Review of Safety and Exposure Limits of Electromagnetic Fields (EMF) in Wireless Electric Vehicle Charging (WEVC) Applications

Abstract

Overview

This study conducts an extensive review of the intermediate frequency (IF) electromagnetic field (EMF) emissions associated with wireless electric vehicle charging (WEVC) applications. It critically assesses the EMF exposure limits set by international guidelines, highlighting significant safety considerations.

Findings

• Analysis of international electromagnetic field exposure limits.
• Discussion on electromagnetic field shielding technologies including geometries, materials, and performance.
• Summary of laboratory results from various wireless power transfer studies at different power levels.
• Examination of EMF reduction techniques and shielding practices through ORNL case studies.
• Review of living object detection (LOD) and foreign object detection (FOD) from a safety perspective.

Conclusion

The paper concludes that EMF emissions can be significant, especially under high-power transfer conditions and misalignments, suggesting that emissions should be kept below the conservative limits set by ICNIRP 2010 guidelines, deemed safer. Additionally, the study proposes further analysis of EMF exposure and shielding methods in high-power and dynamic wireless power transfer scenarios for future standard development.