Electric Vehicle On-Board Solar Generation: System-level Benefits and Power Electronic Challenges-Video

Abstract: This webinar will give an overview of system-level modeling and analysis of electric vehicle (EV) on-board solar generation, as well as discuss the related power electronic challenges. To date, solar-charged electric vehicles have been mainly considered as niche projects or with small vehicle rooftop panels that can slightly extend electric driving range. However, recent research has shown that a large-scale solar-charged EV, with low-cost, flexible, and thin film solar cells integrated onto the steel of all upwards-facing vehicle body panels, is a viable solution to help mitigate EV charging and range concerns. Only by considering the full range of benefits, namely to the grid, the driver, and the environment, can the value of solar-charged EVs truly be appreciated. Thus, this webinar will first present these system-level benefits based on detailed modeling work. Secondly, there are multiple power electronic approaches that can be used to convert the low-voltage solar power such that it can charge the high-voltage EV battery. This webinar will review these potential power electronic topologies from the literature and industry, and will discuss their advantages and disadvantages. Furthermore, this webinar will also discuss Dr. Bauman's related research on similar applications such as solar-powered refrigerated trailers.