Eco-Friendly Charging Systems Using Solar Energy for Electric Vehicles

Abstract

The advancement of innovative EV chargers is essential for boosting the adoption of electric vehicles, alleviating range anxiety, and promoting technological breakthroughs that improve charging efficiency and grid integration. These developments tackle current issues and support a more sustainable and convenient future for electric mobility. This paper examines the performance characteristics of a solar-integrated charging system. It describes a simulation study on utilizing solar energy as the main direct current (DC) source for EV charging. The method includes an Energy Storage System (ESS) to manage solar energy fluctuations and reduce photovoltaic (PV) mismatch losses. Developed using MATLAB, the system integrates key components such as solar PV panels, the ESS, a DC charger, and an EV battery. The study reveals that an increase in solar irradiance from 400 W/m² to 1000 W/m² led to a significant 47% rise in the output power of the solar PV system. Concurrently, the ESS exhibited a 38% increase in output power under the same conditions, with tests conducted at a room temperature of 25°C. The findings highlight that optimal placement of solar panels with higher irradiance levels is crucial for maximizing the efficiency of integrated solar energy EV chargers. The research also demonstrates a positive correlation between higher irradiance levels and the State of Charge (SOC) of the EV battery. This correlation underscores the potential efficiency improvements through enhanced solar energy absorption, leading to more efficient and faster EV charging.