis in a real-world project within academia?
– It has been both challenging and rewarding. Collaborating with professors and doctoral students has not only deepened my knowledge but also provided insight into the dynamics of the research process. Being part of academic discussions has challenged my problem-solving skills and given me a new understanding of how research drives innovation and knowledge forward.
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