Modelling and Optimization of a Wireless Power Transfer System for Implantable Medical Applications using Artificial Neural Networks

Maximizing the efficiency of a Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) system for implantable medical applications is crucial to minimize the impact of the battery recharging process on the patient’s life. The main source of losses in a WPT system is the inductive link, whose optimization becomes essential. When switching at high frequency, the modelling of the pair of coupled coils is usually solved with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) simulations. However, the high simulation time makes their integration in optimization models unfeasible. This work proposes a method to maximize system efficiency based on Artificial Neural Networks (ANN). The developed model maintains the precision of FEA, as well as reduces the simulation time by more than 200 times. A WPT system is designed with two coils of 35 mm and 15 mm with a separation of 15 mm. The model is experimentally validated by measuring a set of coils and implementing the system, in which an efficiency of 65% is accomplished.