Purdue University Unveils Breakthrough in High-Speed Wireless Charging
Purdue University has made a significant advancement in electric vehicle technology with the introduction of a high-speed wireless charging system. This groundbreaking achievement enables battery-electric semi-trucks to charge while in motion, without the need for traditional wired connections.
Purdue’s Wireless Charging System: A Game Changer for Electric Vehicles
In a collaboration with Cummins, a segment of US Highway 52/US Highway 231 in West Lafayette, Indiana has been electrified. This project features a quarter-mile stretch designed specifically for testing the wireless charging technology.
Remarkably, during testing, the system successfully delivered 190 kilowatts of charging power to a Class 8 electric semi-truck traveling at 65 mph. This development addresses significant concerns surrounding electric vehicle adoption, namely range anxiety and high operational costs.
How the System Works
The innovative system involves the installation of transmitter coils in designated road lanes. These coils send power wirelessly to receiver coils embedded beneath the truck’s chassis. This technology represents a key advancement in the wireless charging sector, providing a solution that could potentially lower costs for electrified highways.
- Transmitter coils installed in road lanes
- Receiver coils integrated into truck frames
- Capable of delivering high-speed charging at highway speeds
Collaborative Efforts
Purdue’s initiative is supported by various partners, including AECOM, White Construction, Inc., and PC Krause and Associates, Inc. The collaboration has proven fruitful, with John Kresse, chief technology engineer at Cummins, highlighting the successful integration of their battery-electric truck with Purdue’s system.
Kresse emphasized the potential of this technology. He stated it represents a “practical, and potentially game-changing, solution for the future of on-highway commercial transportation.” This innovation could alleviate worries related to battery range and high costs associated with electric vehicles.
Conclusion
The introduction of high-speed wireless charging technology by Purdue University marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of electric transportation. If adopted widely, this system could transform the commercial vehicle landscape, making electric trucks a more viable option for long-distance travel.
