Systems and methods for wireless power transfer

Abstract

A wireless power transfer (WPT) system is described having first and second primary windings and a secondary load winding. The WPT system is configured such that the mutual inductance between the first and second primary windings is zero or substantially zero, and the mutual inductance between each of the first and second primary windings and the load winding is non-zero. The system described herein is particularly useful in wireless power transfer applications where electromagnetic field exposure and system efficiency can be issues.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] A wireless power transfer (WPT) system is described having first and second primary windings and a secondary load winding. The WPT system is configured such that the mutual inductance between the first and second primary windings is zero or substantially zero, and the mutual inductance between each of the first and second primary windings and the load winding is non-zero. The system described herein is particularly useful in wireless power transfer applications where electromagnetic field exposure and system efficiency can be issues. [Background technology]

[0002] A transformer is a device that uses a magnetic field to transfer electrical power from a primary winding / coil to a secondary winding / coil through a non-conducting medium. In a transformer, power applied to a power coil at a voltage is inductively received by the secondary coil at a voltage proportional to the number of turns in the primary and secondary windings, or roughly proportional to the mutual inductance between the primary and secondary windings. Transformers can generate large magnetic and electric fields that can be harmful to animal and human health.

[0003] Human exposure to magnetic and electric fields (hereinafter "fields" or "electromagnetic (EM) fields (EMF)") is regulated by international standards and relevant safety laws and regulations. Equipment or installations designed for specific commercial or industrial uses cannot exceed the electromagnetic field limits set by regulatory agencies.

[0004] Transformers have a wide range of uses, but when used in close proximity to humans, electromagnetic fields can be a problem. Generally, the higher the power in a transformer, the higher the EM fields. As a result, many transformers are power-limited by EM field regulations.

[0005] An example where relatively high powers are transmitted and EMF regulations limit the amount of power that can be transmitted is the automotive industry, particularly the charging of electric vehicles (EVs) via wireless inductive coupling.

[0006] In a wireless inductive charging system, an EV charging station is provided with a fixed (or movable) primary winding (typically configured on the ground), and the EV is fitted with a secondary winding (typically located on the underside of the vehicle) that is connected to a battery charging system. In one example, the EV drives over the primary winding, and when the primary and secondary windings are properly aligned with each other, power is transferred wirelessly to the EV.

[0007] Because humans may be in close proximity to the windings during this operation, the maximum power that can be transferred is limited by regulations limiting human exposure to electromagnetic fields. That is, while charging systems can be designed to transfer higher levels of power, EM fields necessitate regulations that limit the power transferred to a limited level.

[0008] Controlling power and / or current is a goal of many electrical systems, including systems for electromagnetic and electromechanical applications. Traditional systems have been designed with a primary winding, a secondary winding, and additional windings.

[0009] The prior art shows that electromagnetic force control between the primary, secondary and additional windings can be achieved by various means, such as direct feedback control of the supply source, or indirectly by intermediate means, such as an additional winding coupled to the main winding by magnetic flux. This type of control can be achieved by various means, such as directly regulating the power and / or current supply by means of a closed or open feedback loop, or alternatively by intermediate means, such as an additional winding coupled to the main winding by magnetic flux.

[0010] A review of the prior art shows several previous approaches.

[0011] GB 568204A describes a system having an intermediate winding for controlling motor torque, which supplies power to a rotor winding to either a) increase the torque of the motor when the current supplied by the intermediate winding is at the frequency of the main power winding of the motor but out of phase, or b) slow down the rotor when a frequency other than the main power frequency is supplied to the rotor winding.

[0012] In either case, rotor current control of the motor is achieved by electrically coupling the rotor winding to a control winding, the control winding being supplied by a magnetic coupling transformer.

[0013] KR102075417 describes a system for laminating the windings of traction transformers, which provides better coupling and higher impedance, thereby minimizing harmonic currents and reducing leakage flux to reduce excessive heating of the magnetic core and container box structure.

[0014] In this system, the windings are connected by a common magnetic flux, and the nature of this system is to enhance the magnetic field coupling between the primary and secondary windings. An additional winding is closely coupled to the primary winding and serves to supply power to the locomotive's auxiliary converter.

[0015] US7847664 describes a system for transmitting power through magnetically coupled transformer windings to at least two outputs connected to two separate loads with constant voltage sources, such as batteries or capacitors. In this system, a bias is generated in the form of a constant component of magnetic flux when the battery is charging. As the battery charges, a voltage rises across coil C1, thereby reducing the total magnetic flux in the secondary winding and stopping current flow. As a result, the total control voltage and, consequently, the magnetic flux in the common pool of the secondary coils depend on the battery's state of charge, thereby self-regulating the input power. This system requires two identical and opposite secondary windings that are magnetically opposed to each other.

[0016] US10377255 describes a system and method for transmitting energy to a vehicle. The system provides coupling between a primary winding and a secondary winding by shaping a magnetic coupling medium in a specific manner. In this system, both windings are wound on the same core, resulting in strong coupling between the windings. The system employs a control system in which control coils switch the coupling magnetic flux on and off in multiple segments, thereby isolating the segments from a single backbone power circuit when they are not being used for power transmission.

[0017] US10404100 describes a system and method for inductive power transmission in which magnetic field radiation is limited by embedding a coil forming a double D-winding into a recessed ferrite structure.

[0018] US20220044868 describes a system with a magnetic coupling structure that facilitates wireless (or inductive) power transfer. The system employs an additional leakage control coil that is substantially decoupled from the main coil by ferrite screens, in the form of ferrite strips, strategically placed under the center of the DD winding and on both ends of it. The advantage of the leakage control (or reflection) coil is that it reduces overall magnetic field radiation when driven out of phase, at the cost of increased input power demand. Summary of the Invention

[0019] According to the present invention, a wireless power transfer (WPT) system is described, comprising: a first primary winding circuit having a first AC power system (AC1) and a first winding (PW1); and a second primary winding circuit having a second AC power system (AC2) and a second winding (PW2), wherein the PW1 and PW2 are spatially disposed relative to each other such that a mutual inductance M12 between the PW1 and PW2 is zero or substantially zero; a secondary winding circuit having a load and a secondary winding (SW), wherein the SW is spatially disposed adjacent to the PW1 and PW2 such that a mutual inductance between the PW1 and the SW is non-zero and a mutual inductance between the PW2 and the SW is non-zero; and a power control system for controlling input AC power to each of the AC1 and the AC2.

[0020] In various embodiments, The AC1 is a voltage-regulated AC power supply. The AC2 is a current-regulated AC power supply. The first primary winding circuit includes a series compensation tuning network having a capacitor C1 connected in series with the PW1. The secondary winding circuit includes a series compensation tuning network having a capacitor C3 connected in series with the SW. The second primary winding circuit includes a parallel compensation network having a capacitor C2 connected in parallel with the PW2. The AC2 supplies current at a frequency equal to the AC1 voltage frequency. The AC1 supplies a voltage at the characteristic frequency of the PW1. The WPT includes two or more sets of first and second primary windings, and the mutual inductance between each of the first and second primary windings is zero or substantially zero. The WPT is an electric vehicle charging system, wherein the first primary winding circuit and the second primary winding circuit are ground-mounted, and the secondary winding circuit is mounted on the vehicle. Further comprising at least one sensor configured to detect a human or animal within the charging boundary, wherein the power control system is configured to transmit power at a first power level when the human or animal is within the charging boundary and to transmit power at a second power level when the human or animal is outside the charging boundary. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] Various objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of specific embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of various embodiments of the invention. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a wireless power transmission system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of two theoretical windings showing analytical variables for windings with zero mutual inductance. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view of two representative primary windings showing the spatial offset. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a wireless power transfer system having series and shunt compensated tuning networks, according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of an offset S ground-mounted dual primary winding and a vehicle-mounted secondary winding according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view of a ground-based dual primary winding according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view of a dual secondary winding installed in a vehicle, according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view of an electric vehicle charging station having a charging boundary, according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] The inventors have recognized and identified a need for a wireless power transfer system that inductively transfers power between a primary winding and a secondary winding while minimizing associated EM fields and optimizing the power electronics of a WPT system. The inventors have recognized that a wireless power transfer system having two primary windings can be spatially oriented relative to one another such that the mutual inductance between the windings is zero or substantially zero, thereby enabling power transfer to a secondary or load winding with low EM fields and / or automatic load balancing and sharing, thereby optimizing the cost of the power transfer system.

[0023] Scope of the term In this specification, all terms have definitions that can reasonably be inferred from the drawings and description, and the words used in this specification are to be interpreted to give them the broadest possible meaning.

[0024] Various numerical values ​​and numerical ranges are referenced in this application. Numerical values ​​or numerical ranges are to be interpreted with the understanding that they define boundaries or variables that may be associated with particular features described herein. The boundaries are not necessarily fixed and may be affected by relationships with one or more other features. Thus, the use of terms such as "about" or other modifiers in this description is intended to allow for the possibility that variables or features may interact with one another and should be interpreted in that light. Features described herein are understood to provide collective functions for one another. At the very least, numbers should be interpreted in light of significant digits.

[0025] Introduction Various aspects of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. For purposes of illustration, the components shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. Instead, emphasis has been placed on highlighting the various contributions the components make to the functionality of various aspects of the present invention. In the course of this description, several possible alternative features have been introduced. It will be understood that, depending on the knowledge and judgment of those skilled in the art, these alternative features may be substituted in various combinations to arrive at a variety of different embodiments.

[0026] overview A wireless power transfer (WPT) system is described that enables wireless power transfer from two primary windings to a secondary receiving winding.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 1, WPT system 10 includes a primary circuit PW1, a second primary or control circuit PW2, and a secondary or load circuit SW3, collectively referred to as the WPT circuit. PW1 includes an AC power source ACP1 and a winding L1, and PW2 includes an AC power source ACP2 and a winding L2. Collectively, PW1 and PW2 are referred to as the WPT primary side PS, and SW3 is referred to as the WPT secondary side SS. SW3 includes a winding L3 and a load L. In this description, ACP1 is generally a voltage source, and ACP2 is generally a current source.

[0028] As explained below, the spatial arrangement of PW1 and PW2, and particularly L1 and L2, is such that the mutual inductance M (referred to as M12) between these two windings is zero. The mutual inductance M13 between PW1 and SW3 is non-zero, and the mutual inductance M23 between PW2 and SW3 is also non-zero.

[0029] Under these conditions, each of PW1 and PW2 can be operated so that for a given output of ACP1 and ACP2, the total power received at the load L in SW3 is substantially equal to the sum of the outputs of ACP1 and ACP2, and the total electromagnetic field (EMF) at a given time is substantially the same as the EMF generated by the individual operation of ACP1 and ACP2.

[0030] In various embodiments, systems and methods for controlling each WPT circuit are described. Additionally, WPT designs and design methods are described. The described systems and methods may enable higher power transfer without exceeding EM field thresholds compared to single primary winding power transfer systems.

[0031] Mutual inductance of PW1 and PW2 As shown in FIG. 1, the WPT system is designed so that the mutual inductance M12 between coils L1 and L2 is zero or substantially zero. For purposes of discussion, this characteristic will be referred to hereafter as zero. The inventors have shown that two independently powered coils in any design can be arranged in three-dimensional space with zero mutual inductance. As is known, magnetic coupling between any two coils is generally non-zero. Furthermore, in a typical WPT system, the primary side has a single primary winding.

[0032] Heretofore, in WPT systems that may have multiple primary windings, the mutual inductance between those windings may be non-zero and other effects may occur.

[0033] It is possible to form two windings with a magnetic coupling coefficient k = 0. This coefficient is defined as follows:

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[0034] W1 and W2 are two windings shown in cross section and illustrated as infinite lengths extending out of the plane of the drawing perpendicular to the x-axis.

[0035] The net magnetic flux on W2 from current flowing in W1 can be zero as a function of the coil widths a, a' at a certain distance d, which is calculated as follows:

[0036] The net magnetic flux Φ in W2 from W1 is the sum of the magnetic fluxes produced by the complementary currents I in W1:

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[0037] For the mutual inductance between the two windings to be zero, for any non-zero current in W1, the net magnetic flux in W2 from W1 is zero:

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[0038] Therefore, in the particular case of the same winding where a' = a,

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[0039] This distance tends to d=a as the winding depth tends to zero.

[0040] This example uses simplified windings for ease of calculation and shows analytical calculations for the condition M=0. However, the condition M=0 can be achieved for any circuit, such as a rectangular circuit as shown in Figure 3, or for any winding with a nearly random shape that allows current to pass through it.

[0041] Figure 3 shows two non-idealized windings in a typical relative position, satisfying the condition M = 0. The design process can utilize finite element analysis (FEA) for a particular coil design, such as two planar coils, to determine the spatial conditions under which M = 0.

[0042] As an example, two planar square coils with external dimensions of 200 × 200 × 4 mm were modeled to demonstrate the relationship between the fill factor and the lateral displacement of the windings to nullify the mutual inductance. The fill factor generally refers to the ratio of the conductor area (e.g., the perimeter area) to the cross-sectional area of ​​the conductor.

[0043] In this example, the filling factor is the area filled with conductor (e.g., copper) within a 200mm square frame. 2 In this example, the FEA analysis was initialized with a fill factor of 0.02, which corresponds to a conductor width of 1 mm.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 3, which shows side and top views of windings W1 and W2, there exists a condition where the two windings are spatially offset from each other by distances x, y and z and M=0.

[0045] Mutual inductance between PW1, PW2 and SW3 1, because mutual inductance M12 is zero or substantially zero and mutual inductances M13 and M23 are non-zero, selectively powering PW1 does not induce a voltage / current in PW2, and vice versa. However, selectively powering PW1 or PW2 does induce a voltage / current in SW3.

[0046] Input power and control to PW1 and PW2 The power to PW1 and PW2 is controlled so that the power to the load is shared with an essentially constant load.

[0047] In various embodiments, controlling the input power to PW1 and PW2 allows for ZCS (zero current switching) without affecting the load current in SW3.

[0048] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, PW1 includes a first series-compensated tuning network 10c, PW2 includes a parallel-compensated tuning network 10e, and SW3 includes a second series-compensated tuning network 10d.

[0049] The first tuning network 10c includes a capacitor C1 in series with L1. Generally, L1 has self-inductance, i.e., a measure of the inductive energy that can be stored in the inductor's magnetic field, which can be compensated for by adding C1 in series. Voltage source power is supplied to PW1 via AC1 (I_AC1 and V1), which operates at a frequency substantially close to the characteristic frequency of L1, C1.

[0050] The second tuning network 10d includes a capacitor C3 in series with L3. SW3 has a load L (e.g., a resistor) that can convert the current into another form of energy. Ideally,

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[0051] Since M13 is non-zero, power is transferred to SW3.

[0052] The parallel-tuned network 10e of PW2 includes a capacitor C2' in parallel with winding L2 and a decoupling inductor L2a. In one embodiment, PW2 is powered by a voltage source AC2 (I_AC2 and V2), resulting in an alternating current in L2 with amplitude I2 and frequency ω equal to the frequency of the voltage source of PW1.

[0053] By controlling a) the current I2 into PW2 or b) the phase relationship between AC1 and AC2, power is transferred to SW3 at a lower EMF compared to transferring the same power via PW1 alone.

[0054] When PW1 is supplied with an AC voltage and SC3 provides a load, changes in a) the current amplitude I2 or b) the phase relationship between I2 and the AC1 voltage source will not change the load power.

[0055] In another embodiment, AC1 is a voltage source and AC2 is a voltage source that operates to provide a constant current I2 and adjusts its voltage to provide this current. Thus, for a given load on SW3, AC1 and AC2 each "seek balance," with the voltages on AC1 and AC2 supplying the load power. If there is a change in load, AC1 and AC2 each seek a new balance.

[0056] In another embodiment, the EMF may be proportional to the ratio of the load contribution generated by each source AC1 and AC2. In some embodiments, the EMF may be approximately 50% of the power generated compared to sending all of the source power to only one winding. With M12=0, substantially all of the source power is transferred from PW1 and PW2 to the load without loss / interference from the load.

[0057] In another embodiment, when PW1 is supplied with an AC voltage and SW3 provides a load, a change in a) the current amplitude I2, b) the phase relationship between I2 and voltage source PW1, or c) both does not change the phase relationship of the load current relative to voltage source AC1.

[0058] In another embodiment, if I2 is in phase with AC voltage source AC1 or 180° out of phase, the zero crossings of voltage source AC1 and its current occur substantially simultaneously, which allows zero current switching (ZCS) for current source AC2.

[0059] In another embodiment, when I2 and AC voltage source current AC1 are in phase or 180° out of phase, the voltage of AC2 is in phase with the current of AC2, which allows for zero current switching (ZCS) of current source AC2.

[0060] The regulation of WPT primary winding current using decoupled dual primary windings can be shown as follows: E a , E b , E c are the electromotive forces induced in the first primary current (subscript a), the second primary current (subscript b), and the secondary (load) current (subscript c), respectively. Ψ c is linked to the secondary (load) winding (subscript c) with) magnetic flux. i a , i b , i c are the first primary current (subscript a), the second primary current (subscript b), and the secondary (load) current (subscript c), respectively. U a , U b are the supply voltages for the first and second primary windings, respectively. j is a complex operator. ω is the angular frequency of the power supply. M is the mutual inductance.

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[0061] In conclusion, the load current i c U b is independent of the current i a The power generated from U b U a It can be perceived as resistive by the power source only by whether it is leading or lagging relative to the

[0062] For example, U b =jωkU a (k is a real number), the current i a is equivalent to:

number

[0063] In this example, the current is in phase with the voltage and the mains power supply sees the load as a resistor.

[0064] Furthermore, the derived dependencies can be confirmed by circuit simulation using commercially available circuit applications.

[0065] In this way, by controlling the voltage of the second primary winding, it is possible to reduce the radiation generated by the concentrated first primary winding, allowing for higher power transfer while maintaining unchanged magnetic field radiation levels.

[0066] System Design and Applications As mentioned above, the single primary winding PW1 and the single second primary or control winding PW2 are referred to as one operating unit.

[0067] However, it is understood that systems using more than one primary winding and more than one control winding combination are also contemplated, so long as each combination of primary winding and control winding has the M=0 relationship described herein and shown in Figures 5-8.

[0068] For a given power transmission application, the design of a particular system with one or more pairs of primary windings (PW1 / PW2) and one or more pairs of secondary windings (SW3) may involve general steps including: a) determining the desired power parameters and allowable EMF at the load SW3; b) determining the PW1 and PW2 winding design such that M=0 for the desired load at SW3; and c) determining the control system design.

[0069] For example, a charging station for electric vehicles may require that the charging power be 50 kW and that the EMF be less than 6.25 μH when a human 70 is in close proximity to the windings. The charging station may allow for higher charging power if the system determines that no human is in close proximity. Based on these parameters, a designer can determine the size / shape and offset of the primary windings so that the mutual inductance of PW1 and PW2 is zero and the EMF is below a certain threshold. A control system design can ensure that the power transfer and EMF remain below thresholds based on various inputs, including human presence.

[0070] 5-8 illustrate a representative charging station 60 with primary windings mounted on ground 60b for charging an electric vehicle 60a. The charging station may have one or more sets of primary windings (e.g., PW1-A, PW2-A, and PW1-B, PW2-B) located on the ground with corresponding power sources P1 and P2, as shown in FIGS. 5, 6, and 8. EV 60a may also be fitted with one or more secondary windings (SW3-A, SW3-B) configured for the EV's battery charging system (not shown).

[0071] The EV runs over the primary winding to place the secondary winding over the primary winding in the operating position, thereby allowing charging of the EV (Figures 5 and 8).

[0072] In one example, a magnetic field sensor may be installed on the vehicle that feeds back measured magnetic field information to the primary winding control to gradually increase power to the second primary winding while maintaining the proper phase relationship between the AC1 and AC2 voltage sources, thereby limiting the magnetic field in the presence of a human. For example, such a sensor may be installed on the bottom of the chassis at the periphery of the vehicle, where a human would be exposed to the highest EMF.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 8, the EV charging system may be configured with one or more sensors 80 configured to detect the presence of humans 70 within a particular area 81, where the WPT is reduced when one or more humans 70 are present within the area, and the WPT is increased based on an EMF threshold when the control system C1 detects that the humans have left the area.

[0074] That is, upon arriving at a charging station, the driver may drive the vehicle to the correct location so that charging can begin. The vehicle may contain only the driver or other people or animals. For example, the driver may initiate the charging system, thereby beginning charging of the vehicle, through various means, including an app-based activation system or an external activation system.

[0075] In various operating situations, the vehicle occupants may all remain within the vehicle, one or more may leave the vehicle, or all may leave the vehicle.

[0076] Through various means, the system may determine whether one or more occupants are present in the vehicle. If the control system C1 determines that an occupant is present in the vehicle, it may initiate WPT at a first threshold level. Alternatively, if the system determines that no human or animal is present, it may increase WPT to a second threshold level.

[0077] In various embodiments, the system may monitor the EMF boundary 81 with one or more sensors 80 configured to determine the presence or absence of a human / animal within the EMF boundary and adjust the WPT power accordingly. The sensors 80 may include various combinations of motion sensors, capacitance sensors, infrared sensors, etc., to determine the presence or absence of a human / animal within the EMF boundary and / or within the vehicle.

[0078] While the present invention has been described and illustrated with respect to preferred embodiments and their preferred uses, it is not limited to such descriptions and illustrations, as modifications and variations are possible within the full intended scope of the invention as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. a first primary winding circuit having a first AC power system (AC1) and a first winding (PW1), and a second primary winding circuit having a second AC power system (AC2) and a second winding (PW2), the first primary winding circuit and the second primary winding circuit being spatially arranged with respect to each other such that a mutual inductance M12 between the first primary winding circuit and the second primary winding circuit is zero or substantially zero; a secondary winding circuit having a load and a secondary winding (SW), the SW being spatially disposed adjacent to the PW1 and the PW2 such that a mutual inductance between the PW1 and the SW is non-zero and a mutual inductance between the PW2 and the SW is non-zero; a power control system for controlling input AC power to each of AC1 and AC2; A wireless power transfer (WPT) system comprising:

2. The WPT system of claim 1 , wherein the AC1 is a voltage regulated AC power source.

3. 3. The WPT system of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the AC2 is a current-regulated AC power source.

4. The WPT system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first primary winding circuit includes a series compensation tuning network having a capacitor C1 connected in series with the PW1.

5. The WPT system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the secondary winding circuit includes a series compensation tuning network having a capacitor C3 connected in series with the SW.

6. The WPT system of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second primary winding circuit includes a parallel compensation network having a capacitor C2 connected in parallel with the PW2.

7. The WPT system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the AC2 supplies current at a frequency equal to the voltage frequency of the AC1.

8. The WPT system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the AC1 supplies a voltage at a characteristic frequency of the PW1.

9. The WPT system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the WPT includes two or more sets of first and second primary windings, and the mutual inductance between each of the first and second primary windings is zero or substantially zero.

10. The WPT system of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the WPT is an electric vehicle charging system, the first primary winding circuit and the second primary winding circuit are ground-mounted, and the secondary winding circuit is mounted on a vehicle.

11. 11. The WPT system of claim 10, further comprising at least one sensor configured to detect a human or animal within the charging boundary, wherein the power control system is configured to transmit power at a first power level when the human or animal is within the charging boundary and to transmit power at a second power level when the human or animal is outside the charging boundary.

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