Wireless Power Transfer to a Moving Vehicle

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Shanhui Fan, Electrical Engineering

In a follow-up to an earlier study, the research team is testing the feasibility of using magnetic resonance technology to transmit electricity from roads to moving vehicles. In the earlier study, the researchers showed numerically that efficient wireless power transfer can be achieved in the presence of metallic plates. In this study, they have experimentally confirmed this earlier finding by demonstrating an efficient wireless power transfer system. In two different configurations, they demonstrated maximum efficiency exceeding 94% over a distance of 60cm (23.6 in) between the transmitting and receiving coils.

The long-term goal is to develop roadways that wirelessly charge electric cars and trucks cruising at highway speeds. The proposed technology could dramatically increase the driving range of electric vehicles and transform highway travel.

Publications and media

Advances in wireless charging  Stanford Report, June 2017

Robust wireless power transfer using a nonlinear parity–time-symmetric circuit  Nature, June 15, 2017

“Wireless power transfer in the presence of metallic plates: Experimental results” AIP Advances3 (2013): 062102.

Awarded 2012