Michael G. Egan

Bio: Michael G. Egan is an academic researcher from University College Cork. The author has contributed to research in topics: Inductor & Buck converter. The author has an hindex of 30, co-authored 87 publications receiving 2365 citations.

Power-Factor-Corrected Single-Stage Inductive Charger for Electric Vehicle Batteries

Abstract: A novel power-factor-corrected single-stage alternating current/direct current converter for inductive charging of electric vehicle batteries is introduced. The resonant converter uses the current-source characteristic of the series-parallel topology to provide power-factor correction over a wide output power range from zero to full load. Some design guidelines for this converter are outlined. An approximate small-signal model of the converter is also presented. Experimental results verify the operation of the new converter

Simplified electric vehicle power train models and range estimation

Abstract: In this paper, simplified EV power train models are developed for new and existing production vehicles. The models are developed based on published vehicle parameters and range information for the Nissan Leaf and the Tesla Roadster. The models are compared with published manufacturer specifications for range under various route and driving conditions, and for various drive cycles. The models are additionally validated against test results for the Nissan Leaf and Tesla Roadster vehicles, where the test route topography is modeled using Google Earth and a GPS-based smart-phone application. Excellent correlations are demonstrated between the experimental results and manufacturer data and the vehicle models. Impacts of battery degradation with time and vehicle HVAC loads are considered in the study.

Power-factor-corrected single-stage inductive charger for electric-vehicle batteries

Abstract: A novel power-factor-corrected single-stage AC-DC converter for inductive charging of electric vehicle batteries is introduced. The resonant converter uses the current-source characteristic of the series-parallel topology to provide power factor correction over a wide output power range from zero to full load. Some design guidelines for this converter are outlined. An approximate small-signal model of the converter is also presented Experimental results verify the operation of the new converter.

A Comparison of PWM Strategies for Inverter-Fed Induction Motors

Abstract: Several sophisticated or "optimum" modulation strategies have been suggested for voltage source pulsewidth modulated (PWM) inverters for ac motor control. These modulation strategies may suppress specific low-order harmonics or minimize total harmonic content and have been successfully implemented in practical drive systems. The effectiveness of these PWM techniques in minimizing harmonic losses and reducing torque pulsations is investigated analytically, and their performance is compared with that of the usual sinusoidal or subharmonic PWM approach. The influence of skin effect on rotor 12R copper loss is taken into consideration, and harmonic core losses are compared. Peak current is also an. important factor in inverter design, and the various modulation strategies are again compared on this basis. Fourier analysis techniques are used in order to allow skin effect phenomena to be taken into consideration, and performance criteria are developed to allow comparisons of waveform quality in respect of harmonic copper and iron losses.

Revised Magnetics Performance Factors and Experimental Comparison of High-Flux Materials for High-Current DC–DC Inductors

Abstract: High-flux-density materials, such as iron-based amorphous metal and 6.5% silicon steel for gapped inductors, and powdered alloys for gapless inductors, are very competitive for high-power-density inductors. The high-flux-density materials lead to low weight/volume solutions for high-power dc-dc converters used in hybrid-electric and electric vehicles. In this paper, the analytical selection of the magnetic materials is investigated, and modified performance factors are introduced for convection- and conduction-cooled magnetic components. The practical effects of frequency, dc bias, flux-density derating, duty cycle, airgap fringing on the core loss, and thermal configuration based on lamination direction are investigated for iron-based amorphous metal, 6.5% silicon steel, and iron-based powdered alloy material. A 2.5-kW converter is built to verify the optimum material selection and thermal configuration. Analytical, simulation, and experimental results are presented.

Ultracapacitors: Why, How, and Where is the Technology

Abstract: The science and technology of ultracapacitors are reviewed for a number of electrode materials, including carbon, mixed metal oxides, and conducting polymers. More work has been done using microporous carbons than with the other materials and most of the commercially available devices use carbon electrodes and an organic electrolytes. The energy density of these devices is 3¯5 Wh/kg with a power density of 300¯500 W/kg for high efficiency (90¯95%) charge/discharges. Projections of future developments using carbon indicate that energy densities of 10 Wh/kg or higher are likely with power densities of 1¯2 kW/kg. A key problem in the fabrication of these advanced devices is the bonding of the thin electrodes to a current collector such the contact resistance is less than 0.1 cm2. Special attention is given in the paper to comparing the power density characteristics of ultracapacitors and batteries. The comparisons should be made at the same charge/discharge efficiency.

Review of Battery Charger Topologies, Charging Power Levels, and Infrastructure for Plug-In Electric and Hybrid Vehicles

Abstract: This paper reviews the current status and implementation of battery chargers, charging power levels, and infrastructure for plug-in electric vehicles and hybrids. Charger systems are categorized into off-board and on-board types with unidirectional or bidirectional power flow. Unidirectional charging limits hardware requirements and simplifies interconnection issues. Bidirectional charging supports battery energy injection back to the grid. Typical on-board chargers restrict power because of weight, space, and cost constraints. They can be integrated with the electric drive to avoid these problems. The availability of charging infrastructure reduces on-board energy storage requirements and costs. On-board charger systems can be conductive or inductive. An off-board charger can be designed for high charging rates and is less constrained by size and weight. Level 1 (convenience), Level 2 (primary), and Level 3 (fast) power levels are discussed. Future aspects such as roadbed charging are presented. Various power level chargers and infrastructure configurations are presented, compared, and evaluated based on amount of power, charging time and location, cost, equipment, and other factors.

A review of single-phase improved power quality AC-DC converters

Abstract: Solid-state switch-mode rectification converters have reached a matured level for improving power quality in terms of power-factor correction (PFC), reduced total harmonic distortion at input AC mains and precisely regulated DC output in buck, boost, buck-boost and multilevel modes with unidirectional and bidirectional power flow. This paper deals with a comprehensive review of improved power quality converters (IPQCs) configurations, control approaches, design features, selection of components, other related considerations, and their suitability and selection for specific applications. It is targeted to provide a wide spectrum on the status of IPQC technology to researchers, designers and application engineers working on switched-mode AC-DC converters. A classified list of more than 450 research publications on the state of art of IPQC is also given for a quick reference.

Pulsewidth modulation-a survey

Abstract: The author evaluates the state of the art in pulsewidth modulation for AC drives fed from three-phase voltage source inverters. Feedforward and feedback pulsewidth modulation schemes with relevance for industrial application are described and their respective merits and shortcomings are explained. Secondary effects such as the influence of load-current dependent switching time delay and transients in synchronized pulsewidth modulation schemes are discussed, and adequate compensation methods are presented. Recorded oscillograms illustrate the performance of the respective pulsewidth modulation principles. The author provides a guideline and quick reference for the practicing engineer to decide which methods should be considered for an application of a given power level, switching frequency, and dynamic response. >