Software-Defined Power Electronics in EV Charging and Battery Management Systems

This talk examines the role of soft-switching inverters in electric vehicle (EV) charging and battery management systems (BMS), focusing on technological advancements and their impact. The integration of variable frequency critical soft-switching (VF-CSS) with wide-bandgap semiconductors, optimized AC filters, and real-time control enables the production of stable sine wave output voltages and currents. These inverters are stackable, allowing for the development of reconfigurable and partially redundant software-defined power converters suitable for both onboard and offboard EV charging. VF-CSS effectively reduces leakage currents and supports transformerless charger designs, which are cost-effective and facilitate vehicle-to-everything (V2X) services.

The talk also explores the use of power electronics for lithium-ion battery (LIB) diagnostics and management. LIB degradation is typically assessed at three levels: mechanisms, modes, and metrics. Recent advancements in diagnostics and prognostics are driven by machine learning (ML), which offers a detailed multi-level perspective on LIB degradation. The pulse injection aided machine learning (PIAML) technique is highlighted for its ability to improve diagnostic accuracy without requiring specialized sensors or electronics. This technique matches or surpasses existing methods, offering a practical approach to optimizing lithium-ion system management. By extending battery life and reducing costs, the PIAML framework supports effective battery management and aligns with contemporary battery pack designs and requirements.

Speaker: Matthias Preindl, Columbia University