Electric Vehicles: the development of Wireless Power Transfer System

Published on 01 May 2012 by Elxwave

Nissan Leaf

Utah State University Research Foundation’s Energy Dynamics Laboratory (EDL) is working to develop a new high-power, high efficiency wireless power transfer system for electric cars. This system will be able to rapidly recharge the batteries of electric vehicles in motion, thus solving many problems of today’s electric cars.

The system works by transferring power from a special pad built under the ground to a receiver attached under the car, wirelessly. The next step for the American researchers will be to recharge vehicles while in motion. Jeff Muhs, director of EDL said: “Future versions of the system architecture have the unique potential to be embedded under pavement and transfer power wirelessly to vehicles at speeds of 75 mph or more and provide enough power to completely eliminate the range anxiety of electric vehicles”.

EDL plans to make the first demonstration of wireless power transfer system by the end of 2013. This new technology will also be reducing cars’ battery size by up to 80%, making electric vehicles much lighter and solving many of the problems related to charging. The development of this technology will take another few years to be completed, but it “will eventually enable the safe and efficient electrification of highways – states Muhs - end our dependence on foreign oil, and enable a new era of enhanced mobility.”

Via| greentechmedia