Thermal and biofouling effects on underwater wireless power transfer

Abstract

This paper presents a characterization of the thermal effects and marine fouling on an undersea wireless power transfer system. The coils used in wireless power transfer experience elevated temperatures due to the resistive losses in the wire. Several different coating strategies to both protect the coils against seawater and dissipate the generated heat are investigated. In addition, the rise in temperature can increase the likelihood of marine bio-fouling on the exposed surfaces of the coils. A study of bio-fouling on the wireless power transfer coils and whether there might be increased microbial growth as a result of the power transfer is also explored.