Wireless EV Charging at Oak Ridge National Laboratory
In a slew of recent articles, MELTRIC was spotted being used as part of a groundbreaking wireless EV charging study at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).
The project is a collaboration between Volkswagen Group of America and ORNL using an ORNL-developed polyphase wireless charging system and a Porsche Taycan. The team achieved a polyphase wireless power transfer system 270-kilowatt charge surpassing a previous ORNL’s 100-kW wireless charging demonstration, a breakthrough for fast wireless charging.
Leading this EV breakthrough is Dr. Omer Onar, head of ORNL's Vehicle Power Electronics Research Group. The achievement marks a significant leap forward in wireless charging capabilities, surpassing their previous record of 100 kilowatts demonstrated with a Hyundai Kona just three months earlier.
"We're seeing constant power transfer, rather than pulsations across the air gap," explains Dr. Onar. "This results in a substantial improvement in space-time utilization of the magnetic field."
How the EV Charging System Works
The system's innovative design features a magnetic resonance transmitter pad working in harmony with a receiver mounted underneath the vehicle. What sets this wireless EV charging system apart is its use of polyphase windings – lightweight electromagnetic coils arranged to generate a rotating magnetic field that eliminates current ripples.
This advancement isn't just about speed – it's about practicality. The system maintains remarkable efficiency even when vehicles aren't perfectly aligned with the charging pad, allowing for misalignment up to 12 centimeters while still delivering effective charging. For EV owners, this means adding a 50% charge in approximately 10 minutes, rivaling the performance of traditional plug-in DC fast chargers.
The implications of this wireless charging breakthrough extend beyond personal vehicles. The technology shows promise for commercial applications, including delivery fleets and autonomous vehicles. The system has demonstrated versatility across different vehicle types, working effectively with gaps up to 28 centimeters – suitable for everything from low-slung sports cars to delivery trucks.
ORNL's wireless charging system also addresses several common challenges in EV charging infrastructure:
- Eliminates the need for heavy charging cables
- Reduces maintenance requirements compared to traditional charging stations
- Prevents cable-related vandalism
- Improves accessibility for elderly and disabled users
While commercial deployment is still several years away, this breakthrough represents a significant step forward in making wireless EV charging a practical reality.
As electric vehicles continue to reshape the transportation landscape, ORNL's wireless charging breakthrough points to a future where powering our vehicles becomes as simple as parking in the right spot.
This article references content originally published by linked sources.
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About the Author:
Grant Zwicke is a leading content marketing creator at MELTRIC® and a member of the marketing team. His varied experience includes pharmaceuticals, medical devices, specialty chemicals, public health, scientific research, publishing, television entertainment, and news media.
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