In the quest to make electric vehicles (EVs) more efficient and convenient, a groundbreaking study published in the journal ‘Applied Sciences’ (translated from ‘Applied Sciences’) has introduced a novel approach to dynamic wireless power transfer (DWPT). This innovation, developed by Itay Garrofy from the Department of Physics at Bar-Ilan University in Israel, promises to revolutionize how EVs are charged, potentially reducing battery size and extending driving range.
Imagine driving your electric car without ever having to stop to charge. This is the vision that Garrofy and his team are working towards with their new Vertical Coil (VC) design. Unlike traditional horizontally oriented coil layouts, the VC configuration employs multiple coils wound vertically around a ferrite core. This design captures magnetic flux more effectively over an extended spatial range, significantly improving energy transfer efficiency.
The implications for the energy sector are profound. Currently, EVs face several challenges, including the need for large, heavy batteries that contribute to environmental issues and reduce energy efficiency. Garrofy explains, “The ability to reduce battery size and weight would result in a significant positive impact on the EV industry and market.” By enhancing the efficiency of wireless charging, the VC design could lead to smaller, lighter batteries, making EVs more environmentally friendly and cost-effective.
The VC configuration not only achieves a higher peak efficiency exceeding 90% but also widens the efficient power transfer zone by approximately 50% compared to traditional designs. This means that EVs could charge more efficiently over a broader area, making dynamic wireless charging a more viable option. “The VC receiver starts receiving energy sooner than the DDQ receiver and stops receiving it later, resulting in an effective range almost 50% wider,” Garrofy notes. This broader coverage translates into an overall energy capture increase of more than 50% during a full pass of the vehicle over the transmitter coils.
The potential commercial impacts are immense. As the demand for EVs continues to grow, so does the need for efficient and convenient charging solutions. DWPT technology could dramatically reduce the need for large on-board batteries, making EVs more practical for long-distance travel. This could lead to a significant reduction in CO2 emissions, hazardous waste, and energy consumption associated with battery production and disposal.
The study, published in ‘Applied Sciences’, involved comprehensive simulations and small-scale experiments to validate the VC design. While mutual coupling among the VC coils can alter the system’s resonance frequency, the results confirm that this effect does not impede the VC’s superior energy transfer performance. Garrofy and his team are optimistic about the future of this technology. “With further optimization and research, the VC receiver may be used commercially with superior performance,” Garrofy states.
The VC design represents a significant step forward in the development of DWPT technology. As the energy sector continues to evolve, innovations like this will be crucial in making EVs a more sustainable and practical option for consumers. The research by Garrofy and his team opens up new possibilities for the future of electric transportation, paving the way for a more efficient and environmentally friendly energy ecosystem.