There’s some awesome progress being made on wireless EV charging. The result of this are products and standards that will likely make wireless charging the norm. InductEV has received new patents for opportunity charging for taxi queues. This technology allows an idling EV to wirelessly charge its battery while it waits for passengers. The company has also received a patent for its air-cooled subsurface vault, which increases the efficiency of energy transfer. Let’s look at the InductEV wireless EV charging patents.

InductEV wireless EV charging patents: How Opportunity Charging Works

The InductEV opportunity charging works by utilizing the company’s wireless power transfer station. A wireless power transfer station is a device that is set into the pavement of each queue (a bus stop, for example). Using a bus as an example, the vehicle simply parks over the device to recharge its internal battery packs. InductEV notes that this type of strategic opportunity charging converts the wait for passengers into a useful endeavor. This charging approach has been applied to a taxi fleet in Gothenburg, Sweden. It’s also key to the growth of autonomous taxi services.

Air-Cooled Subsurface Vault for Wireless Power Transfer Systems

Another patent that InductEV received is for an air-cooled subsurface vault for wireless power transfer systems. This system positions at least two grates on respective sides of the wireless power transfer charger. The result is bi-directional airflow between the surface and the air space around the charger. A temperature control element is used to regulate the temperature within the cavity and the grates. The temperature control element may include a heat exchanger positioned within the air space of the vault. Why is this notable? Well, the result is more efficient energy transfer and greater system reliability. Additionally, the vault eliminates the need for power electronics cabinets at the site.

About InductEV

InductEV is an industry leader in high-speed, high-power wireless charging systems for the commercial transport sector. The company holds 18 patents with 23 more pending. The new patents are based on the innovation and real-world commercial experience that InductEV has gained from fleet owners and operators. These fleet owners and operators are scaling their wireless charging systems around the world with an on-route charging standard. “We have a relentless focus on product improvements, R&D, and knowledge gained in-the-field,” said Tony Calabro, CTO and Chief Product Officer, InductEV. “Each of these new patents is a direct result of that emphasis on practical application development with continuous improvement.”

A Result of Investment in Research & Development

“With a large number of installations of our wireless charging technology now operating in North America and Europe, we have gained considerable insights into what works and what needs improvement,” added Mr. Calabro. “Fortunately, we’ve been at this for more than a decade and are now seeing the results of our investment in research & development in both patent awards and rapidly accelerating commercial adoption.” So far, InductEV has delivered over 1.5 GWh of energy to customers across the U.S. and the EU through its wireless charging network.