Modular inductive power transfer (IPT) for high power vehicle charging

Research Project, 2018 – 2021

Vehicle electrification is considered as one of the most promising approaches to reduce the use of fossil energy sources. But battery charging is still one of the bottlenecks for electrification because of long charging time and human/mechanical involvement. The project aims to develop a modular inductive power transfer (IPT) technology with high-efficient (96% DC-battery) and high power density (3,3 kW/kg). The technology can be scaled for different power range (50-300 kW), which covers passenger cars for fast charging and electric buses or distributing trucks for terminal and temporary charging. The proposed solutions to reach this ambitious goal include (1) modular design for scalability; (2) fast-switching SiC semiconductors; (3) optimal electromagnetic design; and (4) multi-IPT control. The concept will be verified by FEM and circuit simulation and full power measurements.