Power Electronics Converters for Electric Vehicles

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Current worldwide government incentives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions have spurred electric vehicle development. Global production of hybrid electric vehicles now totals approximately 5 million annually and it is expected that the number of such vehicles will grow exponentially, to 30 million by 2040. Power converters are the prime components in advanced Electric Vehicles (EVs). Rising energy costs and harmful emissions coupled with diminishing fossil fuel reserves are making the transition to electric vehicles imperative. Efficiently and reliably processing and storing electrical energy is one of the main challenges needing to be addressed to allow EVs to succeed in the automotive market. This program deals with the development of EV power electronics technologies. The long-term objectives of this research program are to commercialize these new state-of-the-art technologies and train HQP in power electronics for electric vehicles. Although a number of researchers are working in this field, the innovative character of this research lies in the uniqueness of proposed alternatives to existing converter topologies and control techniques. The proposed research is tailored for developing next generation power electronics technologies that have industrial importance and academic significance. The main emphasis is on devising minimum-components, highly-efficient and very-high switching circuit topologies and digital control techniques that enable the integration of semiconductor power and control electronics for cost-effective and compact power converters for electric vehicles. The advanced solutions obtained through the proposed research will provide a competitive edge to Canadian industries to penetrate this developing market. Proliferation of this energy-efficient technology in the electronic information, alternative energy and aerospace sectors will further benefit Canada as well as help Canada fulfill its commitment to the Kyoto Protocol in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.