Xiaoyu Wang

Project Title

Enhanced Bidirectional On-Board Charger for Electric Vehicles: Integration of V2G and Advanced Control Algorithms

Sub-projects

• V2G Integration and Grid Stability Analysis
• Development of Advanced Control Algorithms for Bidirectional Charging
• Compact Hardware Enhancements for Improved Efficiency
• User Interface and Communication Protocols for V2G and V2H Operations

Desired Technical Skills

• Electrical Engineering Fundamentals: Understanding of AC/DC power conversion, power factor correction, and DC-DC conversion.
• Control Systems: Familiarity with digital control algorithms, including PI controllers and possibly state machine techniques.
• Communication Protocols: Knowledge of communication standards for vehicle-grid interactions such as CAN, UART, SPI, and I2C.
• Programming Skills: Proficiency in languages such as C, Python, or MATLAB for simulation and implementation.
• Hardware Design: Experience with PCB design and component selection.

Project Description

Introduction

This project aims to enhance the functionality of a compact 7.2 kW bidirectional onboard charger (OBC) developed in previous work. The OBC features an interleaved totem pole power factor correction (PFC) stage and a dual-active bridge isolated DC-DC stage. Building on this foundation, the project will focus on integrating Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) capabilities and developing advanced control algorithms to optimize charging and discharging processes.

Objectives

1. V2G Integration: Modify the existing OBC to support V2G operations, enabling electric vehicles to supply energy back to the grid during peak demand periods. This will involve ensuring compatibility with grid standards and developing necessary communication protocols.
2. Advanced Control Algorithms: Design and implement control algorithms that enhance the efficiency and safety of the charging and discharging processes. This may include predictive strategies using machine learning to optimize energy storage and release based on grid conditions and vehicle usage patterns.
3. Hardware Enhancements: Investigate modifications to the PFC and DC-DC stages to improve efficiency, reduce thermal stress, and enhance overall system reliability. This could involve exploring new materials or component technologies.
4. User Interface and Communication: Develop a user-friendly interface for monitoring and controlling V2G and Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) operations. Implement secure communication protocols to facilitate data exchange between the vehicle and external systems, ensuring seamless integration with smart grid technologies.

Methodology

• Literature Review: Conduct a thorough review of existing V2G systems, control algorithms, and communication protocols to inform design decisions.
• Simulation and Modeling: Use software tools like MATLAB or Simulink to simulate the performance of the enhanced OBC under various operating conditions.
• Prototype Development: Implement the designed enhancements on a prototype OBC, integrating V2G capabilities and advanced control algorithms.
• Testing and Validation: Conduct thorough testing to validate the performance, efficiency, and safety of the enhanced system.

Expected Outcomes

• A fully functional bidirectional OBC with integrated V2G capabilities.
• Advanced control algorithms that optimize charging and discharging processes.
• Enhanced user interface and communication protocols for seamless integration with smart grid systems.
• Improved efficiency and reliability of the onboard charger.

Collaboration with Infineon Canada Inc.

This project will be conducted in collaboration with Infineon Technologies Canada Inc., leveraging their expertise in power electronics and control systems. Infineon will provide technical guidance, access to relevant components, and support in integrating their technologies into the project.