Solar Assisted Light Electric Vehicle

Solar Assisted Light Electric Vehicle Electric vehicles are greatly encouraged because of the policies for the reduction of pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. The pleasant and satisfying environment is a mandatory in-vehicle cabin both in electric vehicles and internal combustion engine vehicles. To avoid the heat from the engine, and innovating air conditioning system design, the coolant in electric vehicles must be implemented. The issue is solved by studying it broadly. The use of an electric compressor instead of the mechanical compressor is the most natural solution for cooling; on the other hand, a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heater is used to give a heating alternative to the engine coolant heater core. HVAC demands of the electric vehicle can be up to 40 % of the total energy consumption, therefore using the idea of solar panel on the rooftop of car for running the HVAC system of the car could be helpful. The purpose of this thesis is to elaborate the effects of several weather conditions on the cabin of electric vehicles, buses, and food trucks, with an idea to know about the energy required for the cooling and heating demands of the cabin. The estimation of electricity produced from solar panels on the rooftop of the bus, electric vehicle, and food truck and then using that energy for the HVAC demands of vehicle cabins. I simulated the PV solar panel for the car in different temperature and environment conditions such as cloudy, partially cloudy, and sunny day scenarios to know the power production for each situation. Then I simulated the HVAC system of the car in WLTP driving profile in different external temperature conditions to predicts the energy demand in each state. I considered an average drive for a light electric vehicle 50 Km per day. Results showed that solar energy is not enough in severe cold weather conditions, but it has a good impact on mild temperatures for the HVAC system of the car. I consider the demand of energy for HVAC of the vehicle based on the real-world weather data and driving profile.