Journal of Advanced Research in Power Electronics and Power Systems

Ultra-Fast EV Charging Systems: Challenges and Innovations in Power Conversion

Kunal Mishra — 2025-05-03

The rapid adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) has increased the demand for ultra-fast charging systems capable of minimizing downtime and improving user convenience. Ultra-fast EV charging systems, typically operating at power levels above 150 kW, are crucial for enhancing the practicality of EVs by reducing charging times to a few minutes. However, these high-power charging systems present several challenges, particularly in power conversion, grid integration, and thermal management. Efficient power conversion is critical to ensure high charging efficiency, reduce energy losses, and maintain system reliability. Additionally, the integration of ultra-fast chargers into existing power grids introduces concerns related to voltage fluctuations, harmonics, and peak demand management, necessitating advanced grid support mechanisms and energy storage solutions.

To address these challenges, recent innovations in power electronics have focused on the adoption of wide-bandgap semiconductors, such as silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN), which offer higher efficiency, lower losses, and improved thermal performance compared to conventional silicon-based power devices. Moreover, advanced converter topologies, including modular multilevel converters (MMCs) and resonant converters, have been developed to enhance power density and efficiency in ultra-fast chargers. Bidirectional charging capabilities and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology further improve grid stability and energy management by enabling EVs to supply power back to the grid.

Furthermore, the integration of smart grid technologies, artificial intelligence-driven energy management, and renewable energy sources is transforming ultra-fast EV charging infrastructure into a more sustainable and intelligent system. These developments not only improve efficiency and cost-effectiveness but also support the broader goal of reducing the carbon footprint of transportation. This review article explores these key challenges and innovations in power conversion technologies for ultra-fast EV charging, highlighting their impact on efficiency, cost, and long-term viability. The findings underscore the need for continued research and development in power electronics, grid integration strategies, and energy storage solutions to facilitate the widespread adoption of ultra-fast EV charging systems.

Techno-Economic Analysis of Power Electronics-Based Renewable Energy Systems

Rajat Mehta — 2025-05-03

The integration of power electronics in renewable energy systems has significantly improved their efficiency, reliability, and grid compatibility. With the rising global demand for clean energy, power electronics play a crucial role in optimizing energy conversion, grid interfacing, and economic feasibility. Modern renewable energy systems, including solar photovoltaic (PV), wind, and hybrid energy systems, rely heavily on advanced power electronic devices such as inverters, converters, and maximum power point tracking (MPPT) controllers to enhance performance and ensure stable operation.

This review explores the latest technological advancements in power electronics, focusing on wide-bandgap semiconductor materials, high-efficiency DC-DC converters, and multilevel inverters for seamless grid integration. Additionally, emerging AI-driven energy management systems, bidirectional converters, and hybrid energy storage solutions are discussed in the context of their potential to improve overall system efficiency. The review further presents a comprehensive techno-economic analysis, assessing capital costs, operational efficiency, levelized cost of energy (LCOE), and return on investment (ROI) in power electronics-based renewable energy systems.

Despite the significant benefits, several challenges hinder widespread adoption, including high initial investment costs, thermal management issues, power quality disturbances, and reliability concerns associated with electronic components. The integration of smart grid technologies and demand-side management strategies is essential to overcoming these barriers and improving system scalability. The findings suggest that continuous research and development in power electronics can drive cost reductions, enhance energy sustainability, and facilitate the global transition towards a low-carbon future.

Power Electronics for Floating Solar Farms: Design and Grid Integration Challenges

Vikas Joshi — 2025-05-03

Floating solar farms, also known as floating photovoltaic (FPV) systems, are an emerging technology aimed at maximizing solar energy generation while utilizing water bodies such as reservoirs, lakes, and offshore locations. These systems offer numerous advantages, including reduced land use conflicts, enhanced photovoltaic (PV) efficiency due to natural water cooling, and minimized water evaporation, which is particularly beneficial in arid regions. Additionally, FPV installations can be coupled with hydropower plants to create hybrid renewable energy systems, improving overall power output stability.

Despite their potential, integrating FPV systems into power grids presents several challenges, primarily related to environmental conditions, electrical stability, and power electronics design. The floating nature of these systems introduces mechanical and electrical stress due to water movement, temperature fluctuations, and humidity exposure, impacting the performance and lifespan of PV modules and associated power electronics. Furthermore, FPV systems require specialized power conversion and control mechanisms to ensure optimal energy extraction and seamless grid integration.

This review explores the critical role of power electronics in FPV systems, with a focus on key components such as DC-DC converters, grid-tied inverters, and maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithms. Various converter topologies, including multilevel inverters, resonant converters, and hybrid converter architectures, are analyzed for their efficiency, reliability, and suitability in floating environments. Additionally, the study examines grid integration challenges, including voltage regulation, harmonic mitigation, islanding detection, and power quality issues, which are crucial for maintaining stable and efficient FPV operation.

Furthermore, the review highlights the impact of advanced control techniques, such as artificial intelligence (AI)-driven MPPT, adaptive power management strategies, and real-time monitoring systems, in enhancing FPV performance. Emerging trends, including hybrid energy storage solutions, power electronics-based fault detection, and grid-forming inverter technologies, are also discussed, offering insights into the future of FPV system development.

High-Efficiency Power Factor Correction (PFC) Circuits: A Review of Topologies and Applications

Swati Gupta — 2025-05-03

Power Factor Correction (PFC) circuits play a critical role in enhancing the efficiency and reliability of power conversion systems by reducing power losses, improving power factor, and ensuring compliance with international power quality standards. With the increasing demand for energy-efficient electronics across various industries, high-efficiency PFC topologies have gained significant attention. Traditional PFC techniques, such as passive and active PFC circuits, have been widely employed; however, recent advancements in power electronics have led to the development of more efficient topologies, including bridgeless PFC, interleaved PFC, and digital control strategies. These advanced PFC designs minimize conduction losses, optimize thermal management, and achieve near-unity power factor operation.

This review provides a comprehensive overview of different PFC topologies, their working principles, and their comparative advantages. It also explores digital control methodologies and the role of modern semiconductor materials, such as Gallium Nitride (GaN) and Silicon Carbide (SiC), in improving the efficiency and reliability of PFC circuits. Furthermore, the applications of PFC circuits in switched-mode power supplies (SMPS), electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy systems, and LED drivers are discussed, emphasizing their contribution to energy savings and grid stability. The study highlights emerging trends, including AI-driven adaptive control techniques and wireless PFC solutions, which promise further improvements in power factor correction technology. Ultimately, this review aims to provide insights into the future of PFC circuits and their role in shaping next-generation energy-efficient power conversion systems.

Demand-Side Management in Smart Grids Using Power Electronics Technologies: A Review

Megha Saxena — 2025-05-03

Demand-Side Management (DSM) is a crucial component of modern smart grids, enabling efficient energy utilization, load balancing, and grid stability while reducing operational costs and minimizing environmental impact. With the rapid growth of renewable energy sources (RES), the increasing penetration of electrified transportation, and the shift towards decentralized power generation, DSM strategies have become essential in ensuring a reliable and resilient power grid.

Power electronics technologies play a pivotal role in DSM by facilitating real-time load control, dynamic energy optimization, and seamless integration of distributed energy resources (DERs). This review explores the advancements in power electronic converters, energy storage systems (ESS), and demand response (DR) strategies, which collectively enhance DSM capabilities. Various converter topologies, such as bidirectional converters, multilevel inverters, and soft-switching techniques, are examined for their ability to optimize power flow and improve grid efficiency. Additionally, the integration of solid-state transformers (SSTs), hybrid energy storage systems, and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technologies is discussed as enablers of an interactive and flexible demand-side infrastructure.

Furthermore, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and Internet of Things (IoT)-based control strategies are emerging as key trends in DSM, enabling predictive analytics, adaptive demand response, and real-time grid optimization. These technologies enhance consumer participation, improve energy efficiency, and support autonomous decision-making in DSM programs.

This study highlights the impact of power electronics-driven DSM solutions on improving power quality, reducing peak demand, minimizing total harmonic distortion (THD), and ensuring grid resilience. The review also addresses challenges related to high implementation costs, cybersecurity risks, and the need for regulatory frameworks to support DSM adoption. Ultimately, the advancements in power electronics-based DSM contribute to the development of a sustainable, intelligent, and future-ready power network, paving the way for next-generation energy management solutions.