A Multi-Functional Power Electronics Converter Configuration for Electric Vehicles

This paper proposes an integrated multi-functional power electronics converter configuration for plug-in electric vehicles. The converter uses a CuK converter and bi-directional buck boost converter in its configuration which can perform all three modes of operation for a PEV i.e., plug-in charging, propulsion and regenerative braking. During charging mode, the proposed converter works at unity power factor with minimum total harmonic distortion (THD) in the source current, and is capable to be charged from single-phase supply (110V-240V). The performance of the converter system in different operational modes is demonstrated with field-oriented controlled permanent synchronous motor with the help of numerical simulations and experimental validations. The proposed converter employs minimum number of active switches and current sensors which help in reduction of size, weight, cost, complexity and increase in reliability of the converter.