As of my last update in September 2021, power electronics for wireless charging of electric delivery vans and last-mile vehicles were already showing promising advancements. However, there may have been further developments beyond that date. Here are some key advancements up to that point:
High-power wireless charging systems: Advancements in power electronics have allowed for the development of high-power wireless charging systems, capable of efficiently transferring significant amounts of electrical energy over relatively short distances. These systems can cater to the higher energy demands of delivery vans and last-mile vehicles, enabling faster charging times.
Resonant inductive coupling: Inductive charging using resonant technology has gained popularity in the wireless charging realm. It offers improved efficiency and alignment tolerance, allowing vehicles to be charged even if they are slightly misaligned with the charging pad.
Bidirectional charging capabilities: Power electronics have facilitated bidirectional charging, which means electric delivery vans and last-mile vehicles can not only draw power from the grid but also feed excess energy back into it. This bidirectional flow enhances the flexibility and stability of the power grid while enabling vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capabilities.
Dynamic wireless charging: Power electronics have enabled dynamic wireless charging solutions, where charging pads can be embedded into the road or infrastructure. This technology allows vehicles to receive continuous charging while on the move, making it possible for electric delivery vans and last-mile vehicles to operate more efficiently without frequent stops for charging.
Efficiency improvements: Advances in power electronics have contributed to higher charging efficiencies, reducing energy losses during wireless charging. This results in less wasted energy, lower charging costs, and reduced heat generation during the charging process.
Standardization efforts: The establishment of common standards for wireless charging systems has become a focus to ensure interoperability between different vehicle models and charging infrastructure. Standardization facilitates wider adoption and integration of wireless charging technology into the electric delivery and last-mile vehicle ecosystem.
Enhanced safety features: Power electronics advancements have also led to improved safety features in wireless charging systems. These features include foreign object detection (FOD), which helps prevent charging when an object that isn't part of the charging process is detected on the charging pad.
It's important to note that the field of power electronics and wireless charging is constantly evolving, and there may have been additional advancements beyond my last update. To get the most up-to-date information, I recommend looking into recent research papers, industry news, and technological publications related to electric vehicle charging and power electronics.