A Universal Input Single-Stage Bidirectional Charger for Light Electric Vehicles

This paper presents a universal input single-stage bidirectional charger for light electric vehicles (LEVs) utilizing a matrix converter. The proposed charger can operate with AC input from the grid and DC input from solar photovoltaic (PV) sources, enabling seamless integration with existing AC grids and renewable energy systems. The proposed architecture differs from traditional multi-stage chargers as it uses a direct acac conversion method to mitigate the need for a bulky DClink capacitor. Moreover, a bidirectional power flow capability is also possible, facilitating grid-to-vehicle (G2V) and vehicle-to-home (V2H) operations. The system is designed to charge a 48 V Li-ion battery pack, and the power level of the charger is 0.5 kW. Additionally, a robust control strategy is implemented to ensure stable battery charging. The converter is simulated in PLECS/Blockset, and the obtained outcomes validate the charger’s performance for both AC and DC inputs. Furthermore, when operating with AC input, the charger achieves a unity power factor, ensuring compliance with grid standards while charging the battery.