Enhanced Solar Photovoltaic Power Production Approach for Electric Vehicle Charging Station: Economic and Environmental Aspects

• Published in: Nature environment and pollution technology Vol. 23; no. 1; pp. 215 - 223
• Main Authors: Techo, J., Techo, S., Palamanit, A., Saniso, E., Chand, A. A., Prasannaa, P.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Karad Technoscience Publications 01.03.2024
• Subjects: Alternative energy sources; Ambient temperature; Cooling; Cooling rate; Discount rates; Economic analysis; Electric vehicle charging; Electric vehicle charging stations; Electric vehicles; Energy sources; Energy storage; Environmental aspects; Environmental impact; ev charging station, solar energy, economic analysis, carbon-free; High temperature; Irradiance; Life span; Net present value; Photovoltaic cells; Photovoltaics; Solar energy; Solar power; Solar radiation; Thailand
• ISSN: 2395-3454; 0972-6268; 2395-3454
• DOI: 10.46488/NEPT.2024.v23i01.017

In recent years, Electric Vehicles (EVs) are contributing a major share in Thailand and benefit the environment. Most of the EV charging stations are sourced from solar energy as it becomes a carbon-free source of energy production. Secondly, Thailand is rich in solar irradiance, and higher irradiance leads to higher power production. On the other hand, in tropical conditions, solar Photovoltaic (PV) module temperature increases following the solar irradiance due to high ambient temperature, resulting negative impact on the efficiency and lifespan of photovoltaic (PV) modules. Further, to increase PV power production, in this study, different rates of cooling strategies are proposed. The study found that reducing the temperature by 5% to 25% resulted in increased average power outputs of 5947.94W, 6021.43W, 6094.92W, 6168.41W, and 6241W, respectively. Notably, 25% of the cooling rate achieved higher production. However, it is lower than the nominal power production. Following that, economic analysis and environmental impacts are analyzed for Thailand’s EV charging station using a different cooling rate of PV module. Overall, it is concluded that, depending on the economic viability of the EV charging station, cooling technology can be applied, and it will benefit the EV charging station both economically and environmentally. To further enhance the solar PV power production approach for EV charging stations in Thailand, it is imperative to prioritize future endeavors towards optimizing cooling technology, integrating energy storage, and implementing supportive policies.