Implementing Wireless Charging System for Semi-Autonomous Agricultural Robots

Abdoulaye Bodian (), Alben Cardenas (), Dina Ouardani, Jaber Ouakrim and Afef Bennani-Ben Abdelghani
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Abdoulaye Bodian: Research Group in Industrial Electronics (GREI), Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, University of Quebec at Trois-Rivieres, Trois-Rivieres, QC G8Z 4M3, Canada
Alben Cardenas: Research Group in Industrial Electronics (GREI), Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, University of Quebec at Trois-Rivieres, Trois-Rivieres, QC G8Z 4M3, Canada
Dina Ouardani: Research Group in Industrial Electronics (GREI), Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, University of Quebec at Trois-Rivieres, Trois-Rivieres, QC G8Z 4M3, Canada
Jaber Ouakrim: Research Group in Industrial Electronics (GREI), Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, University of Quebec at Trois-Rivieres, Trois-Rivieres, QC G8Z 4M3, Canada
Afef Bennani-Ben Abdelghani: Electrical Systems Laboratory, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunis 1068, Tunisia

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 17, 1-28

Abstract: The modernization of agriculture can help humanity address major challenges such as population growth, climate change, and labor shortages. Semi-autonomous agricultural robots offer clear advantages in automating tasks and improving efficiency. However, in open-field conditions, their autonomy is limited by the size and weight of onboard batteries. Wireless charging is a promising solution to overcome this limitation. This work proposes a methodology for the design, modeling, and experimental validation of a wireless power transfer (WPT) system for battery recharging of agricultural robots. A brief review of WPT technologies is provided, followed by key design considerations, co-simulation, and testing results. The proposed WPT system uses a resonant inductive power transfer topology with series–series (SS) compensation, a high-frequency inverter (85 kHz), and optimized spiral planar coils, enabling medium-range operation under agricultural conditions. The main contribution lies in the first experimental assessment of WPT performance under real agricultural environmental factors such as soil moisture and water presence, combined with electromagnetic safety evaluation and robust component selection for harsh conditions. Results highlight both the potential and limitations of this approach, demonstrating its feasibility and paving the way for future integration with intelligent alignment and adaptive control strategies.

Keywords: wireless power transfer (WPT); agricultural robots (Agribots); electromagnetic circuits; power electronics; inverters (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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