Electric Vehicle Technologies: Trends, Control, and Charging Solutions

This review provides a comprehensive overview of the technological advancements in solar Electric Vehicle (EV) charging systems, with a particular focus on the challenges posed by Partial Shading Conditions (PSC). As the adoption of electric vehicles grows globally, the integration of solar power for EV charging offers significant potential in reducing carbon emissions and optimizing energy efficiency. The review delves into the evolution of solar PV-EV charging systems, highlighting innovations in system designs, energy management strategies, and Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technologies. A key focus is placed on the impact of shading on Photovoltaic (PV) module performance, with an exploration of various mitigation strategies such as advanced optimization algorithms, hybrid PV systems, and battery storage solutions. Through a review of recent studies, it outlines the effectiveness of solar-powered charging infrastructure, including grid-connected and off-grid systems, in diverse environmental conditions. Despite the progress, challenges related to battery performance, system costs, and the feasibility of large-scale deployment are discussed. Furthermore, the review investigates the economic and environmental benefits of solarassisted EV charging, with a focus on sustainability, cost reduction, and the integration of renewable energy sources. The chapter concludes by identifying future research directions to address the unresolved issues surrounding partial shading, battery degradation, and the optimization of solar charging systems for widespread adoption. Ultimately, it emphasizes the importance of overcoming shading effects to enhance the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of solar EV charging systems, contributing to the broader goals of sustainable transportation and clean energy.

This chapter provides a background of the study on Electric Vehicles (EVs), focusing on motor drive technologies that are still evolving. The need to optimize EV applications and performance is taken into account. EVs have been promising technologies for achieving a sustainable transport sector in the future due to their minimized carbon emissions, low noise, high efficiency, flexibility in grid operation, and integration. The future of EVs holds significant promise as advancements in technology and infrastructure converge. In general, Direct Current Motors (DCMs), Induction Motors (IMs), and Permanent Magnet Motors (PMMs) can generally be found in trading centers, whereas Reluctance Motors (RMs) have been utilized eventually and are approached towards commercial availability. This chapter briefly introduces various types of electric motors and their usage in electric vehicles. The reader will certainly have a basic understanding of motor mechanisms used in various applications of electric drives.

In the interest of the share market, let’s analyze some figures to verify the usage and importance of electric vehicles in society. The annual EV sales crossed 12 lakh vehicles in FY2023, with more than 60% of the share accounted for by registered Electric two-Wheelers (E2W) followed by passenger Electric three-Wheelers (E3WP) with approximately 29% market share. The data also says that 13% of the new cars sold in 2022 were electric ones. The growth in CO2 emissions should also be reduced in order to meet Net Zero Emissions by 2050. The share of sales of EVs increased by 4% in 2021. The global sales of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and Plug-in Hybrid EVs (PHEVs) exceeded six million units in 2020. 

This chapter has been written keeping in mind that the electric vehicle is a multidisciplinary subject mainly involving electrical and mechanical engineering. So, the chapter begins by briefly discussing the basics of various semiconductor devices mainly used in the power electronic converters used for electric vehicles. This chapter clearly explains the requirement of power electronic converters to turn the electricity derived from an electric battery into a suitable form for an electric drive. It discusses the suitability of various semiconductor devices in different applications of drives based on switching and conduction losses. This chapter gives a comprehensive review of various power electronic converters used for electric drives. The former part of the chapter is dedicated to a detailed discussion of various configurations of DC-DC converters for electric drives with schematic diagrams, mathematical equations, and waveforms. In the later part of the chapter, a detailed discussion of various configurations of DC-AC converters for electric drives with schematic diagrams, mathematical equations, and waveforms is provided. This chapter also includes a comparison of various configurations to suit a particular kind of electric vehicle. For better understanding, the chapter also discusses speed control of induction motor drives using power electronic converters. A case study of the design and development of a bidirectional charger for electric vehicles is discussed on the MATLAB Simulink platform. Bidirectional chargers, which enable power flow in both directions from the grid to the vehicle (G2V) and from the vehicle to the grid (V2G), are at the forefront of this technological evolution.

The widespread adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs) relies on achieving high efficiency and precise motor control. Although Brushless DC (BLDC) motors offer advantages for EVs, traditional control methods struggle to deliver the desired performance. This chapter discusses the operation of BLDC and investigates the development and evaluation of a Field-Oriented Control (FOC) system that enables precise speed control of BLDC motors in an electric vehicle application. The developed FOC with necessary coding is provided for a clear understanding of the control. FOC offers superior control over more straightforward methods, allowing for independent torque and flux control, improving efficiency and dynamic response.

This research implemented a novel angle-based strategy within the FOC system. This approach controls the flux position of the motor using a constant 48V supply, significantly reducing switching losses compared to traditional PWM or PID control methods. Consequently, the system achieves a peak-to-peak speed ripple of less than 0.3 rpm and demonstrates improved efficiency. The machine dynamics, with the help of currents, fluxes, and changes in rotor position, are explained in this work.

A practical urban cycle is developed to test the proposed control topology. The successful operation of the vehicle with produced results highlights the effectiveness of the developed FOC system with the novel angle-based strategy in achieving precise speed control and improved efficiency for BLDC motors in EVs, contributing to the development of EVs with extended range and reduced environmental impact, paving the way for more sustainable transportation solutions.

The challenge of emission-free transportation is currently a much-discussed issue that has led to the development of innovative charging solutions. A major technical challenge for the potential market is the significant charging time involved, especially for long-range EVs. This chapter develops two design solutions: PhaseShifted Full-Bridge (PSFB) Converter-based battery charger and grid-connected bidirectional charging schemes for a plug-in EV. A Constant-Current and ConstantVoltage (CC-CV) charging scheme is developed using industrial standards. The mathematical model of the EV Chargers has also been developed using the above control scheme to demonstrate Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) and Grid-to-Vehicle (G2V) operations. The introductory part discusses the relevance of this topic, emphasizing the need for fast-charging technologies. After that, we discuss the available options for DC-DC converters and justify the choice of the PSFB converter, concluding with its design parameters. The following section compares two different control strategies for the DC-DC converter, leading to the choice of the CC-CV scheme and its implementation. Next comes the implementation of the 3-phase Controlled Rectifier, employing the d-q Current Control approach to regulate the rectifier through advanced direct-quadrature-coordinate controllers. The schemes are successfully implemented in the simulation environment for the considered operation mode. The results successfully present the charge controller performances with CC-CV charging for different batteries.

This chapter reveals the design and application of an adaptive passivitybased controller in the Lagrangian framework for the three-level (TL) boost converter as an EV battery charger. The proposed control technique is based upon the dynamic model of the proposed system along with the idea of energy shaping and damping injection. First, the state-space equations are developed using the EL formulation. Furthermore, the adaptive PBC on the average dynamics of the TL boost converters is designed along with the stability analysis. To reduce the steady-state errors and to obtain a robust controller against dynamics and external disturbances, a PI controller is added parallel to the proposed controller. The performances of the proposed controller are studied for two different loads (resistive and battery) under several operating conditions through MATLAB/ Simulink and tested through the OPAL-RT simulator. The power quality feature of the TL boost PFC converter is also assessed through total harmonic distortion of input source current under different operating conditions. Less than 5% total harmonic distortion is observed in the source current under various loading conditions, which lies in the range of international harmonic standard IEC 61000-3-2 Class C. Further, the comparative discussion of the proposed adaptive PBC with the PI controller is included in terms of peak overshoot, rise time, peak time and settling time.

This study introduces a groundbreaking Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) battery charging system tailored specifically for Electric Vehicles (EVs), accompanied by a comprehensive analysis and design methodology. The innovative technology facilitates bidirectional power flow, allowing energy to be transferred from the EV back to the grid or other interconnected devices, alongside conventional charging capabilities for EV batteries. This bidirectional functionality not only enhances the adaptability and efficiency of EV charging infrastructure but also holds significant promise for enhancing the resilience and stability of the grid. By enabling EVs to not only draw energy from the grid but also contribute surplus energy back when needed, the V2G system transforms EVs into flexible energy storage units. This capability can play a crucial role in mitigating grid imbalances caused by fluctuations in renewable energy generation or unexpected demand spikes. Moreover, during peak demand periods or emergencies, EVs can act as distributed energy resources, providing valuable support to the grid and reducing strain on traditional power generation facilities. The deployment of such a V2G system represents a paradigm shift in the way we approach both EV charging and grid management. It offers a sustainable solution to enhance grid resilience, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and accommodate the growing demand for electric mobility. Additionally, the bidirectional power flow capability opens up opportunities for new revenue streams for EV owners through participation in energy markets or grid services. 

The integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technology in domestic automation has revolutionized household applications, including floor cleaning. Automated Floor cleaning is a very useful application in the field of Electrical Vehicle technology that is helpful in household as well as industrial applications. This paper presents a brief overview of the basic structure and components of a floor-cleaning vehicle. Also, this paper presents a detailed literature review on various topologies involved in robots for floor cleaning systems. The ultimate objective is to engineer an independent cleaning solution that not only excels at thorough and efficient floor cleaning but also provides users with the ability to monitor the process in real-time. The proposed system harnesses a sophisticated array of sensors, microcontrollers, and a Wi-Fi module, establishing a seamless channel of communication between the cleaning robot and a remote user interface. The cleaning mechanism is designed to incorporate precision brushes and powerful vacuum functionality, ensuring the effective removal of dust and debris from a wide range of floor surfaces. Moreover, the integration of a live streaming camera on the robot presents users with the unique opportunity to closely observe the cleaning process as it unfolds, accessible via a user-friendly mobile application or web interface. Key features of the system include efficient path planning, obstacle detection and avoidance, and remote monitoring via live streaming. This research contributes to the field of smart home technology by offering a practical and innovative solution for automated floor cleaning. In the future, machine learning algorithms will be developed in the proposed system.

This chapter proposes a model for a wireless charging station for Electric Vehicles (EVs), eliminating the need for conventional charging plugs and wires. The system operates based on the principle of mutual induction, utilizing two coils: a transmitter (primary coil) and a receiver (secondary coil). In this setup, the primary coil is powered by a high-frequency AC supply source/inverter, and EMF is automatically in the IC field. When the secondary coil, located in the vehicle, comes into proximity with the primary coil, an Electromagnetic Force (EMF) is induced in the receiver coil, allowing energy transfer without physical contact. A key feature of this model is that the two coils are not co-located. The primary coil is installed at the charging station, while the secondary coil is integrated into the electric vehicle. For the system to work, the vehicle must be equipped with this secondary coil. Once energy is transferred from the primary to the secondary coil, it is used to charge the vehicle's batteries. In addition to facilitating wireless charging, the station is powered primarily by solar energy, making it an eco-friendly solution by utilizing renewable energy sources. Importantly, electric vehicles without the secondary coil installed will not be compatible with this wireless charging system, underscoring the need for integration of this technology into the vehicle design. 

Solar energy manifests as rays and heat emitted by the sun. Solar panels consist of solar cells that convert light into electrical energy. The contemporary landscape calls for innovative solutions to combat fuel dependency and environmental degradation, with a solar hybrid bicycle system emerging as a promising remedy. The escalating emission of carbon dioxide from vehicular exhausts exacerbates the pace of global warming. Concurrently, the relentless surge in fuel prices across India and globally underscores the imperative to explore alternative avenues and harness natural resources judiciously. The integration of a hybrid solar bicycle system presents a tangible opportunity to mitigate CO2 emissions and curtail fuel expenses. The solar bicycle epitomizes an electric vehicle paradigm, leveraging solar energy to replenish its battery reserves and power its motor. Endowed with nine months of abundant sunshine annually, India stands poised to reap substantial benefits from such innovative transportation solutions. The hybrid bicycle, crafted to amalgamate solar energy and a dynamo-driven battery charging mechanism, embodies a sustainable mode of transportation. Integral to the operational framework is an accelerator mechanism facilitating motor speed regulation, thereby ensuring optimal control over power supply. This fusion of renewable energy and conventional cycling components heralds a paradigm shift in sustainable mobility solutions. By harnessing solar power and kinetic energy through the dynamo, the hybrid bicycle exemplifies an environmentally conscious mode of transport conducive to reducing carbon emissions and alleviating fuel dependency. The advent of the solar hybrid bicycle system symbolizes a pivotal stride towards addressing contemporary challenges associated with fuel consumption and environmental degradation. With India's climatic predisposition favoring solar energy utilization, the proliferation of such innovative transportation solutions holds promise for ushering in a greener, more sustainable future.