Power Converter Topologies for Grid-Tied Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Powered Electric Vehicles (EVs)—A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

The transport sector generates a considerable amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions worldwide, especially road transport, which accounts for 95% of the total GHGs. It is commonly known that Electric vehicles (EVs) can significantly reduce GHG emissions. However, with a fossil-fuel-based power generation system, EVs can produce more GHGs and therefore cannot be regarded as purely environmentally friendly. As a result, renewable energy sources (RES) such as photovoltaic (PV) can be integrated into the EV charging infrastructure to improve the sustainability of the transportation system. This paper reviews the state-of-the-art literature on power electronics converter systems, which interface with the utility grid, PV systems, and EVs. Comparisons are made in terms of their topologies, isolation, power and voltage ranges, efficiency, and bi-directional power capability for V2G operation. Specific attention is devoted to bidirectional isolated and non-isolated EV-interfaced converters in non-integrated architectures. A brief description of EV charger types, their power levels, and standards is provided. It is anticipated that the studies and comparisons in this paper would be advantageous as an all-in-one source of information for researchers seeking information related to EV charging infrastructures.

Keywords

• photovoltaic systems (PV)
• electric vehicles (EVs)
• PV grid-connected
• PV stand-alone
• vehicle-to-grid (V2G)
• integrated topologies