Precise vehicle location detection method for transportation systems operated by wireless power transfer

Abstract

In this dissertation, novel methods of detecting vehicle’s lateral and longitudinal position through wireless power transfer (WPT) is proposed. The lateral position detection method employs a sensor coil that can measure misalignment between load coil and source coil, which is corrected through autonomous steering. The longitudinal position method also employ sensor coils and ferrite blocks that can provide specific position information of the vehicle. The operation of each detection method is discussed in detail, and also verified through simulation and experiment. Based on experiment results, the proposed vehicle detection method using WPT can provide precise and fast vehicle position information compared to other existing methods. Through the proposed method, it can enable a precise vehicle localization system while also providing an additional benefit of using WPT, which result in a safer, efficient, and cleaner transportation system.