Dynamic inductive power transfer lane design for e-bikes

Abstract

This paper presents the concept and initial test results of an inductive lane design capable of dynamic and wirelessly transfer power to electric bicycles (e-bikes). On the lane side, a sequence of oblong primary coils embedded underneath ground surface, along the vehicle path, can be independently excited by high frequency alternating current. The oscillating magnetic field of each primary coil is individually enabled when a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag on board of the e-bike is detected and authenticated by an auxiliary coil laying close to that primary coil. On the e-bike, energy for the powertrain is harvested from the lane by a secondary coil that is installed around its rear wheel. When the e-bike is moving over inter-coil gaps, or anywhere away from the inductive lane, on-board power is sustained with the excess energy stored during transits over energized coils. Preliminary results from a prototyped module demonstrate the feasibility of the system, which could also be used by similarly adapted lightweight electric vehicles, such as rickshaws, electric wheel chairs and other electric personal mobility devices, favoring a new, low cost, sustainable urban modal variant.