Application of a rail-type dynamic wireless power transfer system in logistics. Credit: Applied energy (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2024.123943
Technological advances in electric vehicles (EVs) are paving the way for solutions that reduce the need to search for charging stations. A research team affiliated with UNIST has developed technology that can wirelessly supply power to moving vehicles. Led by Professor Franklin Bien of the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, the team has developed a wireless charging rail system that provides uninterrupted power to moving vehicles.
The work is published in the journal Applied energy.
This innovative system generates a large, powerful magnetic field using a network of wires, allowing vehicles to freely maneuver forward and backward without the need for expensive ferromagnetic materials.
An electric current flowing through an electromagnetic generator creates a circular magnetic field that facilitates the efficient transfer of energy as the magnetic field propagates through multiple wires. Electric vehicles can thus flexibly travel along the power supply paths formed by this extended magnetic field.
In addition, the team developed algorithms to optimize the design of power paths and energy receivers, increasing the efficiency of energy transfer for electric vehicles by up to 90%. While existing technologies have focused on using ferromagnetic materials to improve efficiency, these approaches often face practical challenges due to high costs and low durability.
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System overview and working principle. Credit: Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology
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Experiments measuring magnetic flux density as a function of receiver position on and around the track. Credit: Applied energy (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2024.123943
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Experimental validation of the proposed track-type wireless power transfer system. Credit: Applied energy (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2024.123943
To ensure the practical application of this wireless power technology, the research team conducted extensive safety checks, including compliance with standards set by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP).
Professor Bien said: “Transportation, including electric vehicles, should be able to move flexibly not only in parallel but also vertically; however, existing dynamic wireless charging technologies have not yet achieved this.”
Hyunkyeong Jo, lead author, added: “If this technology is implemented in electric vehicles, it can address the challenges of long charging times and short ranges. In addition, by reducing the size of batteries, we can reduce air pollution resulting from the extraction of resources, such as lithium, thereby promoting the sustainable use of natural resources.”
More information:
Hyunkyeong Jo et al, A coreless track-type wireless charging system using coplanar wires enabling near-free planar motions for mobile logistics robots, Applied energy (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2024.123943
Provided by Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology
Quote:Wireless charging rail system makes it easier to charge electric vehicles while in transit (2024, September 6) retrieved September 6, 2024 from
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