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Power Electronics & EV Charging

Solid-State Transformer EV Charging in MATLAB Simulink: Research and FYP Guide

Solid-state transformers are increasingly studied as compact, controllable interfaces between medium-voltage grids and electric-vehicle charging systems. This guide explains how to structure a three-stage Simulink model and how to turn the simulation into a defensible PhD, master’s or final-year project.

MATLAB SimulinkPhD ResearchEngineering ProjectFYPPower Electronics

Why This Topic Matters

A research-oriented MATLAB Simulink model of a three-stage, three-phase unidirectional solid-state transformer that converts a 13.2 kV supply to a regulated 220 V EV-charging interface.

For academic work, the model should connect every claimed improvement to a measurable output. A reliable workflow begins with a validated baseline, introduces one controlled modification at a time and uses repeatable scenarios for comparison.

Project Objective

Develop and study a medium-voltage solid-state transformer architecture for electric-vehicle charging, with coordinated stage control, galvanic isolation, regulated low-voltage output and measurable power-quality performance.

Recommended MATLAB Simulink Blocks

  • Three-phase 13.2 kV grid source and input measurement stage
  • Front-end AC–DC conversion with input-current shaping and DC-link regulation
  • High-frequency isolated DC–DC conversion stage with transformer model
  • Low-voltage output regulation for a 220 V charging interface
  • EV charging load, protection logic and voltage/current measurement blocks

Step-by-Step Modelling Workflow

  1. Establish rated voltage, power, switching frequency and transformer turns-ratio parameters.
  2. Design the front-end current and DC-link voltage control loops.
  3. Implement isolated power transfer and output-voltage regulation across the second and third stages.
  4. Apply staged start-up, load-step and source-disturbance cases to assess transient behavior.
  5. Record grid current, DC-link voltage, transformer waveforms, output voltage, charging current and power flow.

Simulation Cases to Include

  • Rated EV-charging operation
  • Charging-load step and reference-voltage variation
  • Input-voltage disturbance or grid sag
  • Converter start-up and DC-link pre-charge
  • Controller-gain or switching-frequency comparison

Graphs and Results to Discuss

  • Input voltage/current and displacement power factor
  • DC-link and isolated-stage voltage waveforms
  • Regulated 220 V output and charging current
  • Active/reactive power and conversion-stage power balance
  • Voltage ripple, current ripple, settling time and total harmonic distortion

Do not report a curve only as “improved.” State the event time, compare the reference and measured signals, calculate relevant indices and explain the physical reason for the change.

PhD Novelty and FYP Extension Ideas

  • Bidirectional SST operation for vehicle-to-grid studies
  • Model-predictive, sliding-mode or intelligent controller comparison
  • SiC/GaN switching-loss and efficiency model
  • Multiport PV/BESS integration at the DC link
  • Hardware-in-the-loop or real-time digital-simulator validation

Where This Project Can Be Used

  • PhD and master’s research in solid-state transformers and EV charging
  • Power-electronics final-year projects and FYP demonstrations
  • Medium-voltage fast-charging architecture studies
  • Converter-control and power-quality coursework
  • OEM-oriented charger topology and control evaluation

Common Modelling Mistakes

  • Using inconsistent base values, units or sign conventions across subsystems.
  • Tuning all control loops simultaneously instead of validating the inner loops first.
  • Comparing controllers under different initial conditions or disturbances.
  • Ignoring actuator, converter, current, SOC, temperature or power limits.
  • Presenting scope screenshots without quantitative result interpretation.

Related Project Demonstration

The dedicated project page includes the uploaded MATLAB Simulink video, project scope, expected outputs and related research links.

View Project and Video

Related Research Links

Frequently Asked Questions

Solid-State Transformer EV Charging in MATLAB Simulink: Research and FYP Guide

Why use three conversion stages?

The staged structure separates grid-current control, high-frequency isolation and low-voltage charging regulation, making each control objective easier to study and improve.

Is this suitable for an FYP?

Yes. A simplified rated-power model can support an FYP, while advanced loss models, bidirectional operation and real-time validation can support postgraduate research.

Which results are most important?

Grid current quality, DC-link stability, output-voltage regulation, charging current, ripple, transient response and stage power balance are central outputs.

Can the model be made bidirectional?

Yes. Replacing unidirectional devices and redesigning the control logic can extend the project to vehicle-to-grid or battery-to-grid operation.

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