With the increasing uptake of electric vehicles (EVs), convenient and cost-effective methods are being sought for the charging of vehicle battery packs. Surface mounted Inductive Power Transfer (IPT) based wireless charging solutions will reach the market in the next few years, designed for use within garages. The next generation solutions will be built into pavements, for static and dynamic (charge as you drive) charging within the world’s city streets. The NZ Government has provided substantial funding over a 5 year period for a multi-disciplinary project to develop robust wireless roadway-charging systems for EVs, through the embedding of IPT technology underneath a road surface. The Centre for Advanced Composite Materials (CACM) is a major partner in the project, which is led by ECE’s Power Electronics group, world leaders in IPT technology development. External partners of the programme include Vector, Qualcom, the Ministry of Transport, AT and NZTA. This final year project will contribute to the team within CACM, developing methodologies to protect IPT componentry within harsh roadway environments.
Implementation of IPT charging pads into a roadway infrastructure relies upon the development of novel electronic, magnetic and mechanical designs, which are thermally and mechanically robust. A key objective of the research programme is, to consider charging pad structures that enable the use of existing materials or utilise new materials, improving electrical performance, while providing durable mechanical protection and meeting performance requirements at a minimal implementation cost. This project will be focussed on selection of materials to protect pad components (ferrite, litz wire), and on development of initial pad construction designs for installation within pavement (or substitute materials). Pad designs will be developed considering ease of assembly, as well as the requirements for mechanical and thermal protection of the pad components. The project will include significant components of numerical analysis and experimental studies.Undergraduate
This project will develop the pallet of materials for use within roadway IPT charging pads, and contribute to the characterisation of these materials. Recommended pad designs will be established and tested, considering mechanical and thermal requirements, and methods for assembly. Student participants will gain knowledge on materials, processing techniques, and experimental testing methods. They will also gain exposure to a large multi-disciplinary team and project.
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CACM - Strength of Materials Lab (Newmarket 902 Lvl 3, Lab)