International Journal of Power Electronics and Drive Systems (IJPEDS) Vol. 15, No. 3, September 2024, pp. 1633~1640 ISSN: 2088-8694, DOI: 10.11591/ijpeds.v15.i3.pp1633-1640  1633 Journal homepage: http://ijpeds.iaescore.com Optimizing wireless power transfer efficiency: an empirical analysis of switching frequency variations Rahimi Baharom, Muhammad Amirul Ashraf Zarrul Hayat School of Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Malaysia Article Info ABSTRACT Article history: Received Feb 14, 2024 Revised Apr 6, 2024 Accepted Apr 18, 2024 This study explores the impact of switching frequency variations on wireless power transfer (WPT) system efficiency through rigorous experimental analysis. Our tests reveal that lower switching frequencies can enhance system efficiency by up to 30% by reducing resistive losses. These findings establish an optimal frequency range that significantly improves performance. The research integrates empirical data with theoretical models to elucidate electromagnetic principles like the skin effect and its impact on frequency- dependent behaviors. This comprehensive approach not only confirms the experimental methodology but also provides robust numerical evidence, making a novel contribution to the field. The results have significant implications for renewable energy and sustainable technology development, suggesting practical applications in designing energy efficient WPT systems for consumer electronics and electric vehicle charging. This paper quantitatively defines the efficiency benefits of specific frequency ranges, advancing the deployment of wireless power technologies. Keywords: Efficiency MATLAB/Simulink Resonance Switching frequency Wireless power transfer This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA license. Corresponding Author: Rahimi Baharom School of Electrical Engineering, College of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi MARA 40450 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia Email: rahimi6579@gmail.com 1. INTRODUCTION Wireless power transfer (WPT) technology has garnered significant attention due to its potential to provide convenient and safe energy transfer without physical connections. The technology is underpinned by principles such as electromagnetic induction and resonant coupling, which involve the transmission and reception of power through oscillating magnetic fields. The efficiency of these systems is fundamental, as it determines the viability and sustainability of WPT in practical applications, including electric vehicle charging and consumer electronics [1]-[12]. The concept of WPT can be traced back to the pioneering work of Nikola Tesla, who, following the validation of Maxwell's electromagnetic theory by Hertz, envisioned the global transmission of electrical power without wires. Although Tesla's initial efforts, such as the Wardenclyffe tower project, were not fully realized, they laid the groundwork for future explorations in WPT. Later, the demonstration of microwave-powered helicopter flight by Brown [13] showed the potential of WPT for untethered mobility, albeit with limitations that curtailed its development at the time [13]-[15]. The significant leap in WPT technology occurred in 2007 when MIT researchers successfully powered a 60 W light bulb over a distance of more than 2 meters, showcasing the potential of resonant coupling [16]. This resurgence of interest in WPT brought forward the challenges of efficiency, particularly in relation to the system's switching frequency, which influences numerous parameters such as switching loss, coil dimensions,