This paper is an overview of fast charging for electrical vehicles. Specifically, it analyzes the impact of Ultra-Fast Charging Stations (UFCSs) on the distribution grid and their role in the smart grids. Moreover, the paper defines the framework of UFC, its diffusion and the associated new trends. The most frequently used converters in the conversion stages of DC charging stations with integrated generation are analyzed. To achieve this goal four active front end AC-DC converters (unidirectional and bidirectional), three isolated DC-DC converters as well as two control architectures are explored. In comparing the targeted configurations, the main target is set on categorizing them based on supply voltage level, type of smart grid, and power flow of the converters. Further, the paper outlines a broad overview of main standards for UFCSs and evaluation of the reliability, data collection, and operation of UFCSs. The paper aims to to link the needs of the designers of charging stations to preferences of the commercial market.

Application of wireless power transfer while EV is in motion can significantly reduce the battery storage capacity. A major challenge in implementation of dynamic wireless power transfer (DWPT) is automatic detection of EV to avoid loss in efficiency and alleviate any safety concerns. This paper proposes a novel coil detection method for segmented DWPT. Detection of the EV ahead of its arrival will initiate energizing of the transmitter buried inside the road to enable just-in-time transfer of power. At low speeds, communication can be a reliable method to power up the transmitter coil. However, at high speeds on highways, communication latency time for the detection of an EV is long and hence impractical. This paper proposes a low cost and low power EV detection system based on a novel orthogonal coil arrangement to detect EVs traveling at high speeds. The proposed detection system was tested on a laboratory scale prototype for verification purpose. For high speed verification, simulation in PLECS was conducted to test the functionality of the proposed system.

This article presents an efficiency optimization of double-sided LCC compensation network for inductive power transfer systems. Compensation factors of the primary and secondary LCC circuit are defined and optimized analytically. The investigation shows that the secondary compensation factor $k_{rx}$ highly influences the copper loss of the wireless coupler, whereas the primary compensation factor $k_{tx}$ should not be large in order to reduce the switching loss and conduction loss of the input inverter. With a proper selection of these compensation factors, it is possible to achieve a high and sustained efficiency over a wide range of load and misalignment. In order to demonstrate the feasibility and validity of the proposed method, a scaled-down prototype has been implemented with the operating frequency of 85 kHz, transfer gap of 170 mm, and misalignment of up to 100 mm. Experimental results show a good agreement with the theoretical analysis. The peak efficiency of the proposed system is 91.6% under the perfect alignment at the coupling coefficient of 0.172. The efficiency still remains at 86.37% even under 100-mm misalignment with the coupling coefficient of 0.123.

Switched Reluctance Motor (SRM) benefits from a simple, low cost, and robust structure. However, it exhibits high levels of torque ripple and vibration due to its non-uniform distribution of the flux and force densities in the air gap. To address this problem, a novel rotor with optimally designed flux barriers has been designed to be used along with a conventional SRM stator. In this paper, an optimization algorithm comprised of Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) has been used to identify the best rotor geometry for maintaining average torque while minimizing torque ripple and tangential vibration of the stator. The performance of the optimized motor is then compared with a conventional SRM of the same size experimentally. The results show significant improvement in torque ripple as well as vibration for the new topology with no tangible drop in efficiency at high speeds.

Vibration and acoustic noise are considered as major factors preventing the widespread use of switched reluctance motor (SRM) drives in industrial and commercial applications. In this paper, a new active vibration cancellation (AVC) strategy for radial vibration is proposed based on the optimal current switching instants. The mechanical impulse response method has been used to estimate the radial vibration of the stator and an optimization routine was developed to define the optimal instants for phase current switching in such a way that the resulting vibration would cancel the vibration caused by prior switching. Experimental verification was conducted on an 8/6 SRM and the results show significant reduction in the stator radial vibration which in turn contributes to reduction of acoustic noise.

Electrification of the transportation industry introduces far-reaching paradigm shifts in sustainability, energy dependency, and manufacturing sectors. The ultimate success of this transition, in part, depends on sustainable development of highly efficient, reliable, and affordable electric propulsion systems. This article provides an overview on the existing practices and future trends in magnetic design, power electronic converter, and control/safety for electric propulsion systems. Efficiency, torque density, cost, noise and vibration, and reliability are used as figures of merit in this study. Our investigation identifies the areas of research with the highest impact and the highest urgency. Although several challenges have been identified, these areas all provide great opportunities for future research in this emerging industry.