A research team led by Professor Franklin Bien in the department of electrical and electronic engineering, affiliated with Ulsan National Institute of Science & Technology (UNIST), has developed technology that enables wireless power supply to moving vehicles.
The team has introduced a wireless charging track system that delivers uninterrupted power to vehicles in motion.
This system generates a wide and strong magnetic field using a network of wires, allowing vehicles to maneuver freely both forward and backward without the need for expensive ferromagnetic materials.
An electric current flowing through an electromagnetic generator creates a circular magnetic field, which facilitates efficient power transfer as the magnetic field expands through multiple wires.
As a result, electric vehicles can navigate flexibly along power supply tracks formed by this extensive magnetic field.
Additionally, the team has developed algorithms to optimise the design of power supply tracks and power receivers, increasing the power transfer efficiency for electric vehicles by up to 90%.
While existing technologies have focused on using ferromagnetic materials to enhance efficiency, these approaches often face practical challenges due to high costs and poor durability.
To ensure the practical application of this wireless power supply technology, the research team has conducted thorough safety verifications, including compliance with standards set by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection.
Professor Franklin Bien said: “Transportation, including electric vehicles, should be able to move flexibly not only in parallel but also vertically; however, existing dynamic wireless charging technologies have yet to achieve this.”
Achievements and innovations in EV charging infrastructure will be celebrated at the third annual CiTTi Awards, which will be held on 26 November 2024 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Nominations are open now! Please visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector
