ELIX Wireless introduces MDC-based 10kW wireless charging solution
15 July 2015
ELIX Wireless introduced the E10K Wireless Charging System, a wireless charging solution that delivers a full 10kW of wireless power transfer. The E10K Wireless Charging System is based on ELIX Wireless’ patented Magneto-Dynamic Coupling (MDC) technology. MDC, developed at the University of British Columbia, is based on two rotating permanent magnets in transmitter and receiver, rather than resonant inductive technology. (Earlier post.) ELIX Wireless rolled out its initial product offering, the E1K Wireless Charging System, to customers in early 2015. The E10K Wireless Charging System is now commercially available to customers and partners.
Typical wireless charging solutions available in the market today are based on inductive technologies and deliver up to 7.7kW. To meet the demand for a faster, higher power wireless charging solution that can operate under extreme environmental conditions, ELIX Wireless developed the E10K Wireless Charging System. E10K “building blocks” can be combined together to create even higher power systems.
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| ELIX 10kW Wireless Charging System | |
|---|---|
| Wireless Power Transfer (output) | Up to 10,000 W |
| Power supply (input) | 208 V AC, 50/60 Hz, 3-phase |
| Operating frequency range | 120-150 Hz |
| Z gap (optimal) | 8-10 cm |
| Power tranfer efficiency | >90% |
| Transmitter Size (L x W x H) | 52 cm x 20 cm x 16 cm |
| Receiver Size (L x W x H) | 54 cm x 20 cm x 16 cm |
| Transmitter Weight | 44.5 kg |
| Receiver weight | 45.0 kg |
ELIX WPT technology is based on Magneto-Dynamic Coupling (MDC) in which wireless power is transferred via the coupling between a rotating primary (transmitter) magnet and a secondary (receiver) magnet, with the two separated by an air gap. The rotation of the magnet in the transmitting unit causes a second magnet in the receiving unit to rotate in a synchronized manner.
The secondary magnet is typically a permanent magnet, which moves in response to the time-varying torque arising from the interaction of the two magnets. The motion of the secondary magnet induces an alternating electrical current in close-proximity windings. The frequency of the alternating current corresponds to the frequency of the primary magnetic field and is usually in the low 100s of Hz.
In contrast, induction charging is based on two coils separated by an air gap whereby the primary coil (transmitter) directly causes high-frequency electromagnetic induction in the secondary coil (receiver). The high frequency is needed to achieve resonant coupling in a reasonably sized device.
High frequency operation causes problematic inductive impedance in the coils, which must be counteracted by means of capacitive resonance, which complicates the design and control strategies. Some people may also be concerned about the safety of radiating fields in the 10s of kHz, although current safety standards do allow this.
ELIX says that the MDC technology is fairly robust to misalignment between the transmitter and receiver. The system works with misalignment in both the x (forward-backward) and y (left-right) axes, as well as when the receiver is tilted horizontally. The allowable misalignment is different for each of these axes, but in general a planar misalignment of up to 10 cm is allowed as well as a 20 degree tilt. As well, planar misalignment of the receiver can be compensated further by the mechanical self-alignment of the transmitter.
ELIX says that the efficiency of the MDC-based system is comparable to induction charging systems, with a practical system efficiency of 92% able to be achieved especially at a higher rated output power.
In addition to transportation applications, MDC’s low electro-magnetic radiation properties make it safe to operate in hazardous environments such as oil & gas, mining, subsea, chemical processing and more.
At that size and weight this is buses etc, not cars.
Still, a lot of progress is being made in wireless now.
Posted by: Davemart | 15 July 2015 at 10:24 AM