The cutting-edge technology currently being developed at VNIT’s Power Electronics Research Laboratory (PERL) is poised to revolutionize the electric vehicle (EV) charging industry.
The Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT) Nagpur, working in partnership with Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), USA, is currently engaged in the development of a cutting-edge power electronic transformer known as the Smart Solid-State Transformer (SST). This innovative device, created within VNIT’s Power Electronics Research Laboratory (PERL), is expected to significantly impact the electric vehicle (EV) charging sector by offering features not available in conventional transformers.
As part of the international collaboration, a specialist from Virginia Tech spent time at VNIT to provide expertise in SST research. The new transformer design addresses limitations found in older, more cumbersome transformer systems, most notably the absence of direct current (DC) ports and the inability to support integrated, bidirectional power flow. The SST concept incorporates DC ports, enables control over power direction, and seamlessly integrates renewable energy sources, potentially improving the overall efficiency and flexibility of EV charging and microgrid applications.
Although the technology promises advantages such as reduced weight and increased power density, it remains in an early stage of development and requires extensive validation. Thorough testing, including high-voltage isolation measures, advanced circuit training, and rigorous safety assessments, will be essential before the SST can achieve widespread commercial deployment.
The VNIT research team, guided by assistant professor Pradyuman Chaturvedi, has already produced a multi-voltage, bidirectional 25 kW SST prototype specifically designed for a five-port EV charging infrastructure. This configuration allows the device to redirect unused power from inactive ports to those that remain active, optimizing energy utilization. The prototype has been placed at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay for further examination and evaluation.
Underwritten by the Fulbright-Nehru Specialist Program, the project has provided VNIT students with both theoretical foundations and hands-on training in power electronics. This combination of academic and practical experience is expected to help advance the next generation of efficient, versatile, and sustainable energy solutions for EVs and beyond.
