Bi-directional AC-DC matrix converter with unity power factor for electric vehicle chargers

Abstract

Automobile industries are striving to meet growing demands of producing electric vehicles for a sustainable environment. Rising number of EVs pose many challenges including increased number of charging stations to meet the needs of EVs. EV chargers are recognized to impact the power quality of the grid when used in large quantities. This challenge is addressed in this thesis work to reduce the impact on the grid. First, this thesis reviews two rectifier configurations under steady state, dynamic state and fault conditions. Implementation of IGBT rectifier using SPWM with a feedback controller and a matrix converter rectifier using SV-PWM modulation are carried out in MATLAB Simulink. Second, the matrix converter when used with reduced switch count to be used in a rectifier configuration, the simulation results show that a unity power factor and bi-directional power flow are achievable without sophisticated controls and can benefit in V2G operation.