3.3 KVA Electric Vehicle Charger with RFID Security

Abstract

The paper is all about designing a 3.3kVA electric vehicle (EV) charger with RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) technology that adds security and convenience to users. The use of RFID will only allow certified vehicles to connect and utilize the charger, hence a secure authentication process. When an EV with an RFID tag comes near the charging station, it is read to authenticate its identity and provide access if approved. The charger is made to provide a consistent and efficient charging experience, controlling the power provided to the vehicle for safe and effective charging. The system consists of real-time monitoring capabilities that monitor a number of charging parameters like voltage, current, and time, enabling accurate control and management. This real-time information also enables accurate billing according to the actual power usage during the charge process, which provides transparency to the consumers. In addition, the charger ensures improved energy management by maximizing the utilization of available power, minimizing power wastage, and enhancing grid efficiency overall. By integrating RFID technology with a strong EV charger, this system seeks to satisfy the increasing demand for safe, reliable, and easy-to-use charging infrastructure, making EV charging an easy and seamless part of daily life for EV drivers.

Introduction

Overview

This paper presents the design and implementation of a 3.3 kW Level 2 Electric Vehicle (EV) charger with integrated RFID-based access control, developed for residential and small business use. The system prioritizes secure charging, user access control, energy efficiency, and fault protection, addressing the growing demand for accessible and intelligent EV infrastructure.

Objectives

The project aims to:

• Build a working prototype of an EV charger with RFID authentication.

• Ensure safety with protections against overcharging, overheating, and short circuits.

• Provide real-time monitoring of charging parameters.

• Maintain compliance with standards like IEC 62196 and SAE J1772.

• Deliver a compact, wall-mounted design with LED indicators and encrypted data handling.

Literature Insights

1. Efficiency and Converter Design: Use of resonant, boost, and buck converters to enhance power handling up to 95% efficiency. Emphasis on effective thermal management.

2. Grid Impact: Level 2 chargers can strain local grids during peak hours. Solutions include smart transformers, energy storage, and distributed generation (e.g., solar).

3. Power Factor Correction (PFC): Critical for minimizing energy losses and phase mismatches; adds cost and complexity.

4. Smart Charging Protocols: Communication-based control (e.g., OCPP, ISO 15118) helps balance grid load, user demand, and dynamic pricing.

System Design & Methodology

• Microcontroller-Based Control: Manages the entire charging process and reads RFID data.

• Authentication: Access is granted only to registered users via RFID tags.

• Real-Time Monitoring: Sensors continuously check voltage, current, and temperature.

• Safety Measures: Fault detection triggers instant disconnection via relay switching to prevent hazards.

• User Feedback: LCD displays and LEDs indicate system status (e.g., charging, complete, error).

• Audio Alerts: Buzzer signals charging status or alerts in case of faults.

Process Flow

1. System starts and awaits RFID scan.

2. RFID tag is checked against the authorized user database.

3. If authorized, relay connects power to EV and starts charging.

4. Charging is continuously monitored for safety.

5. On completion or fault detection, system stops charging and resets.

Key Components

1. Power Conversion Unit: Converts 220V–240V AC to regulated DC for EV charging.

2. Microcontroller: (e.g., PIC32) Handles logic, safety monitoring, RFID management.

3. RFID Reader: Grants access to authenticated users via ID verification.

4. Relay (T91 12V 40A): Switches charging power on/off based on authentication and safety.

5. Display (I2C 16x2 LCD): Shows charging time, voltage, current, and user info.

6. Safety Sensors: Monitor current, temperature, voltage to ensure safe operation.

Conclusion

The 3.3 kW RFID-secured EV charger is an important milestone in electric vehicle charging infrastructure that combines effective power transfer with robust user authentication. By integrating such features as power factor correction, microcontroller management, and simple-to-use interfaces, these chargers offer safe and efficient charging experience. The application of RFID technology is not only more secure in controlling access to rightful users but also simplifies users\' interactions by making charging convenient and efficient. With the development of electric vehicles, the deployment and design of such innovative solutions will be integral in fostering cleaner transportation and capturing the evolving tastes of consumers.

References

[1] Filizadeh et al. (2020)- Review of AC Level 2 Charging Technologies. Analyzes converter topologies to improve efficiency and thermal management for sustainable EV infrastructure (Energies, 2020). [2] Moura et al. (2018)- Impact of Level 2 Charging on Distribution Grids. Examines the strain of EV chargers on local grids, recommending upgrades and policies for stability (IEEE Transactions on Transportation Electrification, 2018). [3] Liu et al.- Design and Control of Single-Phase AC Chargers. Discusses power factor correction in residential chargers and the trade-offs in efficiency and stability (IET Power Electronics). [4] Li et al. (2019)- Smart Charging Strategies for Level 2 EV Charging Stations. Covers dynamic load management and protocols for scalable, grid-friendly EV charging (IEEE Conference on Industrial Electronics and Applications, 2019).

Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Sanjali Sangale, Rugved Tajanpure, Vaishnavi Wagh, Ulhas V. Patil. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.