An Integrated Converter With Reduced Components for Electric Vehicles Utilizing Solar and Grid Power Sources

A novel integrated converter for electric vehicles (EVs) is proposed in this article. For battery-charging operation, the proposed converter system enables a complementary deployment of the utility grid and a solar photovoltaic (PV) system. Since both sources (acting one at a time) utilize the same converter, the developed charging system, therefore, has a smaller number of components. In addition, an inductor voltage detection (IVD) technique has been incorporated to correct the power factor (PF) in continuous conduction mode (CCM), which eliminates the need for a current sensor for PF correction (PFC). The proposed system operates for all the modes required for an EV, e.g., charging, propulsion (PRN), and regenerative braking (RBG). In charging mode (with either grid or solar PV), the proposed system operates as an isolated secondary ended primary inductance converter (SEPIC) converter. In PRN and RBG modes, it operates as a boost converter and a buck converter, respectively. Details of all these modes are described in the article, along with the design of the components. In addition, results of simulation and experimental studies are presented for a 1-kW setup based on the proposed configuration. A comparison with other topologies shows the technoeconomic competence of the proposed system.

I. Introduction

To combat the scarcity of fossil fuel and the environmental issues due to carbon emissions from transportation, research in electric vehicles (EVs) is a priority for researchers worldwide. The major challenges for researchers in EVs are how to reduce the cost, charger size, and charging time. The main reasons for the high cost of these vehicles are storage system (battery technology) and the charging infrastructure (charger for the battery). The charging system of EVs is made using power electronic converters and sensing elements. The power electronic converters are composed of semiconductor devices and passive components, and sensing elements are composed of voltage and current sensors. The cost of these components is usually high. Furthermore, researchers are also concern about making the EVs sustainable; thus, it is desirable to charge the EVs from sustainable power sources. Hence, charging of EVs from solar photovoltaic (PV) arrays is a viable option for future [1].