Xiaodong Shi (Lead Editor-WPT Series)

My name is Xiaodong Shi. I am the lead editor of this Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) special two part series of the IEEE Transportation Electrification eNewsletter. WPT has gained significant popularity over recent years as a convenient and safe alternative to the conventional conductive charging method. This WPT special two part series is aimed at providing a comprehensive overview and interpretation of wireless charging technology for Electric and Hybrid Electric Vehicles. The series has two parts.

By, Dr. Joachim G. Taiber

Republished with permission from Emobility Tec –March 2014 Edition

There are many hurdles that are related to the introduction of full electric vehicles – first of all the limited range which is due to the limited energy density of existing battery chemistries inferior to gasoline or diesel-powered vehicles. But if we assume a practical radius of action within the available range, the vehicle has to be recharged in a useful timeframe in order to stay operational. Whereas conventionally powered vehicles can be fully refueled within a few minutes with electric vehicles the electric energy needs to be transferred via cable in a process that may take hours.

By, Chris Mi
Co-written by Subhadeep Bhattacharya and Manoj Kumar Mallela, editors of IEEE TEI Newsletter

This article is written based on the part of presentation given by Dr. Chris Mi at the Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) workshop at The University of Michigan in Dearborn, MI, March 13 2014. Dr. Chris Mi is a Professor of Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Michigan in Dearborn.

Contrary to general belief, wireless power transfer (WPT) has been in use for a long time (Fig. 1). The microwave oven uses the concept of wireless power transfer to heat food. Laser is another method which uses similar concept as wireless power transfer. Fig. 2 shows the various methods of wireless power transfer. However, most of these methods are not designed for the transfer of electricity, especially for an Electric Vehicle (EV). So, there is a requirement to understand the methods to study the Wireless Power Transfer technology related to Electric Vehicle (EV) charging. In this context, wireless power transfer using Electromagnetic Resonance (or otherwise, inductive charging) which can transfer power over medium distance (range of millimeters to tens of centimeters) is the topic of discussion. 

By: Omer C. Onar, Madhu Chinthavali, Steven Campbell, Cliff White, Larry Seiber, Lixin Tang, Chester Coomer, Paul Chambon, John M. Miller, and P. T. Jones

INTRODUCTION

Wireless power transfer (WPT) is a paradigm shift in electric-vehicle (EV) charging that offers the consumer an autonomous, safe, and convenient option to conductive charging and its attendant need for cables. WPT can be fully autonomous due to the vehicle and grid side radio communication systems, and is non-contacting; therefore issues with leakage currents, ground faults, and touch potentials do not exist. It also eliminates the need for touching the heavy, bulky, dirty cables and plugs. It eliminates the fear of forgetting to plug-in and running out of charge the following day and eliminates the tripping hazards in public parking lots and in highly populated areas such as malls, recreational areas, etc.

By: John M. Miller, JNJ Miller plc
Edited By: Xiaodong Shi

INTRODUCTION

The field of wireless charging of plug-in and battery electric vehicles (PEV) has grown exponentially in recent years to the point that today several companies offer commercial wireless chargers as aftermarket products for integration into light duty passenger vehicles [1]. Wireless power transfer (WPT) can be viewed as a revolutionary step in PEV charging because it fits the paradigm of vehicle to infrastructure interconnection and communication – wirelessly. Benefits of WPT are well known as a convenient, flexible, safe, and potentially automated means of passenger vehicle charging that has the potential to completely eclipse today’s conductive charging. There are no cables to trip over, no heavy plugs and cabling to wrestle with during inclement weather, and no concerns about inadvertent disconnection or theft. 


About the Newsletter

Editors-in-Chief

Jin-Woo Ahn
Co-Editor-in-Chief

 

Sheldon Williamson
Co-Editor-in-Chief

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