FASTINCHARGE

Innovative fast inductive charging solution for electric vehicles

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'FastInCharge will last 36 months and be lead by a consortium of 9 partners (France, Spain, Greece, Bulgaria, Italia and Slovakia): 1 SME specialised in charging infrastructure for electric vehicles (DBT), 1 industrial group of automotive engineering (BATZ), 3 research organisations, specialists of contactless power, automotive engineering and energy management systems (Tecnalia, TU Gabrovo, NTU Athens), 1 end-user (Douai), 1 cluster (ACWS) , 1 SME in innovation management (EQY) and 1 OEM (CRF). The overall objective of FastInCharge is to foster the democratisation of electric vehicles in the urban environment by developing an easier and more comfortable charging solution which will enable to ease the EV use by the large public and facilitate their implementation in the urban grid. FastInCharge’s intention is to develop a cost-effective modular infrastructure offering a global solution for EV charging. Its success will boost research in the direction of dynamic charging solutions. The concept of FastInCharge is to create a highly performing inductive solution which will enable a 40 kW power transfer to the vehicles in two charging operational situations: one stationary and one on-route. The inductive technology developed will be integrated into: three different electric cars of different types (secondary charging block) and four charging stations, one stationary and three on-route (primary charging block). The full functional chain will be carefully scrutinised in order to ensure an optimal, safe and sustainable solution: battery charging, EV performance and safety, EV range, communication EV/Station, connection station to the grid, grid management and energy supply, intelligent coordinated systems. The programme consists in seven work packages: 1) Specifications, 2) Development of fast inductive charging infrastructure, 3) Development of integration solutions; 4) Prototyping and testing; 5) Demonstration, 6) Dissemination and Exploitation, 7) Management.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

The widespread use of electric vehicles (EVs) could make a tremendous contribution to the reduction of urban pollution and global carbon dioxide emissions. Novel wireless charging technology with increased convenience and providing longer driving distances may tip the scales.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

In the last decade, most major automobile manufacturers have invested in research and development of EV technologies. Excellent progress has been made and EVs are now a small part of the landscape of many countries and their roadways. However, important technical obstacles associated with faster charging the EVs must be overcome to increase market uptake.

Exploitation of a phenomenon discovered in the early 1800s, the principle of electromagnetic induction, may provide the answer in the form of wireless charging. Scientists working on the EU-funded project 'Innovative fast inductive charging solution for electric vehicles' (http://www.fastincharge.eu/ (FASTINCHARGE)) are creating the electricity for charging by exposing a coil (a wound conductor) to a varying magnetic field. The result is EV charging with no need to plug in. The technology is targeted to enable a 40 kW power transfer to EVs in either stationary or en route situations.

Currently, EV owners have several options for recharging their cars, depending on where they live. The most common is still to charge overnight (stationary) at home. There are also public charging stations for charging while parked at shops and businesses, as well as high-power, fast-charge stations similar to conventional gas stations.

FASTINCHARGE is developing the fast inductive charging technology that will be implemented in one EV, one charging station of four blocks installed at an urban crossroad and one stationary charging station. The team is assessing all necessary components, including EV performance and safety, EV range, grid connection and management, and intelligent coordinated systems.

Within the first project phase, the team produced prototypes for the stationary and mobile applications as well as the test bench on which to assess performance of the technology. Scientists also conducted an analysis of user acceptance of various EV inductive charging solutions.

Researchers plan to demonstrate the enhanced convenience of the new technology. Its simplicity with no plug-in and reduced charging time combined with increased driving range by charging on the road when stopped at the electrified crossroad should foster enthusiasm on the part of potential EV customers. Reduced total cost of ownership compared to previous solutions could tip the scale and make the sale.