DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A WIRELESS POWER TRANSFER FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLES

ABSTRACT Electric vehicles (EVs) represent a promising avenue for the future of transportation, characterized by their lower environmental impact and enhanced energy efficiency when compared to conventional internal combustion engine vehicles. Over the last twenty years, notable advancements in EV technology have resulted in the market availability of a diverse range of models. Nevertheless, consumers continue to face "range anxiety" due to the limited driving range and extended recharging times associated with these vehicles. Wireless charging offers a revolutionary approach to addressing these issues by facilitating contactless energy transfer between the vehicle and the power grid. In contrast to traditional plug-in charging methods, wireless charging can establish a connection in less than a second without any manual effort. This innovation allows for recharging not only during stationary periods but also dynamically while the vehicle is in motion, thereby increasing the frequency of recharging opportunities and effectively enhancing the driving range. This study investigates the viability and performance of wireless charging systems for EVs, concentrating on inductive and resonant power transfer methods. Essential performance indicators, including efficiency, power transfer capability, and tolerance to misalignment, are assessed using a prototype charging setup. Experiments are conducted to evaluate energy transfer efficiency under various conditions, such as differing coil alignments, transmission distances, and power levels. Furthermore, a dynamic charging simulation is created to model the performance of wireless charging while the vehicle is in motion. The experimental findings reveal that wireless charging systems can achieve energy transfer efficiencies of up to 92% under optimal alignment conditions, maintaining efficiencies above 80% even with moderate misalignment. The dynamic charging simulation suggests that a system designed for charging while in motion could potentially enhance the effective driving range of EVs by as much as 40%, contingent upon traffic and road conditions.