Polyphase contactless induction power transfer system for transferring electrical power across gap

A method of electric power control between a power transfer system and a vehicle, the method comprising:

• inductively coupling, across a liquid or gaseous gap, a polyphase traveling-wave inductive power transmitter of the power transfer system, and a receiver of the vehicle;
• and
• providing power to one of the transmitter or the receiver, for transfer of the power to the other of the transmitter or the receiver;
• wherein the providing power to the one of the transmitter or the receiver includes providing power from a dynamoelectric machine that is electrically coupled to the transmitter;
• and
• further comprising providing bidirectional power to the dynamoelectric machine from a power source, and from the dynamoelectric machine to the power source, with excess energy from an energy storage device of the vehicle capable of being returned to the power source.

A power transfer system comprising:

• a power source;
• a pair of polyphase dynamoelectric machines operatively coupled to the power source;
• and
• a pair of transmitter-receiver pairs operatively coupled to respective of the dynamoelectric machines;
• wherein each of the transmitter-receiver pairs includes:
• a polyphase traveling-wave inductive power transmitter;
• and
• a polyphase travelling-wave power receiver inductively coupled to the transmitter, and providing electrical power to loads.