Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) researchers have made a significant leap in wireless charging technology for electric vehicles (EVs), achieving a groundbreaking 100-kW wireless power transfer. This achievement, demonstrated with a light-duty passenger electric vehicle, marks a milestone in the advancement of EV charging infrastructure. The breakthrough was made possible through the utilization of ORNL’s patented polyphase electromagnetic coupling coils, which enable efficient power transfer with 96% efficiency.
The innovative system developed by ORNL allows for wireless charging across a five-inch airgap, utilizing electromagnetic fields akin to those used in charging small consumer devices. What sets this technology apart is its lightweight polyphase electromagnetic coupling coil design, boasting a diameter just over 14 inches. This design enables higher power density in smaller coils and incorporates rotating magnetic fields generated by coil phase windings, optimizing power transfer.
According to ORNL's Omer Onar, this achievement represents the highest power density ever achieved for a wireless charging system in this class of vehicles. The technology promises to revolutionize EV charging by offering power densities 8-10 times higher than conventional coil technology, potentially increasing battery charge state by 50% in under 20 minutes. While previous tests reached a 120-kW charge using conventional coil technology in lab settings, this milestone marks a significant step towards practical implementation in vehicle integration using ORNL’s polyphase coils.
“This breakthrough opens the door to fast and efficient wireless charging for passenger electric vehicles, paving the way for a cleaner and more convenient future of transportation,” remarked Onar, highlighting the transformative potential of ORNL’s polyphase electromagnetic coupling coil technology in the realm of sustainable mobility.
Source: ornl.gov