Application of Power Electronics

in Electric Vehicles
CONDUCTIVE CHARGING – AC AND DC CHARGING SYSTEMS

Ref (2)
 Charger types and description of technologies for EV charging

Ref (2)
Connectors

Ref (1)
Ref (2)
TOPOLOGIES FOR AC-DC CONVERSION STAGE

Ref (3)
TOPOLOGIES FOR DC-DC CONVERSION STAGE

Ref (3)
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EV charge controller: Key functions and Operation

EV Charger topology Charge acceptance curve

Ref (3)
References
• (1) Strategies for setting a national electric vehicle charger standard: Relevant factors and the case of Chile
• (2) Smart charging strategies and technologies for electric vehicles
• (3) Review of Fast Charging for Electrified Transport: Demand, Technology, Systems, and Planning
1. Key Functions of an EV Charge Controller
a) Power Conversion

• AC to DC Conversion

• DC-DC Conversion

b) Charging Profile Management

• Charge Stages: The controller implements different charging stages—typically

including Bulk Charging (high current to rapidly charge), Absorption Charging
(current tapering as the battery approaches full charge), and Float Charging
(maintaining charge without overcharging).

• Battery Health: By managing the charging profile, the controller helps prolong
battery life, preventing overcharging, undercharging, and excessive heat
generation.

c) Communication and Control

• Standards Compliance: The controller adheres to various charging standards

(e.g., CHAdeMO, Combined Charging System (CCS), Tesla Supercharger)
which define communication protocols between the EV and the charging station.

• Smart Charging: Enables features like load balancing, scheduling, and real-time
monitoring. The controller communicates with the vehicle and the grid to optimize
charging times, reduce costs, and ensure grid stability.

d) Safety and Protection

• Overcurrent Protection: Prevents excessive current from damaging the battery or

the vehicle's electrical systems.

• Overvoltage and Undervoltage Protection: Ensures the voltage remains within

safe limits to avoid battery degradation or failure.

• Thermal Management: Monitors and controls the temperature of charging

components to prevent overheating.

• Fault Detection: Identifies and responds to electrical faults, short circuits, and
other anomalies to ensure safe operation.

e) Energy Efficiency Optimization

• Minimizing Losses: Utilizes high-efficiency power conversion techniques to

reduce energy losses during the charging process.

• Power Factor Correction (PFC): Improves the efficiency of power usage from the
grid by aligning the phase of voltage and current, reducing reactive power.
 f) User Interface and Feedback

• Status Indicators: Provides visual or digital feedback on charging status, such as

current charge level, charging speed, and estimated time to full charge.

• User Controls: Allows users to set charging preferences, schedule charging

times, and monitor energy consumption.

2. Operation of an EV Charge Controller

a) Initial Connection and Authentication

• Plug-In Detection: When the EV is connected to a charging station, the controller

detects the physical connection and initiates communication protocols.

• Authentication: Ensures that the charging session is authorized, which may

involve user authentication (e.g., RFID cards, smartphone apps).

b) Power Negotiation and Coordination

• Communication Protocols: The controller and the EV exchange information

about power capabilities, desired charging rates, and safety parameters.

• Load Management: Determines the optimal power level based on grid

availability, user preferences, and the EV’s battery status.

c) Power Conversion and Delivery

• Rectification and Inversion: The controller converts AC to DC (if necessary) using

rectifiers and inverters, adjusting voltage and current to match the battery's
requirements.

• Dynamic Adjustment: Continuously adjusts the power delivery based on real-

time monitoring of the battery's state of charge (SoC), temperature, and other
factors.

d) Monitoring and Control

• Real-Time Feedback: Continuously monitors voltage, current, temperature, and

other parameters to ensure safe and efficient charging.

• Adaptive Charging Profiles: Modifies the charging strategy dynamically to

respond to changes in battery conditions or external factors (e.g., grid
fluctuations).

e) Completion and Disconnection

• Full Charge Detection: Identifies when the battery has reached its full charge
based on voltage, current, and time parameters.
 • Termination of Charging: Gradually reduces charging current and terminates the
charging process to prevent overcharging.

• Post-Charge Communication: Sends notifications or updates to the user and

possibly to the grid for load balancing purposes.

3. Advanced Features in Modern EV Charge Controllers

a). Bidirectional Charging (V2X)

V2G, V2H, V2B, V2D, V2V

b) Smart Charging and Grid Interaction

• Demand Response: Adjusts charging rates based on grid demand, energy prices,
and renewable energy availability.

• Energy Storage Integration: Coordinates with home energy systems or

renewable sources (e.g., solar panels) for optimized energy use.

c) Over-the-Air (OTA) Updates

• Function: Enables remote updates to the charge controller’s firmware, allowing

for improvements and bug fixes without physical intervention.

d) User Interface Enhancements

• Mobile Apps and Displays: Provide users with real-time information, remote
control capabilities, and personalized charging settings.

4. Operation Flow of an EV Charge Controller

1. Connection Initiation:

• The user plugs the EV into the charging station.

• The charge controller detects the connection and initiates communication

with the EV.

2. Authentication and Authorization:

• The user authenticates (e.g., via RFID or smartphone app).

• The controller verifies authorization to begin charging.

3. Power Negotiation:

• The controller and EV exchange information about available power and

required charging parameters.

• The optimal charging rate is determined based on battery state and grid
conditions.
 4. Charging Process:

• The controller starts power conversion, adjusting voltage and current as

needed.

• Real-time monitoring ensures that charging stays within safe limits.

• The controller dynamically adjusts charging parameters to optimize

efficiency and battery health.

5. Monitoring and Adjustment:

• Continual monitoring of electrical and thermal parameters.

• Adaptive adjustments in response to changing conditions or user

preferences.

6. Charging Completion:

• Once the battery is fully charged, the controller gradually reduces the
charging current.

• The charging session is terminated safely, and the connection is released.

7. Post-Charging Actions:

• The controller may log the charging session data, communicate with the
grid for load balancing, or notify the user via an app.

Future Trends

• Integration with Renewable Energy Sources: Charge controllers will

increasingly manage power from solar panels and other renewables, optimizing
energy use and storage.

• Enhanced V2X Capabilities: Advanced charge controllers will facilitate more

robust vehicle-to-X interactions, allowing EVs to act as distributed energy
resources.

• Increased Automation and AI Integration: Utilizing artificial intelligence to

predict charging needs, optimize energy distribution, and enhance user
experience.