Thermal Management of Roadway-Embedded Power Electronics for Electric Vehicle Dynamic Wireless Charging Systems

Electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining popularity worldwide. However, concerns raised by the public about purchasing EVs include the limited availability of charging infrastructure, high costs, and the inconvenience of current charging methods. Dynamic wireless charging systems enable electric vehicles to charge while driving, thereby extending the range of EVs and reducing the necessity for large, expensive batteries. Moreover, these systems can initiate charging automatically without user interaction, enhancing charging convenience. The ground assembly of existing dynamic wireless charging systems consists of an electromagnetic assembly, power electronics for the transmitter pad, and power electronics for grid connection. Installation of these systems face challenges due to high costs and the requirement for roadside management units to house the electronics. Embedding the power electronics within the roadway alongside with the transmitter pad would enhance installation ease and reduce costs. Placing the electronics closer to the transmitter pad also improves the overall system efficiency. As power electronics provide charge between the ground and the vehicle, the electronics in the ground heat up due to losses within the system. This thesis seeks to understand techniques for managing the temperature rise of power electronics embedded in the roadway. The presence of electronics within the roadway restricts the use of conventional cooling methods such as fans or liquid cooling. This means that electronics must be cooled without the use of normal cooling methods. This thesis utilizes thermal simulation tools to model roadway-embedded electronics and identify strategies for mitigating temperature rise. Experimental validation of these techniques is then conducted in sand. The results of this research can help to reduce costs and address installation changes associated with Dynamic Wireless Power Transfer (DWPT) systems, thereby promoting wider adoption of EV dynamic wireless charging technology.