On display at January’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Delphi’s new wireless device charging system transmits power within a car or truck’s cabin to deliver a charge without having to precisely position the electronic unit that’s getting the recharge.
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Currently under development, it would eliminate the clutter, inconvenience and distractions associated with multiple charging cords in the vehicle cabin and replace them with a safe, convenient and efficient automatic charging system, according to Christopher Reider, a Delphi global engineering director.
“From navigation systems to cell phones to personal computing devices, we are tied to our favorite electronics, but we won’t always have to be tied to charging cords for them to work,” he says. “Instead, our system will use magnetic fields from hidden power source resonators placed in the vehicle interior to automatically power these devices through high-efficiency, hands-free charging.”
The company is testing the system on research vehicles and intends to be production-ready by model year 2014.
Delphi Packard global product line leader Robert Fust recently answered a series of questions about the technology:
What advantages does wireless charging in general have over plug-in charging?
Wireless charging would involve no cords or connections, only requiring the mobile device to be near the wireless energy source. Therefore, it would reduce waste by eliminating multiple charging devices and the associated clutter. Since the system will activate the moment a device is within the range of the charging pad, users will not have to remember to plug in any devices or even keep adaptors in the vehicle.
The passive, non-contact system would be a very convenient charging option, but would still need to coexist with plug-in charging solutions for situations where drivers may find themselves not near an available wireless charging source.
How complex would the wireless charging infrastructure be compared to plug-in charging?
It would not be much more complex. Instead of having multiple outlets within a vehicle’s interior and the associated charging items for each mobile electronic consumer device, the wireless charging system will be comprised of a capture resonator and interface electronics, stationary source or sources resonator pad, and optional repeater coils. The system will have no moving or mechanical parts and the charging source will be embedded within the vehicle's interior.
The wireless system will provide increased vehicle interior design flexibility because power can be transmitted over greater distances by charging via magnetic resonance technology. In addition, because the system is non-contact, there are also no strict positional requirements.
How long would it take to fully charge a device or devices with this wireless system?
We expect the wireless charging system to deliver a charge at the same rate as most residential chargers.
Will the automatic wireless charging system impact the vehicle battery?
The impact will not be any different than other electrical systems in the vehicle like the radio, etc.
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Does Delphi have plans to sell this system in the aftermarket?
Our first area of focus is to develop safe and efficient wireless charging for vehicle OEMs. Working jointly with the OEMs, we will incorporate this technology into their next-generation vehicle architecture. Once OEM vehicle solutions are accomplished, we expect to then turn our attention to ancillary design activities such as existing vehicle retrofit options for aftermarket opportunities.
When do you expect to see this technology go to market?
We are in the early stages of integrating this charging technology into vehicle architectures, but we believe that it offers a valuable and unique solution -- one that can be a product differentiator for advanced technology vehicles. With the support of automotive manufacturers, we could see this exciting technology on their next-generation vehicles.
Is Delphi developing this technology for other applications?
Yes, the Delphi Wireless Charging System for Electric Vehicles uses the same resonant magnetic coupling technology, but on a higher power level.
What progress have you made?
We believe we have a valuable and unique wireless charging solution that offers great potential for widespread use in the automotive market. (The Delphi Wireless Charging System for Consumer Devices) is currently under development and is being designed to meet all automotive market requirements. With the support of automotive manufacturers, this technology can be integrated into the next generation of vehicles.
On display at January’s Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Delphi’s new wireless device charging system transmits power within a car or truck’s cabin to deliver a charge without having to precisely position the electronic unit that’s getting the recharge.
Like this article? Sign up to receive our weekly news blasts here.Currently under development, it would eliminate the clutter, inconvenience and distractions associated with multiple charging cords in the vehicle cabin and replace them with a safe, convenient and efficient automatic charging system, according to Christopher Reider, a Delphi global engineering director.
“From navigation systems to cell phones to personal computing devices, we are tied to our favorite electronics, but we won’t always have to be tied to charging cords for them to work,” he says. “Instead, our system will use magnetic fields from hidden power source resonators placed in the vehicle interior to automatically power these devices through high-efficiency, hands-free charging.”
The company is testing the system on research vehicles and intends to be production-ready by model year 2014.
Delphi Packard global product line leader Robert Fust recently answered a series of questions about the technology:
What advantages does wireless charging in general have over plug-in charging?
Wireless charging would involve no cords or connections, only requiring the mobile device to be near the wireless energy source. Therefore, it would reduce waste by eliminating multiple charging devices and the associated clutter. Since the system will activate the moment a device is within the range of the charging pad, users will not have to remember to plug in any devices or even keep adaptors in the vehicle.
The passive, non-contact system would be a very convenient charging option, but would still need to coexist with plug-in charging solutions for situations where drivers may find themselves not near an available wireless charging source.
How complex would the wireless charging infrastructure be compared to plug-in charging?
It would not be much more complex. Instead of having multiple outlets within a vehicle’s interior and the associated charging items for each mobile electronic consumer device, the wireless charging system will be comprised of a capture resonator and interface electronics, stationary source or sources resonator pad, and optional repeater coils. The system will have no moving or mechanical parts and the charging source will be embedded within the vehicle's interior.
The wireless system will provide increased vehicle interior design flexibility because power can be transmitted over greater distances by charging via magnetic resonance technology. In addition, because the system is non-contact, there are also no strict positional requirements.
How long would it take to fully charge a device or devices with this wireless system?
We expect the wireless charging system to deliver a charge at the same rate as most residential chargers.
Will the automatic wireless charging system impact the vehicle battery?
The impact will not be any different than other electrical systems in the vehicle like the radio, etc.
PAGE 3
Does Delphi have plans to sell this system in the aftermarket?
Our first area of focus is to develop safe and efficient wireless charging for vehicle OEMs. Working jointly with the OEMs, we will incorporate this technology into their next-generation vehicle architecture. Once OEM vehicle solutions are accomplished, we expect to then turn our attention to ancillary design activities such as existing vehicle retrofit options for aftermarket opportunities.
When do you expect to see this technology go to market?
We are in the early stages of integrating this charging technology into vehicle architectures, but we believe that it offers a valuable and unique solution -- one that can be a product differentiator for advanced technology vehicles. With the support of automotive manufacturers, we could see this exciting technology on their next-generation vehicles.
Is Delphi developing this technology for other applications?
Yes, the Delphi Wireless Charging System for Electric Vehicles uses the same resonant magnetic coupling technology, but on a higher power level.
What progress have you made?
We believe we have a valuable and unique wireless charging solution that offers great potential for widespread use in the automotive market. (The Delphi Wireless Charging System for Consumer Devices) is currently under development and is being designed to meet all automotive market requirements. With the support of automotive manufacturers, this technology can be integrated into the next generation of vehicles.
About the Author
James Guyette
James E. Guyette is a long-time contributing editor to Aftermarket Business World, ABRN and Motor Age magazines.