Single and multi-phase PCB coil-based bidirectional wireless power transfer systems

About this position

The BiWPT Doctoral Network on Bidirectional Wireless Power Transfer for Next-Generation Electric Mobility has a clear mission: to train a new generation of experts who possess the skills and fundamental knowledge required to effectively address the challenges of bidirectional WPT systems for electric mobility, enabling vehicle-grid integration in support of Europe’s energy transition. The network will advance fundamental understanding and practical implementation of efficient, compact, and misalignment-tolerant bidirectional WPT technologies. Expected innovations include novel electromagnetic coupling and converter designs, integrated shielding concepts and real-world demonstrators that enable seamless, efficient, and high-power electric vehicle charging and discharging.

The network delivers a training programme to 15 Doctoral Candidates (DC), providing capabilities to become leaders of tomorrow’s R&I in Europe.

Objective of the doctoral position : Developing and validating single- and multi-phase PCB-based coils for bidirectional WPT systems. The DC will identify suitable materials, geometries, and thermal management strategies to achieve current densities above 15 A/mm² while maintaining high efficiency. Using analytical and numerical modeling tools, the DC will design self-resonant PCB coils that minimize or eliminate external compensation capacitors.

Experimental validation will be performed on a prototype compliant with SAE J2954 standards to benchmark performance against conventional litz-wire coils.

The DC will participate in two planned secondments as part of the doctoral training programme: an academic secondment at the co-supervising university abroad and an industrial secondment at the mentor’s company. The DC is expected to submit regular progress reports to the local and network supervisors. In addition, the DC will actively participate in BiWPT’s training, dissemination, communication, and exploitation activities.

The DC will prepare a doctoral thesis and publish scientific articles related to the research project.