Operational Verification of Semidynamic Wireless Power Transfer in Light-Rail Transit Systems

Abstract

In this study, we present a 1 MW-class wireless power transfer (WPT) system and test the operational data by applying it to an actual light-rail system for over 40,000 km. The data demonstrate that there are no reliability issues when applying the WPT system to light-rail systems. The power capacity of the WPT system was designed based on actual operating scenarios of light-rail systems. We propose a suitable transmitter and pick-up structure for real vehicle operation, and analyze the input/output voltages, current, power, and efficiency of the WPT system during operation. The applied WPT system achieved a maximum efficiency of 89%, which is considered high. The one-year operation data are expected to provide significant assistance in the future commercialization of wireless charging applications for railways.