A Dual-Source Converter for Optimal Cell Utilisation in Electric Vehicle Applications

Ashraf Bani Ahmad (), Mohammad Alathamneh, Haneen Ghanayem, R. M. Nelms, Omer Ali and Chanuri Charin
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Ashraf Bani Ahmad: Electrical Engineering Department, Al-Huson University College, Al-Balqa Applied University, Al-Huson 21510, Jordan
Mohammad Alathamneh: Electrical Engineering Department, Al-Huson University College, Al-Balqa Applied University, Al-Huson 21510, Jordan
Haneen Ghanayem: Electrical Engineering Department, Al-Huson University College, Al-Balqa Applied University, Al-Huson 21510, Jordan
R. M. Nelms: Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
Omer Ali: Department of Computing, South East Technological University (SETU), R93 V960 Carlow, Ireland
Chanuri Charin: Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Technology, Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UniMAP), Pauh Putra Campus, Arau 02600, Perlis, Malaysia

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 22, 1-21

Abstract: Electric vehicles (EVs) are experiencing rapid global adoption driven by environmental concerns and fuel security. This article presents a new dual-source converter based on a hybrid modular multilevel configuration (DCHMMC) designed for optimal cell utilisation in EV battery systems. Contrary to conventional converters that can either charge or discharge the cells using a single source, thereby leaving several cells/modules (Ms) idle during each time step, the proposed converter enables the integration of two sources that can utilise the cells simultaneously. This dual source feature minimises idle cells/ Ms , enhances energy efficiency, and supports flexible bidirectional power flow. The proposed converter operates in three distinct modes. The first involves dual-source charging for fast charging and improved vehicle availability. The second involves one source charging while the other discharges for dynamic operation. Finally, the last involves dual-source discharging for maximum power delivery and support vehicle-to-grid (V2G) operation. The simulation results demonstrated smooth multilevel sinusoidal output voltages (Vout_a and Vout_b), each with a peak of 350 V, generated simultaneously using 132 cells (six cells per M , 22 Ms ). The total harmonic distortion (THD) values for Vout_a and Vout_b were 0.42% and 2.25%, respectively, confirming the high-quality performance. Furthermore, only 0–36 cells and 0–6 Ms were idle during operation, showing improved cell utilisation.

Keywords: electric vehicles; modular multilevel converters; power conversion systems (PCSs); idle cells; redundant cells (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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