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Researchers from the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) are paving the way for a revolutionary new method to charge electric vehicles (EVs), literally. The team is developing Dynamic Wireless Power Transfer (DWPT) roadways, a technology that embeds transmitter pads in road surfaces to wirelessly charge EVs as they drive, eliminating the need for a traditional wired charger.
This innovative approach to EV charging aims to address the limitations of current charging infrastructure, such as slow home charging and the scarcity of public charging stations. With the growing market for EVs, the need for efficient, on-the-go charging solutions has never been more urgent. DWPT technology could be key to solving “range anxiety,” a major barrier to widespread EV adoption.
The UTEP team, alongside engineers, has focused on modeling the load demand on the electrical grid to ensure seamless integration of DWPT systems. This is crucial for the technology’s success, as any disruptions to the grid’s load could hinder the effectiveness of the system. “Our research will allow for a comprehensive understanding of new EV charging methods to ensure sustainable use of our transportation infrastructure coupled with power utilities,” said Paras Mandal, UTEP’s principal investigator.
One of the major challenges faced in the development of DWPT is accurately modeling the complex load demand on power grids. To overcome this, UTEP researchers have developed a new method called modified Toeplitz convolution (mCONV), which allows for precise simulations of the power consumption of DWPT systems. This technique can handle both small-scale systems with a few transmitter pads and large-scale networks spanning several miles.
This research could significantly impact the future of EV infrastructure. By helping local governments, utilities, and engineers better understand energy demand, the team’s work is paving the way for more widespread EV adoption and the development of charging roads across the U.S.
