Bidirectional Inductive Charging Systems: Design Strategies, Simulation-oriented Shielding Optimization and Electromagnetic Field Dosimetry

• Applicants: Professor Dr. Markus Clemens; Professor Dr.-Ing. Benedikt Schmülling
• Subject Area: Electrical Energy Systems, Power Management, Power Electronics, Electrical Machines and Drives ; Mathematics
• Term: from 2016 to 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 324925030

Inductive wireless power transfer systems for electric vehicles are designed to simplify the charging process of energy storage systems and are already tested as real life prototypes. The underlying concept, however, does not include the intended possible use of electric and hybrid electric vehicles as intermediate energy storage systems for the energy grid. Here, the required technical foundations for bidirectional inductive charging systems are not sufficiently available yet. The goal of this research proposal aims at getting design rules of bidirectional inductive power transfer systems with respect to future applicability and technological performance. This also includes aspects of the electromagnetic compatibility of these systems related either to electronic systems or to persons in and outside the vehicles. Magnetic shielding systems are required to ensure that existing regulatory restrictions are maintained. Specific problems can occur due to the combination of high power densities and low electric conductivities of lightweight materials used in modern car bodies.This research proposal focusses on fundamental research related to technical simulations of such shielding configurations for inductive charging systems and their effectivity by concentrating on the development and use of methods for high-fidelity numerical field simulations and measurements of such shielding structures.For the design and optimization of inductive charging systems, the numerical field simulation method is required for the environmental electromagnetic compatibility assessment. In this research proposal, we aim to improve and extend existing simulation methods for an improved numerical electromagnetic dosimetry simulations such that a computer-aided optimization of magnetic shielding structures becomes possible. The scientific challenge of this proposal lies in the multiscale character of these electromagnetic field problems as thin and lightweight shielding structures have to be considered in complex geometric three-dimensional representations of the electromagnetic environment (e.g. car bodies) featuring also high-resolution body phantoms inside and outside these structures. The validation of the required modelling assumptions is possible with the planned measurements of different magnetic shielding structures.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants