A renewable approach to electric vehicle charging through solar energy storage

PLoS One. 2024 Feb 29;19(2):e0297376. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297376. eCollection 2024.

Abstract

Developing novel EV chargers is crucial for accelerating Electric Vehicle (EV) adoption, mitigating range anxiety, and fostering technological advancements that enhance charging efficiency and grid integration. These advancements address current challenges and contribute to a more sustainable and convenient future of electric mobility. This paper explores the performance dynamics of a solar-integrated charging system. It outlines a simulation study on harnessing solar energy as the primary Direct Current (DC) EV charging source. The approach incorporates an Energy Storage System (ESS) to address solar intermittencies and mitigate photovoltaic (PV) mismatch losses. Executed through MATLAB, the system integrates key components, including solar PV panels, the ESS, a DC charger, and an EV battery. The study finds that a change in solar irradiance from 400 W/m2 to 1000 W/m2 resulted in a substantial 47% increase in the output power of the solar PV system. Simultaneously, the ESS shows a 38% boost in output power under similar conditions, with the assessments conducted at a room temperature of 25°C. The results emphasize that optimal solar panel placement with higher irradiance levels is essential to leverage integrated solar energy EV chargers. The research also illuminates the positive correlation between elevated irradiance levels and the EV battery's State of Charge (SOC). This correlation underscores the efficiency gains achievable through enhanced solar power absorption, facilitating more effective and expedited EV charging.

MeSH terms

  • Anxiety
  • Anxiety Disorders
  • Computer Simulation
  • Computer Systems
  • Humans
  • Solar Energy*

Grants and funding

Funding for this project was granted by PETRONAS Research Sdn Bhd (UTVSB/CS/P. 20221025007). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or manuscript preparation. There was no additional external funding received for this study.