EVALUATION OF RAPID ELECTRIC BATTERY CHARGING TECHNIQUES

Abstract

Evaluation of Rapid Electric Battery Charging Techniques by Ronald Baroody Dr. Yahia Baghzouz, Examination Committee Chair Professor of Electrical Engineering University of Nevada, Las Vegas Battery powered electric vehicles are gaining popularity worldwide. This is trend is driven by several factors including the need to reduce air and noise pollution, and dependence on fossil fuels. The main drawback of today’s electric vehicle is its limited range, and the long time duration that is required to charge the electric batteries. This thesis addresses the latter problem. In recent years, significant progress (through research and development) has been made to accelerate the charging time of the electric vehicle batteries through pulse charging rather than supplying continuous current and/or voltage. Some patented fast charging techniques demonstrated reduced charging times from 8 hours down to 45 minutes, and the current goal is to reduce this to the 10‐minute range. This thesis will evaluate the published fast charging techniques in terms of their efficiency, accuracy of state of charge, threat of overcharge and impact of life cycle. The merits of the various battery interrogation techniques will be analyzed through modeling and computer simulation.