Modeling, Analysis, Design, and Simulation of a Bidirectional DC-DC Converter with Integrated Snow Removal Functionality for Solar PV Electric Vehicle Charger Applications
Sandra Aragon-Aviles, Arvind H. Kadam, T.S. Sidhu, Sheldon S. Williamson
Abstract
Different factors affect solar photovoltaic (PV) systems by decreasing input energy and reducing the conversion efficiency of the system. One of these factors is the effect of snow cover on PV panels, a subject lacking sufficient academic research. This paper reviews and compares current research for snow removal in solar PV modules. Additionally, this paper presents the design, analysis and modelling of a smart heating system for solar PV Electric Vehicle (EV) charging applications. The system is based on a bidirectional DC-DC converter that redirects the grid/EV-battery power into heating of the solar PV modules, thus removing snow cover, as well as providing the function of MPPT when required to charge the EV battery pack. A control scheme for each mode of operation was designed. Subsequently, a performance evaluation by simulating the system under various conditions is presented validating the usefulness of the proposed converter to be used in solar PV systems under extreme winter conditions.