Scientists build benchtop device to advance wireless charging for EVs

Researchers at Tokyo Metropolitan University have developed a benchtop device that simulates wireless charging for electric vehicles (EVs), aiming to advance dynamic wireless power transfer (DWPT) technology. This rotating apparatus replicates the movement of an EV’s receiving coil over transmitter coils embedded in roadways, simulating vehicular speeds of up to 25 miles per hour while transferring 3 kilowatts of power. By accurately mimicking the electromagnetic environment of highway-embedded coils, the device allows detailed study of power transmission efficiency and the effects of coil misalignments, a common real-world challenge that impacts coupling efficiency and charging performance. The innovation addresses a significant barrier in DWPT research: the high cost and impracticality of building full-scale test tracks with embedded transmitter coils, which limits experimentation to well-funded institutions. This benchtop simulator enables smaller labs to conduct realistic testing and analysis of wireless charging dynamics, potentially accelerating the development and adoption of wireless charging systems. Such systems could reduce the need for large