Model Predictive Controlled Level-3 Reconfigurable Battery Charger for Future Electric Transportation

The offboard charger signifies a pivotal advancement in electric vehicle (EV) growth, facilitating fast charging while offering flexibility and scalability. Nonetheless, existing off-board chargers encounter various challenges related to scalability and design complexity, degrading their performance over a wide voltage range. This paper presents a modular and reconfigurable offboard EV charger for charging a wide output voltage range of EVs. It is controlled through a new distributed finite control set model predictive control (FCS-MPC) architecture. The proposed charger can operate in star and delta configurations, optimizing the charging process for low-voltage and next-generation high-voltage battery pack vehicles. A key benefit of the proposed charger and its controller is the wide operating voltage range with allowable voltage and current ripple. The performance of the proposed charger and its controller is evaluated through simulation studies in the MATLAB Simulink platform. The results demonstrate the unity power factor operation and ability to charge from a single-phase power supply without compromising power rating in the absence of a three-phase supply, making it an efficient and scalable solution for future EV charging infrastructure.

I. Introduction

The rapid expansion of electric vehicles (EVs) has necessi-tated efficient, scalable, and flexible charging solutions [1]. With the escalating demand for EVs, developing sophisti-cated charging infrastructure is becoming essential for the widespread adoption of electric transportation. A robust charging network plays a vital role in enhancing EV ownership [2]. Offboard chargers have emerged as a potential solution for accelerating the proliferation of EVs by providing higher power outputs that shorten charging periods [3], [4]. These chargers are typically more efficient and designed to handle high power levels. This makes them particularly suited for fast charging applications, significantly reducing the time required to recharge EV batteries [5]. These chargers typically have a power rating of 50–350 kW and replenish a 200 km driving range to the vehicle in 10 to 30 minutes [6].