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MAROFF-2-Maritim virksomhet og offsh-2

Ultra-high power density wireless charging for maritime applications

Alternative title: Kontaktløs induktiv energioverføring med ultra-høy effekttetthet for maritime transportsystemer

Awarded: NOK 5.1 mill.

Solutions for inductive power transfer (IPT) in the MW-scale have recently been demonstrated for wireless battery charging of electric ferries. This technology allows for automated and contactless power transfer between a charging station at the dock and the electrical power system on-board a vessel. Thus, IPT-based wireless charging can maximise the energy transfer to large battery-powered vessels operating on tight schedules with short docking times, while avoiding problems with wear and tear or corrosion of direct electrical contacts in harsh environments. However, the MW-scale technology developed for electric ferries is not applicable for light passenger vessels or other types of high-speed maritime transportation where strict requirements for low weight is of critical importance. This project is developing design methods and control strategies intended for enabling utilization of wireless IPT technology in maritime transport applications with high power density requirements. The general target has been to enable a 50 % improvement in power density compared to existing high-power solutions. This is being achieved by developing a systematic approach for multi-domain modelling and methodologies for multi-objective optimization of components, system configurations and control strategies for IPT technology in maritime transport applications. The results obtained within the project demonstrate that the main target in terms of power density is achievable and that the performance can be improved even beyond the initial expectations. At the same time, the activities in the project have identified several challenges for controlling the power flow in systems optimized for low weight by using a minimum number of components. Therefore, several methods for ensuring stable and accurate control of the power flow in such IPT systems have been developed within the project. These methods ensure that the system can be controlled to avoid or damp critical oscillations frequencies that can appear under certain operating conditions. The theoretical analysis and the methods for system design, modelling and control being developed in the project provide a scientific basis for further industrial research and future development of solutions with significantly improved performance compared to the technology that has previously been demonstrated by relevant industries. Solutions for inductive power transfer (IPT) in the MW-scale have recently been demonstrated for wireless battery charging of electric ferries. This technology allows for automated and contactless power transfer between a charging station at the dock and the electrical power system on-board a vessel. Thus, IPT-based wireless charging can maximise the energy transfer to large battery-powered vessels operating on tight schedules with short docking times, while avoiding problems with wear and tear or corrosion of direct electrical contacts in harsh environments. However, the MW-scale technology developed for electric ferries is not applicable for light passenger vessels or other types of high-speed maritime transportation where strict requirements for low weight is of critical importance. This project is developing design methods and control strategies intended for enabling utilization of wireless IPT technology in maritime transport applications with high power density requirements. The general target is to enable a 50 % improvement in power density compared to existing high-power solutions. This is being achieved by developing a systematic approach for multi-domain modelling and methodologies for multi-objective optimization of components, system configurations and control strategies for IPT technology in maritime transport applications. Results already obtained in the project are promising, and it is expected that the main target in terms of power density will be achieved. At the same time, the activities in the project have identified several challenges for controlling the power flow in systems optimized for low weight by using a minimum number of components. Therefore, several methods for ensuring stable and accurate control of the power flow in such IPT systems are currently being developed within the project. The theoretical analysis and the methods for system design, modelling and control being developed in the project will provide a scientific basis for further industrial research and future development of solutions that are currently not practically or economically feasible.

The purpose of this project is to advance the scientific basis for design of wireless inductive power transfer (IPT) systems for battery charging in applications with high power density requirements. By enabling more compact designs with high power transfer capacity, the project will allow for new applications of IPT technology in maritime transportation, especially for autonomous systems and high speed passenger vessels with battery propulsion, where low onboard weight is of critical importance. For achieving this objective, the project targets a power density of 3 kW/kg for the on-board coil, representing a 50 % improvement compared to publicly available information about optimized design of IPT systems, and an average power density of 2 kW/kg for the on-board installation. The targets will be achieved by developing a systematic approach for multi-domain modelling and methodologies for multi-objective optimization of components and system configurations. The optimization methods will be defined to identify possible advantages of utilizing alternative materials as well as various electromagnetic constructions, including asymmetric designs and/or designs without magnetic materials in the on-board coil. Thus, potential degrees of freedom in the design will be utilized to ensure minimized weight of the on-board installation, while still fulfilling demanding requirements for relative movements during operation. Since the necessary component ratings as well as the resulting losses and associated cooling requirements of IPT systems designed for handling a wide range of operating conditions depend significantly on the applied control strategy, the control system design also has to be carefully considered to ensure feasibility of ultra-high power density solutions. Thus, accurate dynamic models and corresponding methods for design and tuning of the control strategy must be developed to ensure that the full potential for minimization of on-board weight can be realized.

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MAROFF-2-Maritim virksomhet og offsh-2