Charging Towards the Future

Charging Towards the Future

Sustainability Initiative | Faculty of Science
Share Story Related Content Add to my report

Dr. Lorne Whitehead has one of those jobs most people can only dream about. He has the opportunity to invent things. Recently, inspired by the UBC sustainability initiative Campus as a Living Laboratory, the physics professor and his team created a safe and efficient technology to wirelessly charge electric vehicles.

“Wireless charging has been a much sought-after technical solution for everything from cell phones to electric cars,” says Whitehead. “A significant concern for charging cars wirelessly has been the high power and high frequency electromagnetic fields and their unknown, potential health effects on humans.”

Even though there is no specific research confirming that currently permitted high frequency radio waves can harm people, professor Whitehead felt a need to find another way to charge electrical devices. When he first came up with the idea of ‘remote magnetic gears’ he didn’t really think it would work. Then when the math said it would, he still couldn’t believe it. “Even though the numbers added up I was very skeptical. I rushed straight into the lab on a Saturday to test it out.”

The system has a base unit on the ground in which electricity rotates a magnet that in turn spins a remote magnet within the car that generates electricity to charge the battery. For the driver of the car this means all they have to do is park the car in a charging station and the battery will automatically start charging. Since the efficiency is very high, the car will be charged and ready to go just as fast as if it were plugged in with a cord.

So far there are four charging stations set up on the UBC Vancouver campus, a patent has been filed and a spinoff company called ELIX Wireless Charging Systems has been created. Professor Whitehead would be pleased to see this project produce financial returns but clarifies that was not his main intent. “My primary motivation is increasing sustainability and helping to build the local economy.” It seems that large-scale acceptance of both electric vehicles and this wireless charging technology carries the potential to accomplish all of the above.

Related Content

Lorne Whitehead Credit: Martin Dee

Dr. Lorne Whitehead has one of those jobs most people can only dream about. He has the opportunity to invent things.

Associated Commitment

Sustainability

Associated Campus

Vancouver Campus
Lorne Whitehead is shown here demonstrating how strong the magnet is. Credit: Martin Dee
Magnet in its case. Credit: Martin Dee

Twitter

New article by Dr Sharon Stein @UBCEducation explores limits of mainstream climate action and what universities… https://t.co/d5AEnmN6um
about 14 hours ago.
RT @sustainUBC: Nominate UBC students, staff, or faculty for a Sustainability Leadership Award to recognize commitment to reducing climate…
about 14 hours ago.
Amazing images selected by @PaulNicklen + @cmittermeier Co-founders of @Sea_Legacy and amazing photographers the… https://t.co/FuJ9vwFxRZ
about 17 hours ago.
Concerned about rising food insecurity in your community? You’re not alone. On Thurs, April 20 join @ubcfarm… https://t.co/nVUhrCQs02
1 day ago.
Nominate UBC students, staff, or faculty for a Sustainability Leadership Award to recognize commitment to reducing… https://t.co/ZeTQIu3Wj6
2 days ago.
RT @ubcires: Doom and gloom⛈️ framing can drive people away from thinking about the climate crisis. How can we use our understanding of beh…
2 days ago.
Drop by the Nest with old clothing, towels, and sheets and transform them into toques and tote bags embellished wit… https://t.co/UQ1Lie04Nh
3 days ago.
New research projects on #NetZero funded by @environmentca, including one led by UBC Sustainability Hub proposing t… https://t.co/pai0oWAA5e
7 days ago.
Interesting to see focus on #climateeducation at U of Michigan, new home of #UBC's former President Santa Ono. Lots… https://t.co/qXY6n4zY7l
8 days ago.
Don’t miss your chance to collaborate on climate justice with other students worldwide! Apply by March 31 for the o… https://t.co/OpsWADaZn7
8 days ago.