The Science and Technology Behind Wireless Charging: A Closer Look at the BMW i8 Pace Car's Qualcomm Halo System
Understanding Electromagnets is Key to Wireless Charging
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Before we dive into the details of the BMW i8 pace car's wireless charging system, it's essential to understand the fundamental principles behind electromagnets. In this video, we explored how applying a current through a wire coil creates a magnetic field surrounding the coil, and conversely, if you pass a magnet through a wire coil, it induces a current within the wires. Wireless charging works by leveraging these two facts: if you put a current through a wire coil, that coil will create a magnetic field; and if you then place another coil directly over that coil, the magnetic field created by the first coil will induce a current in the second coil. Typically, this process uses an alternating current to create an alternating current in the second coil, allowing for wireless charging without any physical connection.
The Qualcomm Halo System: A Revolutionary Approach to Wireless Charging
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In the case of the BMW i8 pace car, the technology used is the Qualcomm Halo system, which utilizes a frequency of 85 kHz to charge the vehicle at a rate of 6.6 kW. While this system is capable of higher charging rates, its most significant advantage lies in its ability to transmit energy at a distance greater than the ground clearance of most cars and SUVs, allowing for effective charging of vehicles with varying sizes and types. Traditionally, one of the largest problems with inductive charging has been the proximity requirement between the charging pad and the receiving antenna; however, the Qualcomm Halo system has managed to overcome this limitation by transmitting energy at a gap of up to 250 mm.
A Game-Changing Implication: The Potential for Limitless Range
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The implications of wireless charging extend far beyond convenience. If we were to embed wireless charging pads under roads, it could effectively provide vehicles with limitless range and eliminate the need for frequent charging stops. This technology would also enable dynamic charging during commutes, allowing batteries to be charged while driving, which in turn could significantly reduce battery size and weight, making electric cars more affordable and enjoyable to drive. By reducing the strain on batteries caused by heavy energy draining, reduced range due to cold external temperatures, and other disadvantages associated with traditional electric vehicles, wireless charging has the potential to revolutionize the industry.
The Future of Electric Vehicles: A Road Map Ahead
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While the infrastructure required for widespread implementation of wireless charging is undoubtedly expensive, it's a concept worth exploring. The idea of having roads embedded with wireless charging pads could not only make electric vehicles more convenient but also potentially game-changing in terms of range and cost. As we continue to push the boundaries of innovation, it's essential to consider how technology can shape our future. The collaboration between Formula E and Qualcomm has brought us closer to realizing this vision, providing a glimpse into what's possible when human ingenuity meets technological advancements.
Conclusion
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As we've seen in this video, wireless charging is more than just a convenient feature; it holds the potential for transforming the electric vehicle industry. By understanding electromagnets and leveraging them through technologies like the Qualcomm Halo system, we can unlock new possibilities for efficient energy transfer without physical connections. The potential implications of widespread adoption are vast, ranging from reduced costs to increased convenience, not to mention the possibility of making electric vehicles more enjoyable to drive. As we move forward, it's crucial that we continue to explore and develop this technology, pushing us closer to a future where wireless charging is an integral part of our daily lives.
"WEBVTTKind: captionsLanguage: enhello everyone and welcome in this video we're going to be learning how the BMW i8 pace car of Formula E is wirelessly charged before heading out on the track in order to understand wireless charging we need to understand electromagnets which I have an additional video explaining in detail how they work the idea is that if you apply a current through a wire coil this current will induce a magnetic field surrounding the coil the opposite is true as well if you pass a magnet through a wire coil this will induce a current within the wires wireless charging works by taking advantage of these two facts if you put a current through a wire coil then that coil will create a magnetic field if you then Place Another coil set directly over that coil the magnetic field created by the first coil will induce the current in the second coil typically this will be done with an alternating current so the magnetic field of the first coil will switch back and forth inducing an alternating current into the second coil with no physical connection you're able to supply a current to charge a device this is how electric toothbrushes charge and it's also how this BMW I8 charges just with significantly more power and a more complicated design in this case the technology used is the qualcom Halo the Halo charging system using a frequency of 85 khz can charge the I8 at a rate of 6.6 KW though the system is capable of even higher charging rates traditionally one of the largest problems with with inductive charging is that the distance between the charging pad and the receiving antenna must be very close but Qualcomm has managed to transmit this energy at a gap of up to 250 mm this is greater than the ground clearance of most cars and SUVs meaning it could effectively charge the vast majority of electric vehicles from a convenience standpoint there's an obvious advantage to wireless charging but the future implications also were a bit mind-blowing to think about if for example you were to have a road with these wireless charging pads embedded under underneath you could effectively give the vehicle a limitless range and thus it would never have to stop to charge also by wirelessly charging dynamically the size of the battery can be significantly smaller because you can charge during your commute and only need the battery when Dynamic charging isn't available since batteries are one of the most expensive components of electric vehicles this could bring down the cost and the weight of the electric cars making them both more affordable and more fun to drive it can also help compensate for other electric vehicle disadvantages such as heavy energy draining while towing or reduced range as a result of cold external temperatures of course the infrastructure would be incredibly expensive to implement but it is a cool concept to contemplate a big thanks to Formula E for bringing me out to the E pre and letting me experience a ride along in the BMW i8 pace car and be sure to check out the incredible engineering behind Formula E any questions or comments feel free to leave them below thanks for watching we'll be breaking down the science and strategy behind the battery the motor the transmission the tires the aerodynamics the suspension the brakes and regen the cooling system and of course the very unique aspect of the sport of having two cars per driver swapped mid- racehello everyone and welcome in this video we're going to be learning how the BMW i8 pace car of Formula E is wirelessly charged before heading out on the track in order to understand wireless charging we need to understand electromagnets which I have an additional video explaining in detail how they work the idea is that if you apply a current through a wire coil this current will induce a magnetic field surrounding the coil the opposite is true as well if you pass a magnet through a wire coil this will induce a current within the wires wireless charging works by taking advantage of these two facts if you put a current through a wire coil then that coil will create a magnetic field if you then Place Another coil set directly over that coil the magnetic field created by the first coil will induce the current in the second coil typically this will be done with an alternating current so the magnetic field of the first coil will switch back and forth inducing an alternating current into the second coil with no physical connection you're able to supply a current to charge a device this is how electric toothbrushes charge and it's also how this BMW I8 charges just with significantly more power and a more complicated design in this case the technology used is the qualcom Halo the Halo charging system using a frequency of 85 khz can charge the I8 at a rate of 6.6 KW though the system is capable of even higher charging rates traditionally one of the largest problems with with inductive charging is that the distance between the charging pad and the receiving antenna must be very close but Qualcomm has managed to transmit this energy at a gap of up to 250 mm this is greater than the ground clearance of most cars and SUVs meaning it could effectively charge the vast majority of electric vehicles from a convenience standpoint there's an obvious advantage to wireless charging but the future implications also were a bit mind-blowing to think about if for example you were to have a road with these wireless charging pads embedded under underneath you could effectively give the vehicle a limitless range and thus it would never have to stop to charge also by wirelessly charging dynamically the size of the battery can be significantly smaller because you can charge during your commute and only need the battery when Dynamic charging isn't available since batteries are one of the most expensive components of electric vehicles this could bring down the cost and the weight of the electric cars making them both more affordable and more fun to drive it can also help compensate for other electric vehicle disadvantages such as heavy energy draining while towing or reduced range as a result of cold external temperatures of course the infrastructure would be incredibly expensive to implement but it is a cool concept to contemplate a big thanks to Formula E for bringing me out to the E pre and letting me experience a ride along in the BMW i8 pace car and be sure to check out the incredible engineering behind Formula E any questions or comments feel free to leave them below thanks for watching we'll be breaking down the science and strategy behind the battery the motor the transmission the tires the aerodynamics the suspension the brakes and regen the cooling system and of course the very unique aspect of the sport of having two cars per driver swapped mid- race\n"
