Vehicle Integrated Photovoltaics

Neel Patel, Karsten Bittkau, Kaining Ding, Wilfried van Sark, Angèle Reinders

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapterAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Falling prices of photovoltaic (PV) technology make niche applications such as vehicle-integrated PV (VIPV) possible. Although not a new idea, recent efficiency gains in the complete supply chain of PV technologies make the pursuit of VIPV feasible. However, significant technical challenges still need to be solved before VIPV goes mainstream. In this chapter, we highlight the recent advances in VIPV technologies in academia and industry. Challenges include adapting PV on curved surfaces of vehicles, design of control electronics to deal with the dynamic changes arising from vehicle motion, the durability of PV, and social acceptance, to name a few. To estimate the potential energy gains and benefits of VIPV, new energy yield modeling techniques need to be developed and validated using measured data. Despite the challenges, the upside of developing this technology is the possibility of reducing the carbon emissions of the road transport sector by switching to electric mobility coupled with innovative PV systems.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationPhotovoltaic Solar Energy
Subtitle of host publicationFrom Fundamentals to Applications, Volume 2
EditorsWilfried van Sark, Bram Hoex, Angèle Reinders, Pierre Verlinden, Nicholas J. Ekins-Daukes
PublisherWiley
Chapter30
Pages491-506
Number of pages16
ISBN (Electronic)9781119578826
ISBN (Print)9781119578819
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 26 Aug 2024

Keywords

  • EVs
  • photovoltaic-powered vehicles
  • VIPV
  • yield modelling

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