Full Integration of On-Board Charger, Auxiliary Power Module, and Wireless Charger for Electric Vehicles Using Multipurpose Magnetic Couplers

To further improve the system integration and convenience of the battery charging system for electric vehicles, this letter proposed a multipurpose magnetic coupler-based charging solution that integrates bidirectional on-board charger (OBC), wireless power transfer (WPT), and an auxiliary power module (APM). The proposed solution presents multiple highlights: 1) the first exhibited solution to integrate OBC, WPT, and APM in one unit; 2) magnetic integration that uses a multiwinding WPT pad to eliminate the main transformer of OBC and APM; and 3) topological integration that saves multiple active and passive devices. This letter includes a description of the system topology, operation principles of individual charging modes, a novel magnetic coupler, and the design methodology. Finally, a prototype was constructed and different charging modes were tested to validate the proposed design.

Automated summary

This letter proposes a multipurpose magnetic coupler-based charging solution that integrates bidirectional on-board charger (OBC), wireless power transfer (WPT), and an auxiliary power module (APM) to further enhance the system integration and convenience of the battery charging system for electric vehicles. The proposed solution highlights the integration of OBC, WPT, and APM in one unit, the magnetic integration using a multiwinding WPT pad, and the topological integration that saves multiple active and passive devices. The letter includes a description of the system topology, operation principles of individual charging modes, a novel magnetic coupler, and the design methodology. A prototype was constructed and different charging modes were tested to validate the proposed design.