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Master of Science in Engineering

Portable EV Fast Charger DC-DC Converter

Date of Award

2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Engineering

Department

Engineering

First Advisor

Dr. Allan Taylor

Second Advisor

Dr. Chen Duan

Third Advisor

Dr. Huseyin Hiziroglu

Abstract

Charging electric vehicles (EVs) with direct current (DC) offers significant advantages over alternating current (AC) charging. One benefit is faster charging speeds due to the DC charger’s ability to deliver a higher voltage directly to the vehicle's battery, bypassing the need for on-board conversion resulting in faster, more efficient charging. Additionally, DC chargers can operate at various charging levels, making them suitable for a range of charging conditions, from quick top-ups to full charging sessions. This flexibility is essential for the ever-growing and diverse needs of EVs and lifestyles, from fast-charging stations along highways to overnight charging at homes. However, one of the common roadblocks seen in EV ownership is running out of charge far from a vehicle charger. That is the problem that OpenRoad, the company sponsoring this research, aims to solve by providing a portable EV fast charger which can fit in the trunk of a car. This thesis revolves around designing and testing the power converter circuit which sits between the portable battery pack and the vehicle. Design, simulation, circuit board development, and testing were performed to create the high-power converter, and while the development is still ongoing, the initial results are a positive sign that the converter will function as the intermediary between the final portable battery pack product and the electric vehicle’s internal battery.

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