Research Projects

The proposed research aims to design and develop a Universal Power Electronics Building Block (U-PEBB) that will facilitate a scalable, efficient, and versatile power interface for Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) applications. The U-PEBB will advance power-sharing capabilities for electric vehicles (EVs), which are increasingly being recognized not just as transportation solutions but also as mobile ‘Energy Hubs’. The U-PEBB concept builds on the original PEBB framework, aiming to provide universal compatibility for V2X functionalities such as Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G), Vehicle-to-Home (V2H), and Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) in a single, adaptable hardware unit. This indigenous innovation addresses the limitations of conventional systems, which often require separate hardware interfaces for each V2X connection type, increasing overall costs and hindering widespread adoption of V2X technology. By creating a flexible, and universal power converter, this project seeks to support the sustainable adoption of EVs, enhancing grid stability and energy resilience while advancing India's “Made in India” initiative. At the heart of this project lies a U-PEBB unit rated at 30kW with a primary-side DC voltage range of 400-800V and secondary-side with configurable outputs of 400V DC, 230V single-phase AC, as well as 415V three-phase AC. This includes utilization of wide-bandgap (WBG) Silicon Carbide (SiC) MOSFETs for higher power density and efficiency, operating at a switching frequency of 100kHz. The hypothesis underlying this project is that a single, universal PEBB can reliably accommodate various V2X functions while delivering optimal performance across different voltage and power demands. This will be validated through comprehensive modeling and simulation, followed by the development and testing of a prototype unit. The proposed work involves simulation of the proposed U-PEBB across different V2X scenarios to assess its performance, stability, and control across varying conditions. This will be followed by experimental testing of a fully operational prototype, focusing on the integration of high-efficiency control algorithms, active gate drivers, and protection mechanisms. The evaluation parameters will include efficiency, adaptability, and cost-effectiveness metrics, benchmarking these against existing technologies necessary for future commercialization stages. The proposed research aims to catalyze advancements in energy-efficient EV infrastructure, allowing vehicles to better support the grid, residential needs, and other loads. Additionally, the project outcomes aim to contribute towards the standardization of V2X technology, reducing manufacturing costs and increasing market penetration. This work promises new knowledge in universal converter topologies, control schemes, and SiC-based device applications, further enabling sustainable, large-scale EV adoption and supporting national renewable energy goals.