University of Texas: Developing Tech to Charge While Driving
For many drivers of internal combustion engine vehicles, running out of fuel in a remote area is a worst-case scenario. Similarly, owners of EVs face "range anxiety," the concern that their car may run out of battery power before reaching a charging station.
As EV adoption acceleratesāprojected to reach 7.2 million annual sales by 2030āengineers are working on innovative solutions to make charging more accessible and convenient. One such breakthrough is a charging mechanism that allows vehicles to charge while in motion, a concept recently explored in a study by the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) and published in the journal IEEE Access.
The promise of dynamic wireless power transfer (DWPT) roadways
A coalition of engineers, including the UTEP research team, is investigating dynamic wireless power transfer (DWPT) technology. DWPT roadways incorporate transmitter pads within the road surface, enabling EVs to charge wirelessly as they drive, eliminating the need for stationary charging stations.
Paras Mandal, PhD, professor of electrical and computer engineering at UTEP and the study's principal investigator, explains: "The field of electrified transportation is evolving and modelling the load demand on our electrical grid is a significant part of the work.
"Our research will provide a comprehensive understanding of new EV charging methods to ensure sustainable use of our transportation infrastructure coupled with power utilities."
Overcoming traditional charging challenges
EV owners rely on either household electrical outlets or public charging stations to recharge their vehicles. However, both methods come with limitations. Residential charging is slow and strains household electricity consumption, while public charging stations are not yet widespread, creating logistical challenges for EV drivers.
The barriers contribute to range anxiety and slow the adoption of EVs despite the potential to reduce petroleum dependency, vehicle emissions and noise pollution while improving air quality.
DWPT technology could eliminate these concerns by offering a seamless and continuous charging experience. However, before widespread implementation, engineers, utility companies and government agencies need to assess the impact of DWPT on the electrical grid.
Modelling the load demand for a sustainable future
One of the primary challenges in developing DWPT roadways is understanding the additional electrical load it would place on the power grid. Factors such as vehicle size, roadway length and traffic density all influence energy consumption, making it crucial to develop an accurate model for predicting power demand.
Paras' research team created a novel method called modified Toeplitz convolution (mCONV). The mathematical model helps engineers evaluate the dynamic electric load demand of DWPT roadways, considering factors such as distance travelled, traffic flow and vehicle types.
"The next steps in this research will be understanding how DWPT will affect power system stability and reliability," Paras explained.
A future of seamless EV charging
Kenith Meissner, Ph.D., Dean of the College of Engineering at UTEP, highlights the significance of the research.
"Dr. Mandal's team is doing innovative work at the frontier of our transportation system," he states.
The new model will help local and state authorities, as well as utilities, understand what's involved in implementing DWPT roadways and literally paving the way for more widespread adoption of EVs."
While DWPT technology is still in its early stages, the research marks a significant step toward a future where EVs can charge effortlessly while in motion. With further development and collaboration between engineers, policymakers and power utilities, in-motion charging could transform electric transportation, making range anxiety a thing of the past.
Stay informed and inspired with the EV Magazine community by signing up for our free weekly newsletter. Each week, receive in your inbox the latest industry news and in-depth insights into the world of electric vehicles, sustainability and cutting-edge innovations
Subscribe now, donāt miss the opportunity to stay ahead in the fast-evolving EV industry.
EV Magazine is a BizClik brand.