OPTIMIZATION OF ONBOARDSOLAR PANELGEOMETRYFOR POWERING AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE

Abstract

Integrating solar energy into the electric vehicle (EV) market alleviates the demand for fossil fuels used to generate the electricity used to power these vehicles. Integrated solar panels provide a new method of power generation for an electric vehicle, but researchers must consider new dependent variables such as drag in the figure of vehicle efficiency. For the solar array to be deemed a viable option for power generation, the solar array must generate enough energy to overcome the added weight and aerodynamic drag forces the solar system introduces. The thesis explores the application of photovoltaic modules for power generation in an EV system. Researchers installed an off-the-shelf solar module on the roof of an EV and investigated the system to explore the efficiency tradeoffs. The research sought to identify an optimized solar panel configuration for minimized drag based on maximized panel surface irradiance, cooling, and array output voltage parameters. The study utilized computational fluid dynamics modeling, wind tunnel testing, and full-scale track testing to analyze the system. The results of this study provide an optimized configuration for a Renogy RNG-100D atop a Chevrolet Bolt. The system was considered optimal at a tilt angle of zero degrees when in motion. The performance benefits due to the increased angle of the solar panel tilt were deemed insufficient in overcoming the aerodynamic drag forces introduced into the system while in motion.