Wireless Electric Vehicle Charging with Vertical Axis Wind Turbines

Abstract

Electric Vehicles (EVs) are emerging as a critical component in the global transition toward sustainable and low-carbon transportation systems. However, the effectiveness and adoption rate of EVs are directly influenced by the availability and reliability of their charging infrastructure. Conventional plug-in charging methods are often limited by dependency on fossil-fuel-powered electricity grids, physical connector degradation, and user inconvenience. To address these challenges, this paper presents a novel, sustainable, and autonomous Wireless EV Charging System powered by a Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT). The system utilizes wind energy generated by vehicular motion along highways and urban roadways, captured using a custom-designed VAWT. The mechanical energy is converted into electrical energy via a DC generator and stored in a lithium-ion battery. This stored energy is then transmitted wirelessly to an EV’s onboard battery using Resonant Inductive Power Transfer (RIPT). A microcontroller-based monitoring system (ESP32) captures real-time voltage and current values and Display on station and Vehicle screen .The proposed solution is modular, scalable, and well-suited for integration into smart city and highway infrastructures, offering a promising step toward clean, plug-free mobility.

Introduction

The transportation sector is rapidly shifting toward electric vehicles (EVs), but traditional plug-in charging infrastructure faces challenges such as high costs, maintenance, and reliance on non-renewable energy. Wireless Electric Vehicle Charging (WEVC), using resonant inductive power transfer (RIPT), offers a contactless and convenient alternative but depends on sustainable power sources. While solar-powered WEVC exists, it is limited by weather conditions.

This paper proposes a novel system combining a Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT) with wireless power transfer to charge EVs sustainably and grid-independently. The VAWT harnesses wind energy generated by passing vehicles, converts it via a DC generator, stores it in a battery, and wirelessly transmits it to EVs through inductive coils. An ESP32 microcontroller and IoT platform enable real-time monitoring and control.

Related works include solar-powered wireless charging and studies on VAWTs for roadside energy harvesting, but few integrate wind energy with wireless charging. The proposed system architecture consists of a roadside transmitter unit (VAWT, generator, battery, inverter, transmitter coil, ESP32) and an onboard EV receiver unit (receiver coil, rectifier, battery management, ESP32).

The system operates by capturing wind energy, storing it in batteries, activating wireless transmission via magnetic fields when an EV is nearby, and monitoring performance via sensors and IoT. This solution aims to provide an efficient, scalable, and eco-friendly EV charging infrastructure for highways and smart cities.

Conclusion

This research presents a novel approach to EV charging by integrating a Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT) with wireless power transfer technology. The system harnesses wind energy from passing vehicles, converts it into electrical energy using a DC generator, stores it in a lithium-ion battery, and transfers it wirelessly to electric vehicles through Resonant Inductive Power Transfer (RIPT). The prototype achieved a power transfer efficiency of 80–85% with an optimal air gap of 10–15 cm. Real-time monitoring using ESP32 and IoT integration ensures accurate performance tracking. The system offers a plug-free, grid-independent, and renewable EV charging solution, ideal for highways and urban infrastructure. The current prototype sets the groundwork for further development and real-world deployment. Future iterations and research directions include: • Smart Road Integration: Install transmitter coils in road surfaces for on-the-go EV charging. • Hybrid Renewable Sources: Combine wind with solar to ensure consistent power supply. • AI-Based Optimization: Use machine learning for predictive coil activation and power demand estimation. • Secure Payment Systems: Incorporate UPI, RFID, or biometric systems for automated billing and authentication. • Safety Enhancements: Include shielding, temperature monitoring, and emergency shutdown features. • IoT and Cloud Analytics: Deploy cloud dashboards for real-time data logging and usage trends. • Supercapacitor Use: Introduce supercapacitors for rapid energy storage and discharge during peak load times.

References

[1] R. Madkar, S. Mohite, V. Omble, “Dynamic Wireless Charging for Electric Vehicle using Solar Energy,” IEEE International Conference on Smart Energy Systems, vol. 11, no. 5, pp. 891–892, 2023. [2] N. Muganur, A. Joshi, M. Shinde, “ESP32-Based Wireless EV Charging with IoT Monitoring,” International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews (IJRPR), vol. 4, no. 5, pp. 123–127, 2023. [3] P. Chobe, A. Gaikwad, R. Patil, “Solar-Based Wireless Charging Station for Electric Vehicles,” Journal of Electrical Systems, vol. 20, no. 9, pp. 45–52, 2024. [4] Z. Ali, M. Hasan, S. Iqbal, “High-Frequency Wireless EV Charging Setup,” Renewable Energy and Environmental Sustainability (REES), vol. 35, pp. 291–297, 2023. [5] Niranjana S. J., “Harnessing Highway Wind via Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWT),” International Journal of Engineering Research and Technology (IJERT), vol. 12, no. 3, pp. 124–128, 2023. [6] A. Hossain, M. Rahman, “Design and Implementation of VAWT for Urban Wind Harvesting,

Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Sitaram Solanke, Satwik Shinde, Pratik Shewale, Dr. Arati J. Vyavahare. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.