Optimizing Electric Vehicle Range through Integrating Rooftop Solar on Vehicle

Website: www.ijeer.forexjournal.co.in Optimizing Electric vehicle range through Integrating ░ ABSTRACT - This paper includes the research work to investigate the optimization of electric vehicle (EV) range by integrating rooftop solar panels onto the vehicle. The primary motivation stems from the increasing power demand for EV charging, requiring substantial grid electricity production. The paper explores the installation of rooftop solar panels to augment the EV range with a single full charge, reducing the dependence on the grid. The simulations are conducted using MATLAB modeling, optimizing solar and grid charging schedules based on solar irradiation data. The outcomes showcase a 1.44 kWh battery integration with an EV equipped with a 1 kW BLDC motor, weighing 800 kg, including payload. The installation of Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic (RTSPV) improved the range of the vehicle with 18.65%, energy consumption is increased with 15.5%, Cost savings in charging the battery is up to 15.5% and travel distance with full charge is increased up to 19.6%. This analysis is made with the reference drive cycle shown in the paper. While the integration of solar panels significantly extends the vehicle range, the research emphasizes the potential for sustainable charging practices to mitigate grid dependence and reduce emissions.

The surge in plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) has spurred sustainable charging advancements, emphasizing solar integration within DC micro grids.This approach streamlines battery charging while enabling bidirectional energy flow through Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) and Grid-to-Vehicle (G2V) technologies [1,2].Solar plug-in hybrid electric vehicles notably curtail charging expenses, favouring cost-effective Solar Photovoltaic (SPV) charging over conventional grid methods [3].However, optimizing SPV and grid charging schedules remains pivotal for this model's efficacy [4].
Despite the benefits, seamless integration of on-board solar cells with EV batteries poses challenges [5].SPV integration not only offers an eco-friendly charging alternative but also eases grid load for EVs [6].This study concentrates on solar photovoltaic integration into electric vehicle charging setups, highlighting intelligent energy management's importance [7,8,9].The research explores the installation of solar panels atop EVs to harness solar power.Analysing Solar irradiance using NREL's PV watts calculator and NSRDB Viewer for Hyderabad (17.3850°N, 78.4867° E), data reveals irradiance ranging from 4.44 to 6.97 kWh/m2/day [10].The highest irradiation occurs in March and April, dwindling in August.This research delves into solar PV systems on EV rooftops, capitalizing on solar irradiation data for effective integration.The discussion underscores SPV's impact on charging dynamics, emphasizing peak irradiation months for efficient harnessing of solar energy.

░ 2. PROPOSED METHODOLOGY
To reduce the pressure on grid to charge the EV, installation of Solar PV panels on EV roof top is proposed and figure 1 shows the model of RTSPV vehicle which shows the integration of Solar panels on roof top of the vehicle.The methodology depicted in figure 2, involves determining the drive cycle, calculating vehicle force, power, and energy, and measuring rooftop area to extend EV range.The rooftop Solar Photovoltaic (RTSPV) system supplements Electric Vehicle battery (EVB) charging during operation, augmenting battery range.

Proposed Block Diagram and Flow chart
The proposed block diagram shown in figure 3 illustrates EV's charging and power distribution system with rooftop Solar Photovoltaic (RTSPV) installation [16].EV integrates Grid Supply and PV supply, activated via a switch programmed with conditions from the Switch Schedule algorithm (table 1) and shown in the flowchart (figure 4) [17].The power train charges the battery from SPV or Grid supply, providing power to the motor controller for motor activation.The vehicle's charging mode is detailed in the flowchart (figure 4) with diverse conditions.Reference Drive Cycle: Analysis of reference drive cycle to understand the vehicle's power requirements and performance characteristics [11].

Grid_Supply
Calculation of Vehicle Force: Force required is calculated to propel the vehicle in given drive cycle.Power required to propel is analyzed here.
Power and Energy Calculation: Power and energy are computed to drive the vehicle during reference drive cycle.According to the requirement of power and energy rating of motor and battery are designed.[12].
Estimation of Required SPV Capacity: Measure the rooftop area suitable to install Solar panels and design the circuit to charge the EV battery with RTSPV System.[13].

Reference inputs and their ratings:
A 315W-rated solar panel is analyzed based on the vehicle rooftop dimensions.This data-driven model enhances energy efficiency and sustainability [20,21]

Vehicle Parameters used for Simulation in MATLAB
The

Battery and its results
As per literature, the simulated battery is a lithium-ion type with a 48V, 30Ah rating, displaying voltage and State of Charge (SOC) in figure 9.During vehicle travel, the battery exhibits slow discharge due to simultaneous Solar PV charging.Upon rest, it resumes charging via Grid supply.Table 3 outlines the response of a 48V, 30Ah battery-powered EV with and without integrated 315W RTSPV, running at an average speed of 21.7 kmph.The comparative analysis of the vehicle's performance parameters with and without the Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic (RTSPV) system reveals noteworthy insights.The analysis includes vehicle range and charging costs, assuming ₹8 as the per unit electricity charges.
░ Table 3: Vehicle output parameters with and without integration of rooftop solar panel ░

DISCUSSION
An 800 kg Golf cart, fitted with a 315W rooftop solar panel, exhibits a 90% system efficiency, powering a 1kW BLDC motor.Variations in solar irradiance affect the 48V, 30Ah Lithium-ion batteries charging, impacting the vehicle's energy consumption.Results show enhanced range and distance coverage with solar integration, reducing consumption costs.
The vehicle equipped with the RTSPV system demonstrates a commendable improvement in range, showcasing an 18.65% increase from 56.6 km to 67.1 km.While the energy consumption rises marginally by 18.75%, from 1.44 kWh to 1.707 kWh, the extended range suggests enhanced efficiency.Despite the increase in energy consumption, the cost consumption per kilometre experiences a notable reduction of 15.5%, dropping from 0.2035 Rupees/km to 0.1717 Rupees/km.This reduction signifies potential cost savings over the vehicle's lifespan.The time taken to travel with a full charge sees a 19.6% increase with the RTSPV system, from 2.5 hours to 2.99 hours.
However, it's crucial to note that both scenarios incur the same electrical charges of 8 Rupees for a unit charge.These findings underscore the trade-offs and advantages associated with the integration of RTSPV systems in electric vehicles.The observed increase in energy consumption and charging time is counterbalanced by the substantial improvement in range and the economic benefit of reduced cost consumption per kilometre, reinforcing the potential viability and sustainability of solar-powered electric vehicles.

░ 6. CONCLUSIONS
The integration of RTSPV with the EV notably enhances the vehicle's range by 18.65%.This integration diminishes reliance on grid power for EV operation within specific time and distance limits.However, the additional cost incurred for installing solar panels on the EV rooftop stands as a significant limitation to widespread adoption.Despite a slight increase in energy consumption and charging time, the vehicle exhibits an impressive 18.65% boost in range, reaching 67.1 km.Moreover, the 15.5% reduction in cost consumption per kilometre, from 0.20 Rupees/km to 0.17 Rupees/km, highlights potential cost savings.These findings emphasize the favourable trade-offs and economic advantages associated with RTSPV integration, supporting the viability and sustainability of solar-powered electric vehicles.A1: Table 1: charging modes of EVB.Table A2: Table 2 Vehicle parameters taken as inputs of MATLAB.Table A3: Table 3: Vehicle output parameters with and without integration of rooftop solar panel

Figure 4 :
Figure 4: Flowchart to show the conditions of charging EVB

Figure 5
displays (Current Vs Voltage) I-V and (Power vs Voltage) P-V curves of the PV system.The IV and PV curves (figure5depict the SPV modules' performance characteristics, offering insights into efficiency under varying voltage and current.Understanding these curves aids in gauging power generation potential and integrating SPV effectively into EV charging[18,19].

Figure 5 :
Figure 5: Simulation results of IV and PV curves of Solar panel

Figure 6 :
Figure 6: Simulation model of proposed system

Figure 7
Figure 7 depicts simulation results for different scenarios mentioned in the algorithm where the figure 7c shows vehicle running status, figure 7a represents irradiance, EVB charge enabling switch curve is shown in figure 7b, d.Switch

Figure 7 :Figure 8 :
Figure 7: Simulation results of Switch Schedule algorithm Acknowledgments: I Acknowledge G. Narayanamma Institute of Technology and Science (For Women) for facilitating the research facilities, licensed software and PES College of Engineering to research support of the work.Conflicts of Interest: Declare conflicts of interest or state "The authors declare no conflict of interest."Human and Animal Related Study: If the work does not involve the use of human/animal subjects.Appendix: Figure A1: Figure 1: RTSPV vehicle Figure A2: Figure 2: Flow Diagram of in estimating the vehicle power train.

Figure 4 :
Flowchart to show the conditions of charging EVB.

Figure A5: Figure 5 :
Simulation results of IV and PV curves of Solar panel Figure A6: Figure 6: MATLAB simulation Model

Figure A7: Figure 7 :
Figure A7: Figure 7: Simulation results of Switch Schedule algorithm Figure A8: Figure 8: Motor Speed while vehicle is running.Figure A9: Figure 9: Battery SOC TableA1: Table1: charging modes of EVB.TableA2: Table2Vehicle parameters taken as inputs of MATLAB.TableA3: Table3: Vehicle output parameters with and without integration of rooftop solar panel

Optimizing Electric Vehicle Range through Integrating Rooftop Solar on Vehicle The
charging process for EVB utilizing RTSPV includes an optimized charging timetable.Charging occurs via Grid supply or RTSPV, depending on vehicle status, sunlight availability, and EVB SOC.These parameters dictate the charging mode, detailed in

table 1 .
[14,15]posed methodology prioritizes optimizing solar energy for EV charging across diverse driving scenarios, ensuring efficient energy source utilization.Through these strategies, rooftop SPV installations significantly bolster the EV's power needs, enhancing sustainability and energy efficiency.[14,15]

Table 1 : charging modes of EVB
. Utilizing MATLAB's capabilities, this analysis targets insights into EV energy efficiency, operational behavior, and charging patterns.Vehicle technical parameters in MATLAB Simulink are detailed in table 2. The study's outcomes guide enhancements in vehicle design and energy management, fostering intelligent and sustainable EV solutions[22, 23, and 24].

Vehicle parameters taken as inputs of MATLAB
proposed Switch Schedule algorithm is simulated in MATLAB using vehicle parameters shown in table 2. Reference drive cycle is considered to implement the vehicle parameters along with the irradiance curves which are designed to test the said steps in figure 2. The Drive cycle demonstrates algorithm access points, and Irradiance reflects sun irradiance at 17.3850° N, 78.4867° E throughout the year.MATLAB simulation, aligned with table 1 conditions and flowchart in figure 4, is implemented using subsystems in MATLAB 2023b version and simulation model is shown in figure 6.