Design and Analysis of a Grid-connected DC Fast Charging Station for Dhaka-Chittagong Highway

TL;DR

The study addresses the need for robust grid-connected DC fast charging along Bangladesh's Dhaka-Chittagong corridor to reduce range anxiety and enable EV adoption. It proposes a DC fast charging station design using a step-down transformer, a three-phase Vienna Rectifier, and an LC filter to produce approximately $400$ V DC at up to $120$ kW, validated through MATLAB/Simulink simulations. The methodology includes a feasibility analysis based on corridor characteristics and five representative EVs, plus a travel-distance analysis showing how charging intervals translate to road coverage, leading to a recommended deployment of 4–7 stations on the 250 km route. The work provides a practical roadmap for deploying FCS infrastructure in Bangladesh, highlighting environmental and economic considerations and outlining future improvements in placement optimization and technology integration.

Abstract

The growing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) necessitates the development of efficient and reliable charging infrastructure, particularly fast charging stations (FCS) for addressing challenges such as range anxiety and long charging times. This paper presents the design and feasibility analysis of a grid-connected DC fast charging station for the Dhaka-Chittagong highway, a critical transportation corridor in Bangladesh. The proposed system incorporates advanced components, including a step-down transformer, Vienna Rectifier, and LC filter, to convert high-voltage AC power from the grid into a stable DC output. Simulated using MATLAB Simulink, the model delivers a peak output of 400V DC and 120 kW power, enabling rapid and efficient EV charging. The study also evaluates the system's performance, analyzing charging times, energy consumption, and distance ranges for representative EVs. By addressing key technical, environmental, and economic considerations, this paper provides a comprehensive roadmap for deploying fast charging infrastructure, fostering EV adoption, and advancing sustainable transportation in Bangladesh.

Figures (8)

• Figure 1: Charging process of an electric vehicle from the power grid using a fast charging station. High-voltage AC power from a three-phase grid is stepped down via a transformer and converted into DC power using a Vienna Rectifier. An LC filter is incorporated to remove noise and stabilize the DC output, ensuring a clean and reliable power supply for efficient and rapid vehicle charging.
• Figure 2: Map of the Dhaka–Chattogram Highway, a critical 250-kilometer transportation corridor connecting Bangladesh's commercial hub, Dhaka, with its primary port city, Chattogram.
• Figure 3: Simulink model of our proposed DC FCS, illustrating the power conversion process from a three-phase AC power grid to a stable DC output. The model includes key components such as the step-down transformer, Vienna Rectifier, and LC filter.
• Figure 4: Simulink model of Vienna Rectifier used in our proposed DC FCS. The rectifier, configured as a three-phase boost converter, converts 315V AC power into a nominal 400V DC output. It ensures sinusoidal mains current, controlled DC voltage, and efficient power conversion for electric vehicle charging.
• Figure 5: The blue curve illustrates the voltage's behavior, showing an initial surge peaking at 399.1 V, followed by stabilization to ensure a steady and reliable DC output for efficient charging.