Research team
Expertise
The expertise of Ben Minnaert is situated in the field of energy transfer, more specifically with focus on the following topics: wireless power transfer (in particular inductive and capacitive coupling); embedded systems; electrical energy production; sustainable energy; photovoltaic solar cells; energy conversion; electrical transformers, generators and motors; circuit theory and electromagnetism.
Combining the magnetic and electric channel for wireless power transfer.
Abstract
Wireless power transfer, especially in portable devices, offers the main advantage of improved convenience and user experience since there is no need to plug in a physical cable to charge or power the device. A novel method, called hybrid or dual-channel wireless power transfer, combines both the magnetic (inductive) and electric (capacitive) channel. In this project, a theoretical framework is developed that models the relationship between the coupling factor of dual-channel wireless power transfer and the lumped elements of the equivalent circuit representation. The effect of combining both the magnetic and electric channel on the characteristics of energy transfer and misalignment tolerance are determined. The results are validated by simulation and experiment, resulting in the essential coupling models needed to unlock the potential of dual-channel wireless power transfer.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Minnaert Ben
- Fellow: Elst Baptist
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
DEO: Wireless power transfer.
Abstract
Wireless power transfer enhances the user experience of electrically powered devices, as it eliminates the need to connect a physical cable. It results in increased durability and robustness, facilitates automation and increases safety in hazardous industrial environments. However, many companies lack the resources to acquire the necessary knowledge to implement wireless power transfer, despite its strong global growth and the maturity of the technology. Limited knowledge of the principles and the limited application possibilities of the market standard prevent the application of wireless power transfer in atypical configurations. The overall goal of this project is to disseminate accessible and practice-oriented tools and knowledge for the implementation of wireless power transfer.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Minnaert Ben
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Multi-Port Wireless Power Transfer Systems via Electric Coupling.
Abstract
This research proposal focuses on a multi-port wireless power transfer system that applies electric coupling to transfer energy from one or more transmitters to one or more receivers. The fundamental research question is how novel optimization algorithms can keep the operating conditions of this capacitive system with an unpredictable electric coupling optimized, depending on the chosen optimization goal. This includes determining the suitable models and fundamental relationships between the system characteristics (including its unpredictable coupling) and the different optimization gains. An important aspect is the experimental validation of the models via a low power setup, containing a versatile driver in order to allow easy frequency adaptation. More specifically, the contributions of this project will be the following: (i) Development of a model describing quantitatively the fundamental relationships between varying couplings and the (relative) variation of the impedance compensation networks. (ii) Modelling the so called "frequency bifurcation phenomenon" for multi-port systems. (iii) Determining and applying optimization algorithms for different scenarios, i.e. applying impedance and frequency adaptations based on a feedback procedure in order to keep the multi-port system in its (near-to) optimal operating condition, and finally (iv) validation of the aforementioned models and algorithms by simulation and experiment.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Minnaert Ben
- Fellow: van Ieperen Aris
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Capacitive Wireless Power Transfer for MIMO Configurations.
Abstract
Capacitive wireless power transfer (CPT) applies the electric field to transfer energy from a transmitter to a receiver without the need of physical connections. However, depending on the distance between transmitter and receiver, and their relative alignment, the system performance varies. A CPT system that automatically positions itself in the optimal working point, regardless the value of the unpredictable coupling, is therefore necessary. This is in particular challenging for a setup with multiple transmitters and multiple receivers, i.e., a Multiple Input – Multiple Output (MIMO) configuration. The objective of this project is to determine the necessary fundamental relationships to enable and implement algorithms to keep the operating conditions of a MIMO CPT system optimized.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Minnaert Ben
- Co-promoter: Derammelaere Stijn
- Fellow: van Ieperen Aris
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Nexor - Cyber-Physical Systems for the Industry 4.0 era
Abstract
The fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0 as it is commonly referred to) is driven by extreme digitalization, enabled by tremendous computing capacity, smart collaborating machines and wireless computer networks. In the last six years, Nexor — a multi-disciplinary research consortium blending expertise from four Antwerp research labs — has built up a solid track record therein. We are currently strengthening the consortium in order to establish our position in the European eco-system. This project proposal specifies our 2021 - 2026 roadmap, with the explicit aim to empower industrial partners to tackle their industry 4.0 challenges. We follow a demand driven approach, convincing industrial partners to pick up our innovative research ideas, either by means of joint research projects (TRL 5—7) or via technology licenses.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Demeyer Serge
- Co-promoter: Challenger Moharram
- Co-promoter: Chevalier Amélie
- Co-promoter: Daems Walter
- Co-promoter: De Meulenaere Paul
- Co-promoter: Denil Joachim
- Co-promoter: Derammelaere Stijn
- Co-promoter: Minnaert Ben
- Co-promoter: Peremans Herbert
- Co-promoter: Perez Guillermo Alberto
- Co-promoter: Steckel Jan
- Co-promoter: Vangheluwe Hans
- Co-promoter: Vanlanduit Steve
- Co-promoter: Verlinden Jouke Casper
- Fellow: Bozyigit Fatma
- Fellow: De Mey Fons
Research team(s)
Project website
Project type(s)
- Research Project
Wireless Power Transfer for building-integrated photovoltaics
Abstract
This research project aims at developing a module to wirelessly transport energy from photovoltaic solar cells in buildings. A crucial problem with building integrated photovoltaics (e.g. as a facade, or embedded in a window) is that with current technology, electrical cables still have to be pulled from the outside to the inside of the building, which has negative consequences for the insulation and water tightness of the building. Through prototypes, we test the efficiency and reliability of wireless energy transfer applied to the context of a building.Researcher(s)
- Promoter: Minnaert Ben
Research team(s)
Project type(s)
- Research Project