This IISC invention can fast-charge your EV with 5% more efficiency: Report

The Indian Institute of Science (IISC), on Friday, announced it has developed a new way of offering electricity in EV charging stations without bulky transformers and minimal energy losses. A team at the IISC has developed a multiport DC converter based on an H-bridge (CHB)-based multiport, which can be directly connected to the medium-voltage AC grid. 

The new technology can improve the charging efficiency of the charging stations by 3-5 per cent, as per the study published in the journal IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics. 

Citing Kaushik Basu, associate professor at IISc, ET reported, “Today's high-power chargers are complex, with multiple conversion stages between the grid, storage, and vehicle battery. Our invention simplifies this process.” 

According to him, even a slight increase in efficiency results in substantial megawatt-scale energy savings, as well as lower expenses and material usage. Additionally, the converter is made to be more ecologically friendly and compact.

In addition to charging EVs, the bidirectional architecture allows for local battery power storage. When demand is at its highest, this stored energy can be used, or in an emergency, it can be returned to the grid. With these characteristics, charging stations based on this technology may also serve as local power stabilisers, assisting medical facilities or other critical services in the event of an outage. Moreover, the design is compatible with solar and other renewable energy sources, enabling a higher level of clean power integration.

In addition to EV charging, the researchers also think of a possible use of the technology in wind energy systems, data centres, and railroad traction, areas where high-efficiency power conversion is essential.