Photovoltaic (PV) Sources in Transportation: PV-Powered Vehicles and PV-Powered Charging Stations

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Energy Science and Technology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 December 2021) | Viewed by 26815

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Today, photovoltaic (PV) energy is widespread, helping to significantly reduce greenhouse emissions while electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more and more viable as a transportation alternative to conventional fossil fuel vehicles and, therefore, diminishing the direct carbon pollution. Thus, a mutual exploitation of PV sources and EVs provides sustainable solutions towards ecological and energy-efficient systems. The acceleration of integrating PV into transport will contribute to improving energy and environmental issues in the transport sector. EVs driving range may increase through on-board PV generator implementation. Furthermore, intelligent power and energy control techniques combined with communication interfaces enables the best prices for EVs charging, taking into account PV generation. In addition, new services, such as vehicle-to-grid (V2G) and vehicle-to-home/building (V2H/V2B), may easily imply PV generation to support the grid via ancillary services and peak shaving. In light of these growing trends, this Special Issue focuses on the possible contributions of PV technologies, as well as the deployment of PV sources, in the transport sector (on-board and stationary PV generators). The goal is to address current state-of-the-art technology and to bring recent ideas, advances, and insights in PV-powered vehicles, as well as PV-powered charging stations. Authors are invited to submit original contributions for review and possible publication. This Special Issue includes, but is not limited, the following topics: 

  • PV technologies for EVs (car, buses, trucks, etc.);
  • EVs powered by on-board PV generators (car, buses, trucks, etc.);
  • PV-powered infrastructure charging stations (multi-source systems, microgrids, etc.);
  • New services associated with the PV-powered charging stations: V2G, V2H/V2B;
  • Power electronic converter requirements and barriers for V2G, V2H/V2B;
  • Power management and control techniques;
  • Intelligent systems for energy management for PV-powered vehicles;
  • Intelligent systems for energy management for PV-powered charging stations;
  • Optimal sizing, location and control of PV energy for on-board and stationary applications;
  • State-of-the-art reviews on PV technologies for EVs, PV-powered vehicles and PV-powered charging stations;
  • Study cases. 
Prof. Dr. Manuela Sechilariu
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • Photovoltaic sources
  • Transportation
  • Electric vehicle
  • Charging station
  • Energy management
  • 6microgrid
  • Power electronics
  • Communication interface
  • V2G, V2H, V2B

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 21076 KiB  
Article
Solar Charging of Electric Vehicles: Experimental Results
by Bruno Robisson, Sylvain Guillemin, Laurie Marchadier, Gérald Vignal and Alexandre Mignonac
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(9), 4523; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12094523 - 29 Apr 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2540
Abstract
Sales of electric vehicles, for commercial use and personal use, keep rising. In parallel of the development of the associated Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (EVCI), systems for controlling the charging of EVs will have to be developed in order to reduce the impact [...] Read more.
Sales of electric vehicles, for commercial use and personal use, keep rising. In parallel of the development of the associated Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (EVCI), systems for controlling the charging of EVs will have to be developed in order to reduce the impact of such a development on the power grid. In this paper, we present a supervision system that controls the electric vehicle charging of employees of CEA Cadarache research center. The EVCI of Cadarache, set up in 2016, is constituted of more than 80 22-kW AC charging points spread over 30 zones. This EVCI currently supplies more than 376 vehicles including taxis, service vehicles as well as employees’ vehicles. This infrastructure is one of the largest private EVCIs in the region. The supervision system controls electric vehicle (EV) charging in real-time according to two objectives: respecting user preferences, by fully charging the EV battery, and synchronizing the power consumption of a fraction of the EVCI, i.e., 24 charging points, with the power production of a solar photovoltaic plant. This paper details the supervision system that is used to carry out these experiments and presents experimental results. These results show that it is technically feasible to increase (up to 60 percentage points) the self-production ratio while satisfying EV users. Full article
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33 pages, 11618 KiB  
Article
Real-Time Power Management Including an Optimization Problem for PV-Powered Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
by Saleh Cheikh-Mohamad, Manuela Sechilariu and Fabrice Locment
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(9), 4323; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12094323 - 25 Apr 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2569
Abstract
Electric vehicles (EVs) are expanding quickly and widely, and, therefore, EVs can participate in reducing direct greenhouse gas emissions. The intelligent infrastructure for recharging EVs, which is microgrid-based, includes photovoltaic (PV) sources, stationary storage, and a grid connection as power sources. In this [...] Read more.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are expanding quickly and widely, and, therefore, EVs can participate in reducing direct greenhouse gas emissions. The intelligent infrastructure for recharging EVs, which is microgrid-based, includes photovoltaic (PV) sources, stationary storage, and a grid connection as power sources. In this article, the energy cost optimization problem is studied, taking into account the intermittent arrival and departure of EVs. A mixed-integer linear programming is formulated as an optimization problem in a real-time operation to minimize the total energy cost, taking into consideration the physical limitations of the system. The interaction with the human-machine interface provides EV data in real-time operation, and the prediction only communicates the PV prediction profile provided by the national meteorological institute in France. The optimization is executed at each EV arrival, with the actualized data in the DC microgrid. Simulation and real-time experimental results of different meteorological conditions show that the EV user demands are satisfied, proving the feasibility of the proposed optimization problem for real-time power management. Full article
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23 pages, 4161 KiB  
Article
Global Cost and Carbon Impact Assessment Methodology for Electric Vehicles’ PV-Powered Charging Station
by Youssef Krim, Manuela Sechilariu, Fabrice Locment and Amalie Alchami
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(9), 4115; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12094115 - 19 Apr 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1907
Abstract
To deal with the issue of climate change by moving towards sustainable development, electric mobility is one of the most beneficial approaches, offering users relatively low-carbon transport means. Based on a life cycle assessment, this paper investigates a calculation methodology of carbon impact [...] Read more.
To deal with the issue of climate change by moving towards sustainable development, electric mobility is one of the most beneficial approaches, offering users relatively low-carbon transport means. Based on a life cycle assessment, this paper investigates a calculation methodology of carbon impact and global cost for a photovoltaic-powered charging station (PVCS) for electric vehicles (EVs). The PVCS is equipped with a PV system, stationary storage, charging terminals, and connection with the power grid. This methodology has two main objectives. The first one is the estimation of the global cost of the PVCS under 30 years of lifespan, including the costs of investment, exploitation, maintenance, and externalities. The second one is the calculation and assessment of the carbon impact of the PVCS and comparing it with a grid-powered charging station (PGCS). According to the analysis of the results obtained, the carbon impact of the PV system is largely responsible for the global carbon impact of PVCS. Thus, levers of action and scenarios are proposed to reduce the global carbon impact by using more recent data and recycled materials for the most emitting elements of CO2. The proposed scenarios allowed a reduction in the carbon impact of the PVCS compared to the PGCS, where scenario 4 has the lowest carbon impact. For recent PV panels having a greatly reduced emission coefficient of 0.012 kgCO2,eq/kWh, and a recycled infrastructure, the PVCS has a 32.1% lower carbon impact than that of the PGCS. Full article
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20 pages, 16699 KiB  
Article
Impact of Environmental Conditions on the Degree of Efficiency and Operating Range of PV-Powered Electric Vehicles
by Christian Schuss and Tapio Fabritius
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(3), 1232; https://doi.org/10.3390/app12031232 - 25 Jan 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1429
Abstract
This paper investigates the impact of environmental conditions on the possible output power of photovoltaic (PV) installations on top of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and battery-powered electric vehicles (BEVs). First, we discuss the characteristics and behavior of PV cells in order to provide [...] Read more.
This paper investigates the impact of environmental conditions on the possible output power of photovoltaic (PV) installations on top of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and battery-powered electric vehicles (BEVs). First, we discuss the characteristics and behavior of PV cells in order to provide an understanding of the energy source that we aim to integrate into vehicles. Second, we elaborate on how PV cells and panels can be simulated to estimate the potential extension of the electrical driving range (ERE) of BEVs and HEVs. In particular, we concentrate on the impact of the vehicle’s curved roof surface on the possible output of the PV installation. In this research, we present considerations for vehicles in both parking and driving conditions. More precisely, we demonstrate how the frequently changing environmental conditions that occur while driving represent significant challenges to the control of the operating voltage of PV cells. As the area for deploying PV cells on top of an electric vehicle is limited, attention needs to be paid to how to optimize and maximize the degree of efficiency of PV-powered electric vehicles. Full article
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18 pages, 2626 KiB  
Article
PV Benefits Assessment for PV-Powered Charging Stations for Electric Vehicles
by Youssef Krim, Manuela Sechilariu and Fabrice Locment
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(9), 4127; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11094127 - 30 Apr 2021
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 2412
Abstract
Recently, the lift off point for the sales of electric vehicle (EV) was started with a significant increase. Therefore, convenient access to charging station infrastructure is required. The purpose of this work is to assess the role and benefits of photovoltaic (PV) for [...] Read more.
Recently, the lift off point for the sales of electric vehicle (EV) was started with a significant increase. Therefore, convenient access to charging station infrastructure is required. The purpose of this work is to assess the role and benefits of photovoltaic (PV) for PV-powered charging infrastructures for EVs by a better energy management. This management is performed by a microgrid based on PV panels installed on roofs or car parking shades, EVs charging terminals, electrochemical stationary storage, and public grid connection. The aim is to define the economic aspects, feasibility and preliminary requirements for this system, in order to avoid overloading the power grid and guarantee a higher percentage of clean energy. The proposed methodology is presented through the modeling and development of a techno-economic tool for local stakeholders, allowing to manage and size EV charging stations, which is divided into three phases. The first phase informs local stakeholders on the necessary space and the maximum sizing as well as the generated cost to install a PV-powered charging station (PVCS). During the second phase, the total cost of the PVCS is adjusted according to the users’ budgets and needs. The third phase presents a detailed qualitative analysis of the user-defined configuration. In this phase, the main objective is to assess the performance of the PVCS, and then, to improve its sizing and its operating modes aiming at increasing the use of PV energy, while minimizing energy supplied by the power grid. In addition, it allows evaluating the PVCS performance by proposing an energy balance according to different charging scenarios (virtuous scenario, critical scenario, realistic scenario, and personalized scenario) and weather conditions. Moreover, this tool is reproducible in peri-urban area since it is able to handle any location. Full article
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22 pages, 4722 KiB  
Article
Optimal Path Configuration with Coded Laser Pilots for Charging Electric Vehicles Using High Intensity Laser Power Beams
by Gunzung Kim, Imran Ashraf, Jeongsook Eom and Yongwan Park
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(9), 3826; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11093826 - 23 Apr 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1362
Abstract
Wireless power transmission (WPT) for wireless charging has been gaining wide attention as a promising approach to miniaturizing the battery size and increasing the maximal total range of an electric vehicle (EV). With an appropriate charging infrastructure, WPT holds great potential to accelerate [...] Read more.
Wireless power transmission (WPT) for wireless charging has been gaining wide attention as a promising approach to miniaturizing the battery size and increasing the maximal total range of an electric vehicle (EV). With an appropriate charging infrastructure, WPT holds great potential to accelerate the acceptance of EVs through users’ higher satisfaction, reducing EV cost, and increasing the driving range and capability. A WPT system based on high-intensity laser power beaming (HILPB) provides an optimal solution for wirelessly charging electric vehicles from a distance of several meters. Despite a large number of WPT approaches, the problem of optimal path configuration for charging EV remains an unexplored area. This paper proposes a method to determine the optimal power transmission path in environments where multiple power transmitters (PTXs) and power receivers (PRXs) are operated simultaneously. To this end, we modeled the HILPB power that reaches a PRX equipped with a photovoltaic (PV) array and validated the model by simulating the WPT process in an environment with multiple PTXs and PRXs using a direct-sequence optical code division multiple access (DS-OCDMA) system. In the simulation environment, upon receiving a request from a PRX, a PTX sent its power channel information through optically encoded laser pulses using each available wireless power channel (WPC). The PRX calculated the maximum deliverable power of a PTX and WPC based on the received channel power indicator of the incident laser beam. Based on the calculation results, it selected the optimal PTX and WPC for its maximum power requirement (MPQ). The MPQ of each PRX was satisfied by applying the algorithm for selecting the PTX according to the alignment and characteristics of the PTXs and PRXs. We modeled a power reception model of the PRX based on a PV array using coded laser pilots and validated it through experimentation. We discussed some algorithms that select the most suitable PTX among several PTXs for which several EVs receive the power it needs. Full article
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23 pages, 10928 KiB  
Article
PV-Powered Electric Vehicle Charging Stations: Preliminary Requirements and Feasibility Conditions
by Saleh Cheikh-Mohamad, Manuela Sechilariu, Fabrice Locment and Youssef Krim
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(4), 1770; https://doi.org/10.3390/app11041770 - 17 Feb 2021
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 4655
Abstract
Environmental benefits lie in halting direct air pollution and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In contrast to thermal vehicles, electric vehicles (EV) have zero tailpipe emissions, but their contribution in reducing global air pollution is highly dependent on the energy source they have been [...] Read more.
Environmental benefits lie in halting direct air pollution and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In contrast to thermal vehicles, electric vehicles (EV) have zero tailpipe emissions, but their contribution in reducing global air pollution is highly dependent on the energy source they have been charged with. Thus, the energy system depicted in this paper is a photovoltaic (PV)-powered EV charging station based on a DC microgrid and includes stationary storage and public grid connection as power source backups. The goal is to identify the preliminary requirements and feasibility conditions for PV-powered EV charging stations leading to PV benefits growth. Simulation results of different scenarios prove that slow charging with long park time could increase PV benefits for EVs and may reduce the charging price, therefore, EV users should be more willing to stay at charging stations. Whereas, for fast charging, EV users should accept the high charging price since it depends on the public energy grid. Energy system distribution and EV’s energy distribution are well presented. Full article
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21 pages, 17990 KiB  
Article
PV-Powered Charging Station for Electric Vehicles: Power Management with Integrated V2G
by Dian Wang, Manuela Sechilariu and Fabrice Locment
Appl. Sci. 2020, 10(18), 6500; https://doi.org/10.3390/app10186500 - 17 Sep 2020
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 4564
Abstract
The increase in the number of electric vehicles (EVs) has led to an increase in power demand from the public grid; hence, a photovoltaic based charging station for an electric vehicle (EV) can participate to solve some peak power problems. On the other [...] Read more.
The increase in the number of electric vehicles (EVs) has led to an increase in power demand from the public grid; hence, a photovoltaic based charging station for an electric vehicle (EV) can participate to solve some peak power problems. On the other hand, vehicle-to-grid technology is designed and applied to provide ancillary services to the grid during the peak periods, considering the duality of EV battery “load-source”. In this paper, a dynamic searching peak and valley algorithm, based on energy management, is proposed for an EV charging station to mitigate the impact on the public grid, while reducing the energy cost of the public grid. The proposed searching peak and valley algorithm can determine the optimal charging/discharging start time of EV in consideration of the initial state of charge, charging modes, arrival time, departure time, and the peak periods. Simulation results demonstrate the proposed searching peak and valley algorithm’s effectiveness, which can guarantee the balance of the public grid, whilst meanwhile satisfying the charging demand of EV users, and most importantly, reduce the public grid energy cost. Full article
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Review

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16 pages, 2685 KiB  
Review
Overview and Perspectives for Vehicle-Integrated Photovoltaics
by Benjamin Commault, Tatiana Duigou, Victor Maneval, Julien Gaume, Fabien Chabuel and Eszter Voroshazi
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(24), 11598; https://doi.org/10.3390/app112411598 - 07 Dec 2021
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 4330
Abstract
On-board photovoltaic (PV) energy generation is starting to be deployed in a variety of vehicles while still discussing its benefits. Integration requirements vary greatly for the different vehicles. Numerous types of PV cells and modules technologies are ready or under development to meet [...] Read more.
On-board photovoltaic (PV) energy generation is starting to be deployed in a variety of vehicles while still discussing its benefits. Integration requirements vary greatly for the different vehicles. Numerous types of PV cells and modules technologies are ready or under development to meet the challenges of this demanding sector. A comprehensive review of fast-changing vehicle-integrated photovoltaic (VIPV) products and lightweight PV cell and module technologies adapted for integration into electric vehicles (EVs) is presented in this paper. The number of VIPV projects and/or products is on a steady rise, especially car-based PV integration. Our analysis differentiates projects according to their development stage and technical solutions. The advantages and drawbacks of various PV cell and module technologies are discussed, in addition to recommendations for wide-scale deployment of the technologies. Full article
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