Study on Distributed MPPT System in Solar EV
Abstract
In this study, we investigated a photovoltaic (PV) system for a solar powered Electric Vehicle (converted from a Honda Gyro Canopy). PV modules were installed on four surfaces of a rear-delivery-box (top, rear, right, and left). Each PV module had a maximum power point tracker (MPPT). To maximize total output power, two types of distributed MPPT systems using series–parallel connections were examined, and the output power was measured in outdoor experiments. The results clearly indicate that differences in the currents lead to a reduction of output power of the top and rear surfaces in a series–parallel system in which the left and right surfaces are in parallel.