Wireless fast charging solution for electric cars
With excellent progress being made in technology research and development, EVs are now a small part of the landscape of many countries and their roadways. However, important technical obstacles associated with faster charging must be overcome to increase market uptake. Exploiting the principle of electromagnetic induction may provide the answer in the form of wireless charging. The EU-funded FASTINCHARGE (Innovative fast inductive charging solution for electric vehicles) project aimed at creating the electricity for charging by exposing a coil (a wound conductor) to a varying magnetic field. Project partners developed and successfully validated a fast inductive charging technology for EV charging with no need to plug in. It enables a 30 kW power transfer to EVs in either stationary or en route situations. The solution offers efficiency up to 92 % through a 10 cm air gap between the primary coil located in the ground and the secondary coil inserted in the vehicle. In addition to the station and inductive charging units, the FASTINCHARGE team developed an electro-mechanical system for inductive charging. The unit helps to ensure the distance between the two plates remains constant in order to optimise power transfer efficiency. It also relies on the control of the positioning of the plate that is installed in the vehicle. Sensors alert the system on the distance between the plates, helping the driver to position the vehicle. Scientists also developed an energy management system that coordinates the charging network and offers several services to EV owners. In addition, they built a user interface that enables owners to communicate with the system. FASTINCHARGE technology's simplicity with no plug-in and reduced charging time combined with increased driving range by charging on the road when stopped at the electrified crossroad should foster enthusiasm on the part of potential EV customers. Reduced total cost of ownership compared to previous solutions could also tip the scale and make the sale.
Keywords
Electric vehicles, wireless charging technology, FASTINCHARGE, fast inductive charging solution
