Analysis of Subsea Inductive Power Transfer Performances Using Planar Coils

Abstract

Abstract Subsea inductive power transfer is one of the reliable and efficient methods for limited electric power transfer between closely located subsea systems. A planar coiled system is modeled using the electromagnetic finite element analysis software MagNet, and the simulation results are compared with those of a developed prototype; it is found that 75‐125 kHz is the optimum frequency for electrical power transfer in sea water conditions. The power transfer performance for various water gaps and offsets is identified. The results indicate that the power transfer efficiencies vary from 63.4% to 0.9% for water gaps ranging from 50 to 500 mm at an operating frequency of 125 kHz. The model is also extrapolated to flux concentrated designs, and the coil dimensions required for higher power transfer applications are identified.