Dual PV Module Fed Modified Boost Converter Based On-Board Battery Charger for E-Rickshaws

Abstract

With the world's energy demand continuously rising, the importance of renewable energy sources (RES) has grown significantly. The growing demand for electric transportation, coupled with inadequate charging infrastructure, is driving the adoption of the various RES options for battery charging. Among them, solar photovoltaics (PV) has great potential, especially as a portable/onboard green charging solution. To promote this green initiative, this paper proposes a dual PV-fed modified boost converter-based onboard battery charging scheme for E-rickshaw. The proposed scheme facilitates reduced semiconductor device count as compared to the state of art schemes. Further, the dual PV input feature enhances the utilization of available space on E-rickshaw, addressing the limitations of conventional single PV module-based solutions. The two PV modules, differently rated as per space available in rooftop and backside of E-rickshaw, can be operated at their respective maximum power points irrespective of their operating conditions. The proposed architecture enables simultaneous battery charging from two PV modules while also ensuring seamless operation in single-PV mode, thus maintaining uninterrupted charging even if one module is damaged or temporarily removed. Additionally, an integrated over voltage protection mechanism is incorporated into the control algorithm to safeguard the battery from excessive charging. A 420 W (250 W from top PV and 170 W from backside PV) power level laboratory prototype was developed, and detailed experimental validation of the system is carried out to ascertain its viability. The peak experimental efficiency obtained was 96.7%.