Abstract

This paper proposes a novel architecture for Plug-in Electric Vehicles (PEVs) dc charging stations, through the use of a single dc-link 3-level h-bridge (HB) converter as the grid interface. This feature is achieved by the use of an open-ended secondary windings transformer at the grid side. The proposed solution enables fast charging for PEVs concentrating several charging units into a single grid-tied converter. The selected topology provides a three-level waveform without any balancing requirements, enabling a stable dc-bus. Finally, because of the simple nature of the converter, it can be implemented with off-the-shelf components, enabling a low cost alternative for the grid connection of Level III fast chargers.