Comparative Study of Performance Metrics for Smart Inverter Control in Solar PV-Based EV Charging Stations

Abstract

Photovoltaic (PV) panels harness sunlight as a clean and renewable energy source, providing a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. In India, PV technology is gaining traction due to its environmental benefits and governmental support. This study analyzes typical PV generation profiles, identifying daily and seasonal variations influenced by factors like cloud cover. Additionally, it investigates the effectiveness of three EV charging strategies—uncontrolled, smart, and vehicle-to-home (V2H)—using rule-based and Model Predictive Control (MPC) algorithms. Simulations reveal that MPC consistently outperforms rule-based control in reducing household costs, with V2H charging showing potential for cost savings during peak electricity pricing. However, the efficacy of control strategies varies across seasons, suggesting the need for adaptive optimization approaches.