An Enhanced Universal Soft Switching Dual Active Bridge Converter for Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Towards Sustainable Electric Transportation

This paper introduces a modified Dual Active Bridge (DAB) converter integrated with an LLC² resonant converter tailored for Electric Vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, emphasizing a unidirectional power flow. The converter implements a two-stage power conversion process, leveraging the DAB's suitability for high-power applications characterized by enhanced efficiency, low voltage stress, and universal soft switching (ZVS) across all switches. Distinguishing itself from conventional isolated and non-isolated DC-DC converters, the DAB-LLC² configuration is systematically elucidated in terms of its operating principle, soft switching characteristics, steady-state attributes, output features and crucial design parameters. A meticulous design of a 3kW DAB-LLC² converter is conducted using MATLAB/Simulink software and the comprehensive results are documented, providing valuable insights into the converter's performance and applicability for EV charging infrastructure for sustainable electric transportation.

I. Introduction

The combustion of fossil fuels constitutes a significant contributor to the release of nitrogen oxide emissions, thereby amplifying adverse environmental impacts, including the formation of smog, acid rain, and the discharge of harmful gases. The adoption of renewable energy sources represents a comprehensive and viable solution to this challenge. By harnessing energy from renewable sources, the generation process is executed without emitting greenhouse gases, consequently mitigating air pollution. Furthermore, this transition to renewable energy not only addresses environmental concerns but also bolsters energy supply diversity, thereby reducing reliance on finite reserves of fossil fuels and promoting a more sustainable and resilient energy landscape.