DESIGN OF A UNIFIED CONVERTER FOR PMSM-BASED ELECTRIC VEHICLE DRIVE AND CHARGE FUNCTIONS

Abstract

The present research describes an innovative approach to electric vehicle (EV) charging and driving integration that has been achieved through the construction of the Reconfigured Multi-Functional On-board Converter (RMOC). The RMOC system is a novel approach for unified charging and driving capabilities that uses a single-phase AC connection. The RMOC uses a novel DC-side switching network to rearrange existing electric vehicle drive components, removing the requirement for additional hardware generally required for charging and driving systems. This concept greatly reduces cost and size when compared to typical arrangements, making it a promising improvement in electric vehicle technology. Furthermore, RMOC connects effortlessly to normal single-phase power outlets, simplifying the charging process and lowering overall system complexity by eliminating the need for additional AC-side equipment like filters or relays. During charging, the RMOC achieves a unity power factor, guaranteeing that energy is efficiently transferred from the grid to the vehicle's battery. Importantly, the RMOC system is bidirectional, which allows for efficient power conversion in both charging and driving modes. To demonstrate its usefulness, it was tested successfully, showing seamless charging and driving modes. This study proposes a viable option for the future of electric car technology, with a streamlined and cost-effective strategy that makes the best use of existing on-board components.