Roadway Wireless Charging for In-Motion EV Power Transfer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The significant obstacle to the adoption of electric vehicles is the lengthy charging time compared to refueling gasoline-powered vehicles, coupled with limited charging station availability and the inefficiency of current charging systems, particularly for commercial vehicles like freight trucks, which require faster charging to maintain efficiency and reduce transit delays.
Innovation Solution
A roadway-based wireless charging system using electrodynamic wireless charging or resonant inductive coupling, where an elongated conductor along the roadway provides electricity to electric vehicles in motion, eliminating the need for direct connection and allowing for continuous charging during travel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If direct wire charging connections are used from fixed charging stations, then charging can be provided to electric vehicles, but charging time becomes excessively long (40-50 hours for Level 1, 4-10 hours for Level 2, 20 minutes to 1 hour for DCFC)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static fixed charging stations to a dynamic in-motion charging system where power is transferred continuously as vehicles move along the roadway. The conductor is positioned to engage with vehicles during motion, eliminating the need for stationary charging stops and enabling continuous charging throughout the vehicle's journey.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical connection system (direct wire connections between charging stations and vehicles) with a wireless electromagnetic induction system. The elongated conductor in the roadway generates an electromagnetic field that inductively charges the vehicle's receiving coil without physical contact, eliminating mechanical connection constraints.
2Ease of operation
If fixed charging stations are deployed to provide charging infrastructure, then electric vehicles can be charged, but the number of vehicles per hour that can be charged is far fewer than gasoline vehicles can be fueled
Solution Approach 1:
The in-motion charging system enables continuous charging action throughout the vehicle's operation rather than requiring periodic stops at fixed stations. The charging process occurs continuously as the vehicle travels along the roadway, maximizing the utilization of charging infrastructure and increasing the effective throughput of vehicles served per hour.
Solution Approach 2:
The roadway-based charging system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides charging infrastructure for all vehicles passing over the conductor, eliminates the need for separate fixed charging stations, and maintains full vehicle operational capacity while charging. The same roadway infrastructure serves both transportation and charging purposes.
3Length of moving object
If battery capacity is increased to extend electric vehicle range, then travel range improves, but charging time increases proportionally
Solution Approach 1:
The in-motion charging system performs charging action continuously during vehicle operation rather than waiting until the vehicle is stationary. By charging the battery continuously during travel, the system eliminates the need for post-trip or scheduled charging stops, effectively providing unlimited range without extending charging time.
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 significantly reduces the time electric vehicles need to stop for charging, enhances charging efficiency, and addresses the limitations of existing systems by enabling vehicles to charge while in motion, thereby improving the practicality and adoption of electric vehicles, especially for long-distance commercial use.
Implementation Method 1
A roadway-based wireless charging system using electrodynamic wireless charging or resonant inductive coupling
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle charging system with an elongated conductor that extends above or on top of the ground along a section of the roadway. An electric vehicle includes a conductor or conductive material that extends from the electric vehicle, toward the elongated conductor, or wirelessly connects to the conductor. The method of use of the charging system involves the steps of: (1) communication between the wireless charging system and the electric vehicle, where the electric vehicle provides identification information to the wireless charging system, (2) the electric vehicle and the charging system arrange for a charging session to commence, (3) the electric vehicle approaches the charging system, (4) the charging system acknowledges and activates the charging session, (5) the charging system provides electric charge to the electric vehicle without direct contact, and (5) the charging session is terminated.