A Review on Near-Field and Far-Field Wireless Power Transfer Technologies

Abstract

Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) technologies are rapidly maturing, offering alternatives to traditional wired connections in applications ranging from consumer electronics to industrial automation. This review provides a technical analysis of WPT methodologies published between 2010 and 2025, explicitly distinguishing between non-radiative near-field techniques (specifically Inductive Power Transfer [IPT] and Capacitive Power Transfer [CPT]) and radiative far-field systems (Microwave Power Transfer [MPT] and Laser Power Transfer [LPT]). Unlike previous reviews that categorize primarily by coupling mechanism, this paper proposes a novel multi-parametric classification framework incorporating efficiency, alignment sensitivity, and emerging operational paradigms such as AI-optimized tuning and acoustic transfer. The analysis evaluates the engineering trade-offs between short-range, high-efficiency inductive systems and long-range, lower-efficiency radiative links. Furthermore, the paper identifies critical technical barriers to commercialization, specifically focusing on electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), biological safety (SAR) limits, and end-to-end system efficiency. Finally, the review extends beyond the physics to provide a rigorous economic analysis of the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for electric vehicle infrastructure and industrial IoT, highlighting the strategic viability of WPT in future smart grids.