A comparison of P5, Cuk and class E ² converters for WPT in EV battery charging

Abstract

This paper presents three DC-DC converter topologies, P5, Cuk and a class E 2 converter to compare their performance in the context of wireless power transfer for electric vehicle battery charging. The comparisons use MATLAB simulation to explore the abilities of the system to produce the desired outputs, efficiency, and ability to operate under changing load and coupling factor conditions. The paper highlights current issues with resonant DC-DC converters for wireless electric vehicle battery charging. It also serves to draw parallels between the new application of Cuk and P5 converters for WPT, and that of the Class E 2 topology which is better understood within the context of wireless power transfer. The promising feature of Buck-Boost DC-DC converters for wireless power transfer is the ability to control output voltage from the duty cycle. This controllability opens new avenues for creating robust systems under varying coupling factors and loads. The Buck-Boost converter-based systems also benefit from a reduction in overall converters needed and a lower operating frequency than that of Class E 2 converters.