Presentation Details
| Integration Between PV-Array and Electric Vehicles with Boost-DAB Converters for Large Autonomy Alejandro Stowhas-Villa1, Sebastián Rodriguez-Romero2, Matias G.Veilon1, Diego Arias2, Christian A.Rojas1, Edward Fuentealba2, Jorge Rabanal-Arabach2. 1Department of Electronics, Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María, Valparaiso, Chile.2Department of Electrical Engineering, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile |
Abstract
This paper presents the integration and dynamic evaluation of a vehicle-integrated photovoltaic (ViPV) system applied to the powertrain of an electric passenger bus operating under high solar irradiance conditions. The proposed architecture combines a rooftop-mounted photovoltaic array, a DC–DC boost converter with maximum power point tracking, a battery-supported DC bus, and two isolated Dual Active Bridge (DAB) converters supplying independent traction inverters. The ViPV system operates as a complementary energy source, contributing renewable power without compromising the stability of the traction system or the DC bus. The photovoltaic array is connected to the DC bus through a boost converter controlled by a perturb-and-observe MPPT, enabling continuous extraction of the maximum available solar power under varying irradiance conditions. From the DC bus, power is distributed to two traction units through independently controlled DAB converters operating under single phase-shift modulation. This configuration provides galvanic isolation, modularity, and decoupled control of the traction motors, enhancing system robustness against load and source disturbances. Detailed simulations are carried out in PLECS considering an electric bus model representative of urban operation in Antofagasta, Chile, a region characterized by high solar irradiance. Three operating scenarios are analyzed: optimal irradiance (1000 W/m²), partial irradiance (500 W/m²), and operation without photovoltaic contribution. The results demonstrate stable DC bus voltage regulation and proper power sharing between the photovoltaic system and the battery under all scenarios. Moreover, the photovoltaic contribution remains decoupled from traction dynamics, even during abrupt irradiance changes. A simplified energy analysis over a 9-hour operation period shows that, under optimal irradiance conditions, the ViPV system achieves a battery energy saving of approximately 10.6% compared to the reference case without solar integration. These results confirm the potential of ViPV systems as an effective complementary energy source for increasing the driving range and reducing battery stress in urban electric buses.
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No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author.
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