Browsing by Author "Landman, Carel"

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    GHI forecasting to extend the range of a solar powered vehicle
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2020-03) Landman, Carel; Rix, Arnold J.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Engineering. Dept. of Electrical and Electronic Engineering.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The focus of this project is to investigate, model and optimise the range of electric vehicles(EVs). To do so, the detailed modelling of an EV (2016 Nissan Leaf) is covered, to simulate the range of the EV and to investigate how different factors will influence the range. Further, research was done to investigate whether mounting photovoltaic (PV) panels on an EV will extend the range, and if so, by how much. To accurately review the contribution from PV panels mounted on an EV, global horizontal irradiance (GHI) forecasting is done, by only making use of data that is freely available to the public. The GHI forecasting is based on the relationship between clearsky GHI, actual GHI and cloud cover and is done by making use of regression techniques. The biggest factors effecting the range of an EV is the incline of the road and the aerodynamic drag of the vehicle. Since 2016, batteries developed so much, that a battery with double the energy density of the battery in the 2016 Nissan Leaf, is now available. If this battery is used, the range of the EV will effectively be doubled. The GHI forecasting was compared to an existing model and shows more accurate forecasts than this model. It was concluded that PV panels mounted on an EV will lead to a very small increase in range as the EV drives, where the battery-charge gained as the EV is parked, has a more positive effect.