On the validation of a modelling tool for Vehicle Integrated PhotoVoltaics: Reflected irradiance in urban environments

Vehicle Integrated PhotoVoltaics (VIPV) technology holds immense promise for extending the operational range of Electric Vehicles by integrating Photovoltaic cells onto vehicle surfaces. However, VIPV faces unique challenges coming from the dynamic nature of vehicular movement and the complex urban environment. This paper presents a comprehensive methodology for the analysis of VIPV systems, addressing these challenges. Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology provides a high-resolution point cloud to characterize urban topography and enables to analyse of the impact of urban objects on the different components of the irradiance. The proposed methodology is validated through a measurement campaign, demonstrating the accuracy of the proposed modelling. By bridging empirical data collection with computational modelling, this research provides a robust foundation for analysing VIPV systems in urban environments.