Wireless Electric Vehicle Charging & Carbondioxide Emission Reduction

Wireless power technology, also known as wireless energy transfer or wireless charging, refers to the ability to transfer energy from one device to another without the use of physical cables or wires. This technology has the potential to significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions in several ways, including reducing emissions from the mining and processing of materials used in wired charging systems.

Reduction of material extraction

Wireless charging eliminates the need for power cords, which are typically made of copper and other metals, as well as plastics. The extraction, mining, and processing of these materials can have a significant environmental impact, including greenhouse gas emissions. By reducing the demand for these materials, wireless power technology can help to reduce emissions from material extraction.

Mine water pollution-destroys ecosystems leading to deforestation that exposes the soil to further degradation and greenhouse gas emissions.

Reduction of emissions from metal processing

Although emissions coming from the processing of metals can vary greatly depending on the specific metal, processing of metals can contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution and environmental problems. Published information has shown the effect of metal processing on the environment and global warming.

A report from the World Bank estimates that the mining industry is responsible for approximately 7% of global greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, a study published in the journal Nature Geoscience found that the production of metals such as aluminium, copper, and iron is responsible for significant greenhouse gas emissions, including carbon dioxide and methane.

A report from the European Commission found that the extractive industries, including metal mining and processing, are significant contributors to air pollution, including emissions of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter.

Cable metal processing emits a significant amount of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

Reduction in plastic pollution

The plastic used to cover cabling metals also contribute to both environmental pollution and emissions. The processing of plastics from hydrocarbons emits dangerous gases into the atmosphere.Recent media campaigns have highlighted the dangers of plastic pollution to the oceans and the environment in general

Plastics used to wrap cabling metals used in wired EV charging, would be reduced drastically when electricity becomes wireless.

Increase in energy efficiency

Wireless charging technology increases the energy efficiency of devices by reducing standby power consumption. This can help to reduce the overall energy demand and thus the emissions from electricity generation. Standby power consumption refers to the energy consumed by devices when they are not in use but are still connected to a power source. For example, a phone charger that is plugged in but not connected to a phone is still consuming energy. With wireless charging, devices can be charged without the need for a physical connection and can be turned off when not in use, reducing standby power consumption. Additionally, wireless charging eliminates the need for multiple chargers and power adapters which also reduces standby power consumption. By reducing standby power consumption, wireless charging technology can help to reduce the overall energy demand, which can lead to a decrease in emissions from electricity generation. This is particularly important in the case of electric vehicles which consume a lot of energy for charging.

Furthermore, wireless charging technology can also improve the energy efficiency of charging systems by allowing for more precise control over the charging process, and reducing energy losses that can occur during transmission through cables and connectors.

Smart Grid integration

Wireless charging can be integrated with smart grid technology, allowing for real-time monitoring and control of energy consumption, which can help to reduce overall energy consumption and carbon emissions.

It is important to note that wireless power technology alone is not sufficient to fully combat climate change. The reduction of carbon emissions from wireless power technology should be seen as a complementary measure to other technologies, including renewable energy sources, energy storage systems, and smart grid technology.

Additionally, the reduction of carbon emissions from wireless power technology depends on the efficiency of wireless charging systems, the renewable energy mix used to power the wireless charging systems, and the energy consumption patterns of the devices being charged.

According to a study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), wireless charging for electric vehicles (EVs) can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 20% compared to wired charging when powered by renewable energy sources. Additionally, a study by the Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics estimated that wireless charging can reduce CO2 emissions associated with electric vehicle charging by up to 50% in urban areas with high penetration of renewable energy sources.

In conclusion, wireless power technology has the potential to significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions, including emissions from the mining and processing of materials used in wired charging systems, by increasing energy efficiency, reducing transportation emissions, and enabling the increased use of renewable energy sources. However, to fully realise the benefits of wireless power technology in reducing carbon emissions, it is necessary to adopt a combination of technologies, including renewable energy sources, energy storage systems, and smart grid technology.