SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TRANSFERRING ELECTRIC ENERGY TO A VEHICLE USING A PLURALITY OF SEGMENTS OF A CONDUCTOR ARRANGEMENT

A system for transferring electric energy to a vehicle. The system comprises an electric conductor arrangement which produces an alternating electromagnetic field, transfers electromagnetic energy to the vehicle, and includes a plurality of consecutive segments. Each segment extends along the path of travel of the vehicle. The system includes an alternating current supply for conducting electric energy to the segments which are electrically connected in parallel to each other with the alternating current supply. Each segment is coupled to the supply via an associated switching unit adapted to switch on and off the segment by connecting or disconnecting the segment to/from the supply. Each segment is coupled to the associated switching unit via a constant current source adapted to keep the electric current through the segment constant while the segment is switched on independently of the electric power which is transferred to one or more vehicles.