System architecture of a modular direct-DC PV charging station for plug-in electric vehicles

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are an emerging technology in the market and are helping to offset the negative effects of existing transportation methods that primarily rely on fossil fuel sources. As PHEVs are being introduced into the market, renewable energy sources such as solar power are taking a larger part in the energy sector. A need for high efficiency battery charging is required to decrease the amount of time it takes to charge these cars in order for them to become a viable means of transportation. A novel solar carport architecture is proposed that will provide a three port interface to PHEVs, solar panels and the utility grid to create a seamless power flow between the three ports. Current battery chargers rely heavily on AC/DC conversion from the grid to the car battery, however a direct DC/DC interface is made in this solar carport thus increasing the overall efficiency. This paper¹ will prove this concept and show the improved performance over available battery charging schemes.