Modular Approach to Ultra-fast Charging Stations

Abstract

Road transport electrification is essential for meeting the European Union's goals of decarbonization and climate change. In this context, an Ultra-Fast Charging (UFC) system is deemed necessary to facilitate the massive penetration of Electric Vehicles (EVs) on the market; particularly as medium-long distance travels are concerned. Anyway, an ultra-fast charging infrastructure represents the most critical point as regards hardware technology, grid-related issues, and financial sustainability. Thus far, this paper presents an impact analysis of a fast-charging station on the grid in terms of power consumption, obtained by the Monte Carlo simulation. Simulation results show that it is not economical convenient size the assumed ultra-fast charging station for the maximum possible power also considering its high impact on the grid. In view of the results obtained from the impact analysis, the last part of the paper focuses on finding a method to reduce the power installed for the DC/DC stage while keeping the possibility for the electric vehicle to charge at their maximum power. To achieve this goal a modular approach is proposed. Finally, two different modular architectures are presented and compared. In both the solutions, the probability of having EVs charging at limited power is less than 5%.