Logo: to the web site of Uppsala University

As the electrification of the transport sector accelerates, the demand for efficient and more sustainable Electric Vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure is rapidly increasing. Since traditional silicon-based grid-side rectifiers are approaching their performance limits, new technologies based on wide bandgap semiconductors have become increasingly popular. Among these, Silicon Carbide (SiC)-based power electronic converters have gained significant attention due to the potential they exhibit for higher efficiency and enhanced system-wide sustainability.

This thesis presents a full life cycle comparative analysis of a silicon-based and a SiC-based two-level grid-side active rectifier system for EV fast charging applications. The study is comprised of the design of the converter control systems, dimensioning of both converters and LCL filters, inductor design via 2D FEM simulations, converter loss simulation, and a screening Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of the two solutions.

The results demonstrate that the SiC-based converter system achieves a 78.4% reduction in volume and a 91.9% reduction in total weight, while also decreasing the overall losses by 40.3% when compared to its silicon alternative. From a life cycle sustainability perspective, the SiC solution exhibits an average environmental impact of 46% across multiple impact categories. The study highlights the potential of SiC-based solutions to enhance system wide efficiency and sustainability for future EV charging infrastructure.