Misalignment Detection and Correction for Dynamic Wireless Charging of Electric Vehicles

Dynamic wireless charging (DWC) of electric vehicles (EVs) presents a promising alternative to mitigate range anxiety associated with EVs. This paper addresses the challenge of coil misalignment in DWC systems, which significantly impacts the efficiency of wireless power transfer. Misalignment between transmitter and receiver coils leads to decreased coupling efficiency, increased power losses, and heightened stress on the power grid. We propose an innovative solution involving auxiliary coils that detect the magnitude and direction of misalignment and a control system that autonomously corrects this misalignment in real-time. Preliminary tests were conducted using a robot equipped with sensor coils and a steering controller to demonstrate the feasibility of the corrective mechanism. The method showcased potential in maintaining alignment within a ± 5 tolerance, resulting in less than a 5% drop in power transfer efficiency and promising substantial improvements overall. This research not only enhances the understanding of dynamic misalignment issues but also paves the way for more robust DWC systems, contributing to the broader adoption of EVs.