Photos: Oak Ridge National Laboratory hopes new wireless tech will speed charge times for electric vehicles
Image 1 of 11
Wireless power transfer
Wireless power transfer
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) in Tennessee unveils the world’s first 20-kilowatt wireless charging system for electric vehicles. Here are some images from their work in the space.
In March 2016, the team at ORNL was able to achieve the world’s first 20-kilowatt wireless charging system for electric passenger cars. Here is it being demonstrated with a Toyota SUV.
Another look at the wireless power transfer
Another look at the wireless power transfer
Here is another shot of the 20-kilowatt wireless charging system demonstration at ORNL. Notice how the charging plate hovers above the coil unit.
Wireless charging hardware
Wireless charging hardware
This is a close-up of the setup on the demo vehicle for ORNL’s 20-kilowatt wireless charging system. The hope is that this technology would help enable faster and more efficient charging for electric cars.
Early electric vehicle charging research
Early electric vehicle charging research
The National Transportation Research Center at ORNL handles the research on electric vehicle charging. Here, Steven Campbell charges an electric vehicle, wirelessly, with ORNL tech in 2012.
Coil units
Coil units
ORNL’s Chester Coomer shows off a wireless power transfer coil unit, which helps transfer power to the electric vehicle.
Vehicle Systems Integration lab
Vehicle Systems Integration lab
The Vehicle Systems Integration Laboratory is where ORNL researchers can test different engines types, powertrains, and fuel types, among other variables.
Wireless charging panel
Wireless charging panel
ORNL researchers examine a wireless charging panel for electric vehicles in late 2014.
3D-printed motor part
3D-printed motor part
Additive manufacturing methods, like 3D printing, allow the researchers at ORNL to prototype faster and test a wide variety of tests. This is especially true for their work in electric vehicle research.
Fuel cell membrane
Fuel cell membrane
Alkaline fuel cells are another alternative power source for vehicles. Durable anion exchange membranes, like this one, are more conductive and help reduce the cost of these fuel cells.
New electric motor tech
New electric motor tech
Most current electric and hybrid engines user magnets that are made of rare earth metals. ORNL is working on new motor concepts that would reduce the US’s reliance on importing these metals.
3D Printed inverter
3D Printed inverter
This inverter is another example of a vehicle part that was created with help from additive manufacturing methods like 3D printing.
