Summary
- Volkswagen and DOE set a new wireless EV charging record with a Porsche Taycan
- Transfer 270 kW of power to a Porsche Taycan through wireless charging
- Oak Ridge scientists developed a wireless charging system for the experiment
- System allows for 50% charging in a Porsche Taycan in 10 minutes with over 95% efficiency
- System prevents excessive voltage/current, short-circuiting, and overheating
Article
Volkswagen and the US Department of Energy’s (DOE) Oak Ridge National Laboratory achieved a new wireless electric vehicle (EV) charging record with a Porsche Taycan. The experiments conducted by these entities are similar to wireless charging methods used for smartphones and other smaller electronics, which could aid in the shift from internal combustion engine vehicles to EVs. Researchers successfully transferred 270 kW of power to the Porsche Taycan, despite the fact that current power transfer systems are unable to accommodate the necessary power due to size and weight constraints.
In March, Volkswagen and the DOE’s laboratory successfully wirelessly transferred 100 kW of power to an EV, breaking their own record in a subsequent experiment. Oak Ridge scientists developed a wireless charging system for the Porsche Taycan, consisting of lightweight polyphase electromagnetic coupling coils installed under the car. These new coils allowed for greater power density in a smaller, 19-inch diameter coil, with the ability to transfer power across a nearly 5-inch gap between the ground and the coil. The system could charge the Taycan by 50% in just 10 minutes with over 95% efficiency while also preventing issues like excessive voltage/current, short-circuiting, and overheating.
Currently, traditional power transfer systems can only transfer up to 11 kW of power at 92% efficiency, making them insufficient for powering electric vehicles like the Taycan. The new wireless charging system developed by Oak Ridge scientists and Volkswagen has the potential to revolutionize EV charging technology, offering higher power transfer capabilities in a compact form. The system’s lightweight design and efficient power transfer capabilities could significantly impact the future of electric vehicles, potentially addressing challenges with current power systems and accelerating the transition to EVs.
The partnership between Volkswagen and the DOE’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory demonstrates significant progress in the field of wireless EV charging technology. By breaking previous records and achieving a new milestone in wireless power transfer to a high-performance electric vehicle like the Porsche Taycan, the experiment showcases the potential for advancements in charging infrastructure for EVs. The lightweight, high-power density coils used in the system offer a promising solution to the limitations of current power transfer systems, paving the way for faster, more efficient charging options for electric vehicles.
The wireless EV charging system developed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Volkswagen offers considerable benefits beyond traditional wired charging systems. With the ability to charge a Porsche Taycan by 50% in just 10 minutes at over 95% efficiency, the new system provides a faster, more efficient, and potentially more convenient alternative to conventional charging methods. Additionally, the system’s advanced safety features prevent issues like overheating, short-circuiting, and excess voltage/current, ensuring a secure charging process for electric vehicles. Overall, the successful wireless charging experiment represents a significant achievement in the development of cutting-edge EV charging technology.
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