Application of multi-port power electronic interface for contactless transfer of energy in automotive applications

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) and Electric Vehicles (EV) are gaining popularity due to political, environmental, and economical reasons. Research is being done to charge these alternatively fueled vehicles by means of Inductively Coupled Power Transfer (ICPT). In this paper authors present a system to use a Multi Port Power Electronics Interface (MPEI) to control power flow from/to several AC and DC sources/sinks within a PHEV or EV, especially including Inductively Coupled Power Transfer (ICPT). This paper shows potential reduction in mass and improvement in driving range and fuel economy due to the use of a novel charging strategy.