Solar PV and Grid-based EV Charging using SEPIC Converter

The integration of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and grid-based charging for electric vehicles (EVs) is becoming increasingly popular due to its potential to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable energy. This research proposes a versatile power electronic converter (PEC) for electric vehicles (EVs) that can charge the battery using either solar photovoltaic (SPV) or grid power sources. The PEC includes sophisticated methods of control such as space vector pulse width modulation (SVPWM) and incremental conductance (IC) maximum power point tracking (MPPT). The proposed PEC employs the IC method to extract maximum power from the SPV source while avoiding the drawbacks of the perturb and observe method. The proposed PEC makes use of a converter that is based on a typical secondary ended primary inductance converter (SEPIC). The system offers galvanic isolation and safety, making it appropriate for all vehicular operations such as propulsion, charging, and regenerative braking. The converter operates as a standalone SEPIC during charging and buck-boost converter during propulsion(PP) and regenerative braking(RB) modes, retaining isolation in each mode. Based on the simulation outcomes, the proposed system can deliver an efficient charging solution, diminish reliance on grid power, and encourage the adoption of renewable energy sources. The proposed PEC serves as an optimal solution for on-board battery charging applications, contributing to the development of sustainable and low-carbon transportation systems.