Testing a prototype inductive power coupling for an electric highway system

A Dual Mode Electric Transportation (DMET) system is under development in which energy is electromagnetically transferred from a powered roadway to moving vehicles without mechanical contact. Energy from the roadway can be used for high-speed, long range travel, and for replenishing energy stored in the vehicle in batteries or flywheels. The stored energy is then availble for short-range travel off the powered highway network. A static prototype of the inductive power coupling has been built and tested. Power transfer was demonstrated to conform to the models developed in an earlier phase of the project. The prototype was used to study the power of coupling mechanism and resulting design improvements are incorporated. Tests of properties of the coupling included electrical characterization of the prototype equipment, measurements of the magnetic force between power source and pickup, measurements of coupled power versus pickup airgap and offset, measurements of magnetic flux in and around the prototype, and measurements of thermal effects induced by coupled power. The tests resulted in several design improvements which were incorporated into the coupling design. Results from the power coupling study were used to aid in the design of the dynamic prototype, in which a fifty meter powered test track and electric car with power pickup will be tested.