The present exemplary embodiment relates to solar charging protocols for electric or hybrid vehicles. However, it is to be appreciated that the present exemplary embodiment is also amenable to other similar applications.
Electric vehicles are powered by an electric motor to which electricity is provided by a group of batteries. Operation of the motor depletes energy stored in the batteries. Electric vehicles are typically recharged from an external power source. For example, the electric vehicle can be recharged at a home or office location by being plugged into a standard outlet. Also, commercial fast charging stations are becoming more commonly available where a higher current charge can be delivered.
A hybrid vehicle operates using both hydrocarbon fuel and electric power. A conventional engine is fueled by the hydrocarbon fuel while an electric motor is powered by a battery. The engine may operate a generator which charges the battery at times when the full power of the engine is not needed to propel the vehicle. A plug-in hybrid is a hybrid vehicle in which the driver has the option of plugging the vehicle into an exterior electric power source when it is parked so that the battery does not have to be charged by the engine.
Solar vehicles, as referred to herein, include electric and hybrid vehicles which have one or more solar panels on the body to provide part of the electricity for the electric motor and/or for charging the batteries and further to any vehicle including one or more solar panels that provide electrical power to a vehicle accessory, such as a radio or the vehicle's heating, ventilating and air conditioning system.
An exemplary electric vehicle including solar panels is depicted in FIG. 1. Vehicle 10 includes storage batteries 12 mounted within the vehicle. A plurality of solar panels 14 are located on the hood and roof to convert incident solar radiation into electrical energy. The solar panels 14 are electrically connected to the storage batteries 12 and are operative to supply electrical current thereto for recharging. In general, the panels are preferably as large as practical to help create a large total area of solar panels. In practice, this may mean that parts of the panels extend over air rather than the vehicle body.
Furthermore, notwithstanding the reference to solar panels, other types of systems devised to convert solar radiation into electricity may be suitable for use in the presently disclosed embodiment. Moreover, the present disclosure is suited to any type of apparatus attached to a vehicle that generates electrical energy from solar radiation. Accordingly, the use of the phrase “solar panel” throughout this disclosure is intended to encompass all such apparatus.
A typical car belonging to an individual is parked most of the time. Therefore, if significant sun exposure can be provided while parked, solar charging can provide a substantial portion of the required energy. In the case of an electric vehicle, the solar vehicle would likely also be a plug-in, so if sunlight is unavailable for any reason (weather, parked underground etc.) the battery can be charged from grid power. In the case of a hybrid vehicle, the battery of the solar hybrid can be charged by the solar panels and by the engine and perhaps also as a plug-in.
As compared to a solely plug in electric car, a key advantage of a solar vehicle is that it can be more easily charged at a location away from the operator's home. By utilizing an integrated vehicle controller and GPS system, and/or a smart phone, it is possible to provide guidance to the vehicle operator to maximize vehicle charging via solar energy.