Research Projects

Electric Vehicles (EVs) play a central role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, mitigating urban air pollution, and decreasing dependence on fossil fuels. This project proposes to design and develop a novel, hybrid AC–DC multi-port power electronic converter that integrates renewable sources (primarily photovoltaic) with the grid, creating a scalable, intelligent, and sustainable EV charging network. The converter will handle inputs from both AC (grid) and DC (PV or other renewables), enabling real-time power flow optimisation. Its modular design ensures applicability across diverse environments, including urban areas with robust grid infrastructure and rural regions with limited or no grid access, where hybrid sources like PV and wind can provide reliable charging solutions. Intelligence will be incorporated through AI-enabled digital controllers, performing: • Predictive load management: Using machine learning algorithms to forecast EV charging demands based on historical usage patterns and grid conditions. • Renewable forecasting: Employing AI-driven models for short-term photovoltaic and renewable generation prediction to prioritise renewable energy usage. • Adaptive charging strategies: Implementing reinforcement learning algorithms to dynamically adjust charging rates according to user behaviour, grid constraints, and renewable availability. The converter design embeds sustainability by: • Prioritising renewable integration to reduce the carbon intensity of charging. • Reducing reliance on fossil-based grid supply through hybrid source optimisation. • Minimising lifecycle costs with a compact, modular, and upgradable architecture. • Enabling interoperability with future energy sources such as wind and battery storage. This proposal addresses critical gaps in EV infrastructure by combining multiple input sources into a single, compact converter, reducing system cost and complexity. It introduces AI-driven control for optimised energy usage, ensuring preferential utilisation of renewable energy while maintaining charging reliability. The converter topology minimises passive components, enhancing efficiency and reducing material usage, thereby lowering the overall environmental footprint. The novelty lies in: • A unified multi-port converter architecture enabling simultaneous grid and renewable utilisation. • AI-driven intelligence for adaptive charging and real-time energy optimisation. • A sustainable, modular design adaptable for various EV categories (2W/3W/4W). This project aligns with India's strategic initiatives, including the National Electric Mobility Mission, Atma-Nirbhar Bharat, Make in India, Innovate India, and the Smart Cities Mission. Funding is crucial for developing indigenous, cutting-edge EV charging solutions that accelerate the adoption of green mobility, enhance energy security, and contribute to achieving India’s decarbonization targets.