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Abstract

As the UK plans to end sales of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030, it's crucial to establish plans for the future with the impending shift towards Electric Vehicles (EVs). However, the majority of drivers still have concerns over EVs due to their extended charging times and range anxiety compared to petrol and diesel cars. This research project investigates the potential of Inductive Power Transfer Systems (IPT) as a solution to these issues by allowing wireless charging on the move on Motorways and A roads.
Through a literature review, research gaps were identified, highlighting unknowns regarding the impact of air gap and misalignment between the transmitting, and receiving coil on charging efficiency, and the lack of knowledge regarding the effects of weather conditions on efficiency. To fill these gaps, experiments were conducted using an iPhone and Qi IPT charger, testing each variable separately to determine the most important factor to prioritize. The resulting data was plotted into scatter graphs and analysed, revealing that the system is most efficient with perfect coil alignment and minimal air gap, with both factors being equally important. Additionally, it was found that weather conditions such as rain, ice, and snow can affect charging efficiency, and as such, carriageway drainage as well as ploughing, and gritting in winter should be maintained if the system is implemented.
The study provides recommendations for achieving optimum coupling, such as minimizing the air gap and ensuring proper alignment between the coils. The conclusions also recommend further research is undertaken on IPT systems, especially regarding weather conditions and necessary controls for global implementation. The findings of this study offer valuable contributions to the advancement of EV technology and the potential adoption of IPT systems to address the current issues faced by EVs.

Course: Civil Engineering (Degree Apprenticeship) - BEng - U2896PDC

Date Deposited: 2023-07-13

URI/permalink: https://library.port.ac.uk/dissert/dis14161.html