Assessment of the Power Losses in a SAE J2954-Compliant Wireless Charger

Abstract

Electric Vehicles are a realistic and sustainable alternative to traditional vehicles. However, their autonomy is still perceived as a strong limitation. To overcome it, new and simpler methods for charging must be provided. Wireless charging is a feasible solution for this issue. In particular, the charge based on induction methods is the most mature wireless charging technology but it is still under study to improve its efficiency under any condition. To enhace this metric, a deep study about the losses of the charger must be performed. This paper presents a theoretical model for the losses in EV wireless charger so it can help to estimate the efficiency of this system before it is implemented. The main advantage of the proposed model relies on the fact that it can be used without relying on the voltage and current waveforms. Instead, datasheet parameters are used for this computation. The model, which is valid for multiple operational conditions, has been tested in a 1.8-kW prototype. The evaluation is completed with an exhaustive study of the efficiency when the chargers are not operating with nominal conditions, in which critical operating points are detected.

Keywords

• Electric vehicles
• inductive power transmission
• inductive charging
• battery chargers
• switching loss
• loss measurement