Public Funding for Bumblebee Power Ltd

Bumblebee Power is leading a project which demonstrates the enhanced capability of its patented, high frequency, synchronous wireless charging technology for use on ZEVs. The use of high frequency actuation of the magnetic field provides significantly better quality coupling than low frequency technology, which is the current industry standard. Bumblebee has overcome another major limitation of such wireless charging technology. This concerns the design of the power control hardware to ensure optimum synchronisation of the receive unit which is independent of the actual loading taken by the receive unit. Traditional wireless charging systems require the precise tuning of the receive unit for a particular set of load conditions and position. Deviation from these conditions significantly reduces the efficiency of the system and restricts not only level of tolerance to misalignment but also prevents interoperability of receiving units. In other words, the transmit and receive unit are designed for a one-to-one basis. Compared with existing low frequency technology, Bumblebee technology provides three times the tolerance to misalignment and size of air gap between the transmit pad and receive unit and one transmit pad can be used for different vehicles and power requirements, i.e. one-to-many. This enhanced performance means that charging infrastructure can be built which will accommodate any vehicle, large or small, fitted with the Bumblebee receive unit. This interoperability coupled with the feature of effectively automatic connection when the vehicle parks over the transmit unit will be valuable to many users, particularly fleet vehicle operators for whom simplification of vehicle operation and consistency of maintaining charged vehicles enhances productivity and reduces operation costs. A study has shown that, with an existing industry transmit pad fitted in a standard sized parking bay, drivers trying to park a car in the designated space achieved successful charging in only 5% of attempts. Simulations based on the same data-set indicate that the Bumblebee technology would be effective in 100% of attempts. This project will develop a suitable charging system and through a practical demonstration that, regardless of longitudinal, lateral and angular position, within a similar designated parking space the Bumblebee system will ensure effective and consistent charging. The results of the test will be used to engage with fleet operators, Vehicle Makers, and charge infrastructure OEMs to progress towards building a prototype system to field-trial with an appropriate set of users.