Dynamic Optical Wireless Power Transmission Infrastructure Configuration for EVs

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more widespread as we move toward a carbon-free society. However, challenges remain, such as the need for large batteries, the inconvenience of charging, and limited driving range. Dynamic optical wireless power transmission (D-OWPT) is considered a promising solution to these problems. This paper investigates the infrastructure configuration and feasibility of D-OWPT. To this end, a model of EV power consumption was created, and a simulator for D-OWPT was developed. Using this simulator, it was shown that placing light sources in low-speed sections is an effective method, and that continuous driving can be achieved by providing a light source with an output of about 20 kW, assuming a 50% of light irradiation section ratio. Since many of the conditions used in the analysis are achievable with existing technologies, these results demonstrate the high feasibility of D-OWPT. While the analysis presented in this study is based on simulation, the modeling parameters, including EV power consumption and OWPT system characteristics, are derived from actual vehicle specifications and experimental data reported in OWPT research. Although this study does not include physical implementation, the results present numerically validated conditions that are directly applicable to practical system design. This work is intended to serve as a theoretical foundation for the future development and prototyping of D-OWPT infrastructure.