Automatic optimal control of transcutaneous wireless energy transfer system with magnetic position feedback

A high percentage of the world population suffers from end-stage heart failure, which may lead to the need for heart transplantation. A left ventricular assist device (LVAD) may be required for deteriorating patients whilst on the waiting list for a transplant or for long-term support (destination therapy) in those patients who are not eligible for a transplant. Currently available devices are powered by a driveline, which is tunneled through the skin and connected to an external power supply leading to the potential for complications such as infection and device malfunction often requiring frequent hospital admissions. A transcutaneous energy transfer system (TETS) is a promising approach to power cardiac assist devices wirelessly through the skin and improve the current limitations. Unlike conventional wireless recharging technology, TETS must operate in a dynamic environment including body posture changes, body movements, and varying skin thickness, which may affect power delivery and efficiency. In this paper, an automatic optimal control strategy is described for a TETS device consisting of magnetic position feedback. Extensive <italic>In Vitro</italic>, tissue, and animal studies have been performed to evaluate the dynamic performance of this system under variation in load axial gap and lateral shift with fixed frequency, manual, and automatic control.