A Simulation of En-Route, Inductive Bus Charging in Michigan.
Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
In-route inductive versus stationary conductive charging for shared automated electric vehicles: A university shuttle service
Summary Information
Although electric vehicle technology has progressed rapidly, critical challenges still remain for developing viable electric vehicle systems for heavier vehicles such as transit buses. One of the key challenges to electrifying heavy duty vehicles is battery size. Large batteries are heavy, which reduces range, and require long charging times. However, on-board battery size can be reduced if en-route charging is used.
To understand if en-route charging is a viable technology, researchers at the University of Michigan (UM) simulated the use of a quasi-dynamic, wireless, en-route charging system for an automated, electric circulator shuttle.
Currently, at UM a semi-autonomous, electric shuttle runs along a fixed, 1-mile route between a parking lot and an academic building. Using this shuttle as the basis for the study, the team identified several optimal locations for wireless charging along the shuttle route. Then the team furthered fleshed out how the wireless charging would work by using detailed data about the shuttle’s design and power needs. Finally, the team then used a variety of simulation methods to study the effect of this charging system on shuttle design.
FINDINGS
Quasi dynamic inductive solution can reduce the onboard battery size and associated materials by about 15 percent while providing virtually unlimited driving range.
In-route inductive versus stationary conductive charging for shared automated electric vehicles: A university shuttle service
automated electric vehicles: A university shuttle service
