Inductive Power Transfer programme

Overview

It will be essential to develop affordable and stable magnetic materials for the charging pads as demand grows for sustainable transport. This ground-breaking programme is a collaboration between GNS Science and the University of Auckland.

This programme aims to

• explore the potential of New Zealand’s magnetic mineral deposits and develop new materials for wireless charging
• demonstrate how transportation systems can transition to more sustainable outcomes, encouraging the reduction of carbon emissions
• form stronger partnerships and connections in the global transport electrification space

To achieve these objectives, we are

• developing new technology that facilitates the widespread adoption of electric vehicles
• working alongside local and international organisations to share knowledge and expertise

The project

The future of wireless charging for EVs

There is a growing demand for magnetic materials in devices and charging systems to enable wireless charging. These innovative systems include in-road inductive power transfer (IPT) for electric vehicles, which are becoming increasingly popular.

These magnetic materials need to be non-brittle, permeable and affordable so that vehicles can run over charging pads built into the road without destroying them, which means out-of-the-box solutions and new material sources are required. As part of this project, we have researched the permeabilities of natural magnetic materials (from Aotearoa New Zealand’s magnetic mineral deposits) and their potential as a viable magnetic material for our roads.

One option is using soft magnetic composite (SMC) materials that combine at least one magnetic filler within a matrix. While they are often less permeable, they offer the flexibility to optimise their other properties by controlling the matrix composition including the magnetic filler composition and size distribution as well as the binder material. In this way, resulting SMC materials can be tailored to have better performance compared to other, more traditional SMC materials (such as ferrites or ‘magnetic concrete’). In addition, they often exhibit lower eddy current losses and higher efficiencies in their operating range.

By integrating our findings with novel IPT systems and road designs, with optimisation of the magnetic, mechanical and thermal properties, we hope to deliver an effective solution for this emerging opportunity.