Validation of a Novel Hybrid on-Board Charging System for Light Electric Vehicles in Hilly Terrain

The growing interest of automakers, governments, and consumers in electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid EVs (HEVs) is driven by increasing environmental concerns. Among these alternatives, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are gaining popularity. These vehicles require their batteries to be charged either at home using regular outlets or at business parking lots, impacting the distribution grid with additional electrical loads. This can lead to power losses and voltage fluctuations, especially when charging is uncoordinated, causing disorganized electricity usage and local grid issues. Smart grids face significant challenges due to unpredictable load demands and the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources (RESs). One effective solution is using storage devices to store excess energy from RESs and release it back into the grid as needed. To improve power management and resource utilization, a novel hybrid on-board charging system for hilly terrain is proposed. This system integrates a solar photovoltaic system with converters, batteries, supercapacitors, and drive systems to ensure efficient energy use and charging, even when external power sources are unavailable. The key objectives are to optimize charging operations, drive operations, and energy management. The inclusion of regenerative braking further extends the driving range of EVs and enhances energy efficiency. Compared to other methods, the proposed system shows superior realization, robustness, and efficiency. The simulation findings are presented in open-loop control, demonstrating the feasibility and benefits of the proposed method. Finally, the system's effectiveness is validated using Typhoon HIL 402, which analyzes the state of charge of Li-ion batteries in different modes during standstill conditions.