Communication requirements for Dynamic Wireless Power Transfer for battery electric vehicles

Dynamic Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) is a developing technology which provides wireless extension of the power supply of an electric vehicle while it is in motion, allowing extending its range. Therefore, the communication between the roadside controller (RSC) and the onboard controller (OBC) needs to be wireless too. In order to support the deterministic behavior needed for WPT real-time control loops, the network needs to provide resource reservation for critical data streams via configuration, management, and/or protocol action, in addition to mobility. These characteristics cannot be addressed with the current networking solutions. Hence, a change in network design framework is required. This paper presents the characteristics of the communication system that need to be considered when designing WPT communication protocols and system architecture that supports realtime in motion control applications and highlights the path to standardization of protocols for communication for real-time control loops.

I. Introduction

Vehicle OEMs are currently offering and researching the development of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in order mitigate the environmental issues caused by today's transportation systems [1]. However, the demand of such vehicles is not ramping up as it was initially expected [2]. Limited range, long charging times and high prices are some of the barriers for the adoption of this type of vehicles. In addition, users state that the ownership of a BEV requires a change in their lifestyle habits due to the switch from a periodically refueling to an ‘always connected’ mindset [3]. In order to increase the acceptance of BEVs, these problems need to be addressed.