Controlling 3.6kW of photo voltaic EV charging with an Arduino GIGA R1 WiFi

The EV (electrical car) versus ICE (inside combustion engine) debate is extra sophisticated that it might appear, however one truth is sort of easy: it’s a lot simpler to generate electrical energy at house than it’s to refine fossil fuels. Because of this it’s doable energy a car free of charge after the preliminary funding. However doing so takes numerous {hardware}, which is why Shawn Murphy developed this charging system managed by an Arduino GIGA R1 WiFi.

Murphy owns a Ford Lightning electrical pickup truck, which is inefficient by EV requirements because of its weight. However even at simply two miles per kWh of electrical energy, he estimates that he can break even on the price of his photo voltaic charging system inside 4 to 5 years. After that, the electrical energy to energy the Ford will, basically, be free. Any extra power can energy his house or feed again into the grid.

Simply powering the truck alone would require plenty of electrical energy, so Murphy acquired 10 used 360-watt photo voltaic panels. These feed to a battery backup array, which provides energy to the Ford charging station. 

To maximise effectivity, Murphy needs the photo voltaic panels to pivot on one axis to comply with the solar. He estimates that may enhance their output by 20-25% all through the day, which is a big quantity of power with a photo voltaic panel array this huge. An Arduino GIGA R1 WiFi board controls the lean of the panels by way of linear actuators. Murphy initially used “dumb” actuators, however is switching to “sensible” fashions from Progressive Automations that embody positional suggestions via Corridor impact sensors.

A GIGA Show Protect offers Murphy entry to an interface, which he can even entry via the Arduino Cloud. Along with controlling the linear actuators, the Arduino displays energy era and consumption.

That is nonetheless a piece in progress as Murphy continues to make enhancements, however he’s properly on his approach to “free” power for his truck.