In-Vehicle Assessment of Human Exposure to EMFs from 25-kW WPT System Based on Near-Field Analysis

Wireless power transfer (WPT) technology has the potential to be a convenient and reliable charging method for the light and heavy duty electric vehicles. However, the loosely coupling between the two sides results in strong near-electromagnetic fields (EMFs) around the system, which may have the possibility to impact human safety if the standard limits are exceeded. Therefore, comprehensive tests are necessary to ensure the electromagnetic fields are with in safe limits. Consequently, this paper presents a test methodology for the near-field from a 25 kW WPT system from Momentum Dynamics, which is installed in a heavy duty electric shuttle at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). The paper describes in detail the measuring device, test setup and conditions. The misalignments between the two systems’ sides are considered during the measurements. Test results for the regions of concern around and inside the bus are presented and compared with the reference levels defined by the international standards, including ICNIRP 2010 and IEEE C95.1. In addition, a finite-element model is developed for the wireless coupler and analyzed at the same conditions as the tests. Comparative analysis is presented between the simulated and experimental results. The measurements at the test points show adherence to the standard limits for the general public and occupational exposure.