Photovoltaic-supported battery charger system with low-side two-switch based buck-boost converter for electric vehicles

Abstract

This study presents the design and performance evaluation of a photovoltaic (PV)-supported battery charger system utilizing a low-side two-switch buck-boost converter for electric vehicles. The proposed system aims to address the increasing demand for environmentally friendly and efficient battery charging solutions that reduce dependency on fossil fuels and grid electricity. By integrating a PV system with the charger, the system harnesses solar energy to charge electric vehicle batteries, thus offering a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to grid-dependent charging. The innovation lies in the use of a two-switch buck-boost converter, which simplifies the power conversion process by employing only one inductor and one capacitor, thereby reducing the overall size and cost of the system. The converter operates efficiently in both buck and boost modes, accommodating varying input voltages from the PV panels and ensuring optimal charging conditions for different battery types in the ratings of 72 V and 200 V nominal operating values. Extensive simulations in Matlab/Simulink demonstrate the system's capability to maintain stable and efficient operation under diverse irradiance (200-1000 ∼W/m² ) and temperature (25-32° C) conditions. The results validate the system's effectiveness in managing PV power and delivering reliable battery charging, as evidenced by improved state of charge and voltage levels in the batteries. As a result, the PVsupported battery charger system with a two-switch buck-boost converter is a robust and efficient solution for sustainable electric vehicle charging, highlighting its potential for realworld applications and further optimization.