Conductix-Wampfler, a manufacturer of energy and data management systems for mobile equipment, introduces the Wireless Charger 3.0, a solution for charging energy storage devices that relies on inductive power transfer to enable contactless, automated battery charging.
Automated, driverless vehicles are becoming increasingly important in modern production and logistics. At the same time, the rest periods for the vehicles are decreasing, as they are continuously used due to globally growing e-commerce and faster production cycles. Here, the application of opportunity charging implemented in the operating processes offers a modern solution for using even small time windows for wireless, inductive charging, for example while waiting during loading. In addition, the use of smaller batteries is possible and the service life of the cells is increased by quicker and more frequent charging processes putting less strain on the cells. The Wireless Charger 3.0 from Conduxtix-Wampfler consists of only four compact core components. The system can be mounted vertically and horizontally and thus flexibly integrated into already existing production or warehouse processes.
Intelligent battery management, sophisticated design
Centerpiece of the Wireless Charger 3.0 is the stationary IPS (Inductive Power Supply), which converts the mains voltage into a higher-frequency alternating voltage. The magnetic field thus generated in the ISP (Inductive Stationary Pad), which is mounted stationary in the floor or on the wall, hits the IMP (Inductive Mobile Pad) contact-free, which is located on the vehicle, converting the magnetic field back into current. The electric current is converted to a DC voltage in the coupled electronic MPU (Mobile Power Unit) charging the battery. This system has numerous advantages: “The IPS is equipped with a status display and takes care of the demand-oriented energy supply. If the battery is charged intermediately on a regular basis and according to demand, possibly harmful minimum and maximum charging states are avoided” explains Mathias Wechlin, Product Manager at Conductix-Wampfler and adds: “The Wireless Charger 3.0 offers freedom from mechanical wear and is, in this respect, maintenance-free. There are no open contact surfaces on the coils or pads; instead, they are fully encapsulated, thus safe from contact, and possess enormous robustness against environmental influences.” By eliminating mechanical abrasion, wireless chargers can also be used in areas that are generally sensitive to contamination, such as clean production areas in the pharmaceutical or food industries. High efficiency and the use of state-of-the-art electronic components make the Wireless Charger 3.0 a modern solution for the automated logistics of tomorrow.
