Analysis of transmitter-side control methods in wireless EV charging systems

Abstract

The wireless electric vehicle (EV) charging system is highly safe and flexible. To reduce the weight and cost of EVs, the wireless charging system, which simplifies the structure inside an EV and utilizes the transmitter-side control method, has become popular. This study investigates the transmitter-side control methods in a wireless EV charging system. First, a universal wireless charging system is introduced, and the function of its transfer power is derived. It is observed that the transfer power can be controlled by regulating either the phase-shift angle or the DC-link voltage. Further, the influence of the control variables is studied using numerical analysis. Additionally, the corresponding control methods, namely the phase-shift angle and the DC-link voltage control, are compared by calculation and simulation. It is found that: (1) the system efficiency is low with the phase-shift control method because of the converter switching loss; (2) the dynamic response is slow with the DC-link voltage control method because of the large inertia of the inductor and capacitor; (3) both the control methods have limitations in their adjustable power range. Therefore, a combined control method is proposed, with the advantages of high system efficiency, fast dynamic response, and wide adjustable power range. Finally, experiments are performed to verify the validity of the theoretical analysis and the effectiveness of the proposed method. This study provides a detailed and comprehensive analysis of the transmitter-side control methods in the wireless charging system, considering the sensitivity of parameters, converter losses, system efficiency, and dynamic performance, with the dead-time effect taken into consideration. Moreover, the proposed control method can be used to realize the optimal combination of the phase-shift angle and the DC-link voltage with good dynamic performance, and it is useful for the optimal operation of the wireless charging system.