UNPLUGGED - Wireless charging for electric vehicles

DESCRIPTION
As part of the project, two smart inductive charging systems will be built, taking into consideration requirements from OEMs, energy utilities and end users. The systems will be innovative and will go beyond the current state of the art in terms of high power transfer, allowing for smart communication between the vehicle and the grid, as well as being in line with the latest inductive charging standards and considering interoperability. These innovative inductive charging systems designed and built as part of the project will then be tested and assessed in order to understand their potential impacts on urban mobility and the acceptance of e-mobility. Application in an en-route charging scenario in particular will be examined for different vehicle types, ranging from cars to buses.
It is anticipated that UNPLUGGED will provide clear evidence on and demonstrate whether the use of smart inductive charging infrastructure can overcome some of the perceived barriers for e-mobility, such as range and size of on-board energy storage, and practical difficulties associated with installing traditional charging post infrastructure.
UNPLUGGED will also include a feasibility study and economic model for dynamic en-route inductive charging. This technology is currently less mature than static en-route charging, however, it has the potential of giving the driver virtually limitless range as long as he stays on paths specifically adapted for it.
OBJECTIVES
- Increase the energy transfer efficiency and speed.
- Optimize the vehicle/coil positioning
- Plan the possible expansion of the power grid to be capable of deal with the new fleet.
- Ensure the magnetic field and crash safeties as well as the protection of all devices.
- Reach economically feasible solutions
- Determine the proper placement for the charging points
- Find a secure and fair way to bill the user for the provided energy
- Develop a secure wireless communication between the EV and the grid
- Ensure the interoperability of the communication and the inductive charging systems.
CIRCE'S ROLE
Besides, CIRCE will also participate in the development of the dynamic charging technology and the standardization analysis activities.