Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have achieved a new milestone in wireless charging technology by wirelessly charging a light-duty passenger electric vehicle (EV) at 100 kW with 96% efficiency.
The team at ORNL, funded by the US Department of Energy, utilized polyphase electromagnetic coupling coils with rotating magnetic fields to wirelessly charge the EV. This patented system transferred power to a Hyundai Kona EV across a five-inch air gap using electromagnetic fields, a process similar to wireless charging of small consumer devices.
Omer Onar, a researcher at ORNL, highlighted the significance of this achievement, stating, “We’ve achieved the highest power density in the world for a wireless charging system for this class of vehicle. Our technology reaches power densities 8-10 times higher than conventional coil technology and can increase battery charge state by 50% in under 20 minutes.”
While ORNL researchers had previously achieved a 120-kW charge using conventional coil technology in benchtop lab testing, this latest accomplishment marks a significant milestone in vehicle integration using ORNL’s polyphase coils.
The small and lightweight design of the polyphase electromagnetic coupling coil allows for the highest power density within the smallest coils possible, with a diameter of just over 14 inches. The rotating magnetic fields generated by the coil phase windings further boost the power output.
“This breakthrough achievement opens the door to fast and efficient wireless charging for passenger electric vehicles,” added Onar.
ORNL’s success in achieving high-power wireless charging for EVs represents a major step forward in advancing the adoption of electric vehicles and reducing the reliance on traditional fossil fuels.
