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This study develops a new method to evaluate the economic viability of co-generation electric vehicle stations that concurrently generate electricity and hydrogen for charging battery electric vehicles and refueling hydrogen vehicles. The approach uniquely differentiates the costs associated with various energy outputs in co-generation stations and includes often-overlooked peripheral devices critical for accurate evaluation of the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) and hydrogen (LCOH). The method was tested across three design configurations: two featuring single storage options (battery and fuel cell, respectively) and a third using hybrid storage employing both. Each configuration was modeled, simulated, and optimized using HOMER Pro 3.14.2 to determine the most optimal sizing solution. Then, based on the optimal sizing of each design, LCOE and LCOH were evaluated using the proposed method in this study. The analysis revealed that excluding often-overlooked peripheral devices could lead to a 27.7% error in LCOH evaluation, while the impact on LCOE was less than 1%. Among different configurations, the design with hybrid storage proved economically superior, achieving a total levelized cost of energy (TLCOE) for the entire system of USD 0.113/kWh, with the LCOE at USD 0.025/kWh and LCOH at USD 0.088/kWh (or USD 3.46/kg). Comparative analysis with state-of-the-art studies confirmed the accuracy of the proposed method. This study provides a more precise and holistic approach that can be leveraged for the feasibility analysis of electric vehicle stations globally, enhancing strategic decision-making in sustainable energy planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Electric vehicles charging and refueling with various renewable-based designs. • Globally applicable multi-design framework identifies the most sustainable design. • Uses a hybrid multicriteria decision method with a microgrid optimization tool. • Shows real-time case study with comparison of seven 100% renewable-based designs. • Optimal design avoids 2,455 tons of yearly carbon emissions compared with the grid. The rapid development of green charging and refueling stations is vital for the widespread adoption of fuel cell electric vehicles and battery electric vehicles. This paper investigates the challenge of selecting the most optimal autonomous station design among various 100 % renewable-based options, considering techno-economic and socio-political factors. A globally applicable systematic framework is presented, encompassing 14 performance criteria, a microgrid optimization tool, and a hybrid multicriteria decision method. Focusing on the pressing needs of Karachi, Pakistan, the study showcases the application of the framework to evaluate 7 renewable-based autonomous designs. Among these, the photovoltaic and biogas generator-powered station emerges as the most optimal option for Karachi, with a levelized cost of energy (LCOE) of 0.31 $/kWh, levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) of 4.281 $/kg and payback period of 8.3 years. The optimal design avoids 2,455 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO 2)/year compared to the grid and 5,642 tonnes of CO 2 /year compared to diesel generators. When compared with the grid extension, the breakeven distance is found to be 4.6 km. Sensitivity analysis shows a 3.6 % decrease in LCOE and a 13.7 % decrease in LCOH with a 20 % increase in charging and refueling load, highlighting scalability benefits. This study contributes to various united nations' sustainability goals (7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13), striving to provide a clear pathway for selecting optimal station designs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The series–parallel resonant converter (also called line level control (LLC) resonant converter) is one of the most suitable topologies for dc–dc power supply. This study introduces the LLC resonant converter into the on‐board battery chargers for the plug‐in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) applications. Different from the previous literature which has focused on the wide operation range and hold‐up time requirement in the LLC design, this study is mainly focused on battery load characteristics and its impact on the charger design. First, to guarantee high efficiency in the light‐load condition in the constant voltage charging stage, the optimum LLC switching frequency range is derived. Second, considering the constant current charging function in the battery charger, the impact of peak load current on the LLC converter is discussed. The boundary between zero‐voltage switching (ZVS) and zero‐current switching (ZCS) in the constant current charging application is analysed. The trade‐off among the minimum load voltage, maximum charge current and resonant capacitor is studied in detail. Finally, the optimal design method for the LLC resonant converter used in the PHEV battery charger is proposed. The proposed methods are validated through experiments on a 400 V/6 kW PHEV charger system with 97% efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]