Optimization of a Photovoltaic Station for Charging Electric Vehicles

Abstract

The constant struggle to reduce greenhouse gas emissions caused by internal combustion vehicles makes electromobility a latent alternative solution. The main difficulty in its implementation is the scarce or non-existent presence of solar charging stations for electric vehicles in all regions. This paper illustrates the design optimization and simulation of an electric vehicle charging station that integrates solar energy. An optimal design of the charging station with MPPT, PID controllers, as well as current control strategies, is shown. The design took into account the dynamic needs such as the geographical area of maximum irradiance using PV GIS, an optimal system with PVsyst, the design, and simulation of the charging station showing the dynamic values of power versus time, as well as current versus time, validated by MATLAB/Simulink. After sizing it was obtained that the optimal charging station should have 3 photovoltaic systems of 19 modules distributed in 5 strings each, providing an average daily electrical power of 684 kWh.