The Frankfurt Motor Show isn’t all about new cars – it’s also a chance for companies to showcase new technologies that could shape the vehicles we drive in the future.
For example, Delphi Automotive has equipped several test vehicles with its Wireless Charging System, a wireless energy transfer system featuring technology from the WiTricity Corporation.
According to tests, the system’s performance meets automotive market requirements with WiTricity commercialising an approach to “mid-range” wireless charging. It is based on sharply resonant strong coupling and can transfer power efficiently even when the distances between the power source and capture device are several times the size of the devices themselves. The other systems under development focus on conventional inductive charging and work over a limited distance range needing precise accurate parking alignment. According to Delphi, this can make them impractical for use on electric vehicles.
By contrast, Delphi charging sources can be buried in the pavement and won’t be affected by environmental factors. It is also more forgiving when it comes to vehicle parking positions on top of the charger without requiring any moving parts to accommodate. It will automatically transfer power to the electric vehicle’s battery at a rate of 3.3kW and can do so with the smallest and lightest modules possible meaning overall weight and cost is minimised.
According to Ryan Sumner, the director of global hybrid vehicle development at Delphi, wireless charging will need to co-exist with plug-in charging solutions so electric vehicle drivers can charge their vehicle when they are away from their wireless charging source.
