Ivory Tower: Polytechnic students pioneer wireless EV charging

The sales of electric vehicles (EVs) are steadily rising due to their reduced gas emissions. However, slow technological progress in battery mechanisms continues to limit their widespread acceptance. Buyers remain concerned that their EVs might run out of power mid-journey.

To address this issue, students from the Diploma in Automobile Engineering course at Mehr Chand Polytechnic College, Jalandhar, have developed a project titled Next-Gen Wireless Charging: Efficient and Smart Power Transfer. The project recently secured the first prize at Inno-Tech, organised by Pushpa Gujral Science City on the occasion of its 20th annual day.

The project team, comprising students Rajnish Sharma, Shivam, Sahajneet Suri and Gagandeep, said the key features included wireless charging technology for two-wheelers, efficient power transfer with minimal energy loss and a smart charging system with inbuilt safety features. The students were guided by project in-charge Varinder Singh.

Explaining the concept, Shivam said, “The biggest advantage of our apparatus is that there is no need to plug and play, and hence, no requirement for earthing. Two receiver coils have been added under the vehicle to maximise charging power. The vehicle simply has to be parked near the wireless charging system and no physical contact is required for charging. Furthermore, the system is portable as it can be separated into two-three parts and carried along for use even mid-journey.”

Shivam added, “We have used a five-inch coil, but if a 10–12 inch coil is used, it can even charge an electric car. The cost of this apparatus has come to nearly ?12,000, but given its advantages, it proves to be worth the investment. We had to purchase several components to build the charger, including a receiver coil, transmitter coil, current sensor, voltage sensor, transmission track, AC to DC converter with overcharging protection and an LCD display.”

The students shared that they are planning to further develop the project. “There is the possibility of creating wireless charging systems that transmit power through the air using radio waves, microwaves or lasers, which could charge multiple devices in a room. In coming years, technological advancements may enable roads embedded with charging coils to allow EVs to charge while driving, thus reducing the need for frequent stops. Further innovation may lead to the creation of furniture with built-in charging capabilities. Our future desks, tables and kitchen counters could feature wireless charging, enabling small sensors, smartwatches and wearables to charge automatically without cables.”