Wireless Power & Data Transfer across a Rotating Joint
The electrification of construction machinery, such as excavators, has recently been gaining popularity due to numerous technical, economical, and ecological benefits.
At HPE, concepts to replace hydraulic excavators with electrical counterparts are investigated. The replacement of hydraulic actuators with electrical counterparts requires the transfer of electrical power to each electrical actuator.
Conventionally, power is transferred across rotating joints by means of slip rings or cables, which are susceptible to wear and require significant maintenance effort.
This project aims at reducing wear and maintenance requirements by developing a highly efficient and highly compact wireless power transfer (WPT) system. To achieve this goal, multiple converter topologies as well as wireless transformer arrangements are investigated. Furthermore, suitable communication and control systems are investigated to ensure a reliable and safe operation of the overall system.