Inductive Roadway Power Modules for Adaptive EV Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roadway powered electric vehicle (RPEV) systems face challenges in efficient power transfer without compromising driving performance and freedom of movement, often requiring vehicle receivers to be lowered and relying on communication between vehicles and roadside controllers, with inefficiencies in power distribution and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
The system employs single-phase or multi-phase inductive power transmission modules embedded in the roadway, using sensors to detect vehicle presence and category, and controllers to dynamically adjust power delivery based on demand, eliminating the need for vehicle receiver lowering and enabling efficient power transfer without communication between vehicles and roadside controllers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If inductive loops are spaced along the highway and selectively energized, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases due to switching control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The roadway is divided into multiple discrete inductive loops spaced along the highway, with each loop capable of being independently energized. This segmentation allows power to be transferred only in the specific location where a vehicle is present, improving efficiency while the modular structure manages complexity through standardization of each loop unit
Solution Approach 2:
Vehicle detection is performed in advance to determine when a vehicle approaches or is in proximity to an inductive loop. The system prepares by pre-energizing the appropriate loop sections before the vehicle arrives, ensuring seamless power transfer without requiring complex real-time switching decisions during vehicle passage
2Loss of energy
If vehicle receivers are lowered to reduce air-gap, then power transfer efficiency is improved, but driving performance and freedom of movement are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The inductive loops are positioned and configured to automatically align with the vehicle receiver without requiring active adjustment by the vehicle system. The roadway infrastructure provides the optimal magnetic coupling field that the vehicle receiver passively utilizes, eliminating the need for mechanical lowering mechanisms while maintaining high power transfer efficiency
3Power
If communication systems are added for vehicle recognition and control, then power delivery control is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the vehicle's existing electrical system and onboard receiver as an intermediary for detection and control. The inductive loop itself serves as both the power transfer medium and the detection sensor, eliminating the need for separate communication systems. Power delivery is controlled through the natural coupling between the energized loop and the vehicle receiver, with no additional communication infrastructure required
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution ensures efficient, safe, and adaptive power transfer to electric vehicles, maximizing system efficiency and minimizing disruptions to driving performance and lateral movement, while optimizing power distribution based on vehicle needs.
Implementation Method 1
power transmission modules in or on the roadway inductively coupled to the primary conductive path, the or each power transmission module being capable of supplying power inductively to at least one electric vehicle
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~36
Figure 3~5
AI summary
A roadway powered electric vehicle system includes a power supply (101) which makes power available inductively to one or more modules (111 ) provided in or under a roadway. Modules (111) make a magnetic field selectively available to one or more vehicles travelling over the roadway corresponding to the location of the vehicle. The presence or strength of the magnetic field provided on the roadway may be dependent upon the vehicle type or category.