PhD in mechanical engineering / applied physics: Nonlinear Mechanical Receivers for Innovant Wireless Power Transfer
- Annecy, Haute-Savoie
- CDD
- Temps-plein
100 Hz) magnetic field that is weakly absorbed by conductive media. This magnetic field sets in motion a moving magnet attached to a mechanical resonator with a low resonant frequency. The oscillation of this resonator is converted back into electrical energy using, for instance, a piezoelectric transducer. Electrodynamic WPT solutions offer high power density and low-frequency (50-1000 Hz) WPT options and are particularly effective for transmitting power through conductive media. They can achieve ten to hundreds of times higher power density than state-of-the-art low-frequency inductive WPT solutions for greater transmission distances through conductive media [2, 3].In ONEFOLD, we propose to explore, size and optimize nonlinear electromechanical receiver for converting the magnetic field back to electricity. Nonlinear resonators will optimize receiver operation at ultra-low frequencies, with small volumes and low sensitivity to frequency shifts. Various exotic behaviors emerging due to the receiver nonlinearity, such as superharmonicsregimes, chaos, or softening resonances, could be further exploited to design optimized receiver and propose new openings for efficient wireless power transfer through conductive media.Objective 1 - Explore nonlinear dynamics to maximize power transmission to nonlinear receivers. We aim to investigate, both theoretically and experimentally, how nonlinear behaviors and resonances can be leveraged to maximize the power density of nonlinear receivers. In the first part of the project, we will analyze how various resonances and orbits of bistable nonlinear resonators can be exploited to achieve this goal. In the second part of the project, we will explore how other types of nonlinearities can be engineered to maximize the receiver power density. Fundamental questions, such as the relevance of exploiting nonlinear resonances, the optimality of softening and superharmonic behaviors, and the optimal potential well shapes for maximizing power density, will be answered.Objective 2 - Design and fabricate high power-density (
10 mW/cm3) receivers for wirelessly transmitting power (10 mW - 1 W for distances between 1 cm to 30 cm) through conductive media at near-DC frequencies (
20 Hz), with system-level constraints. We will design and fabricate optimal receivers based on a global electromechanical optimization of the whole system, using nonlinear reduced-order models. This optimization will identify optimal geometrical dimensions for the resonator, the optimal emitting waveform, and the optimal circuitry connected to the receiver. To implement the optimal nonlinear resonator and shape its potential wells, we will fabricate new nonlinear prototypes based on mechanical buckling of beams or magnetic interactions. Finally, the optimal solutions proposed in this project will be compared against traditional WPT technologies described in the literature.The long-term objective is to pave to way to a new category of nonlinear electrodynamics receivers for WPT systems, with reduced operating frequency, higher power density, and better efficiency for transmitting power through conductive media, compared to traditional WPT solutions. This will be allowed by bridging the gap between, on the one hand, nonlinear dynamics modeling and system optimization, and, on the other hand, mechanical design and fabrication.Planning1rst year:
- Literature review of wireless power transfer solutions, with a focus on electrodynamic solutions.
- Understanding and programing models of electrodynamic wireless power transfer systems, with linear and nonlinear receivers.
- Learning how to use lab materials, and developing an automated testbench for electrodynamic wireless power transfer.
- Design, fabrication and test of a low-frequency mechanical receiver.
- Optimization methodology of mechanical receivers, based on analytical and numerical tools, and on the experience with the first prototype.
- Design, fabrication, and test of an optimized mechanical receiver.
- Numerical and experimental exploration of nonlinear phenomena.
- Conference presentations, scientific article publications.
- Design, fabrication, and test of tunable mechanical receiver with optimal potential wells.
- Test of the system for powering a sensor through metal walls.
- Study of the scalability of the receiver (for possible miniaturization).
- Conference presentations, scientific article publications.
- PhD manuscript writing.
ANR
PHD Country: FranceRequirementsSpecific RequirementsCandidate profileThe candidate should have or be about to obtain an Msc in Mechanical Engineering, dynamics, physics, or mechatronics. She/he must have an interest in applied mathematics (analytical modeling, optimization algorithms, nonlinear ODE analysis), mechanical engineering (linear and nonlinear resonators, FEM simulations, prototypes fabrication), and multiphysics (electromagnetism, electromechanical systems, piezoelectricity). It is obviously not required for the candidate to be already familiar with all of these topics, but she/he must be motivated and interested to investigate all aspects.Analytical as well as experimental skills are mandatory. Knowledge of programming/computing language (MATLAB/Simulink, Mathematica and/or Python), FEM softwares (Comsol and/or Ansys) would be a plus. Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English is required. Fluency in French is also a plus, but is not mandatory.Additional InformationWork Location(s)Number of offers available 1 Company/Institute Laboratoire SYMME - Université Savoie Mont Blanc Country France City Annecy GeofieldWhere to apply WebsiteSTATUS: EXPIRED
EURAXESS