This study proposes a novel framework for analyzing Vehicle-Integrated Photovoltaic (VIPV) systems, integrating optical, thermal, and electrical models. The model modifies existing fixed PV methodologies for VIPV applications to assess received irradiance, PV module temperature, and energy production, and is available as an
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This study proposes a novel framework for analyzing Vehicle-Integrated Photovoltaic (VIPV) systems, integrating optical, thermal, and electrical models. The model modifies existing fixed PV methodologies for VIPV applications to assess received irradiance, PV module temperature, and energy production, and is available as an open-source MATLAB tool (VIPVLIB) enabling simulations via a smartphone. A key innovation is the integration of meteorological data and real-time driving, dynamically updating vehicle position and orientation every second. Different time resolutions were explored to balance accuracy and computational efficiency for optical model, while the thermal model, enhanced by vehicle speed, wind effects, and thermal inertia, improved temperature and power predictions. Validation on a minibus operating within the University of Palermo campus confirmed the applicability of the proposed framework. The roof received 45–47% of total annual irradiation, and the total yearly energy yield reached about 4.3 MWh/Year for crystalline-silicon, 3.7 MWh/Year for CdTe, and 3.1 MWh/Year for CIGS, with the roof alone producing up to 2.1 MWh/Year (c-Si). Under hourly operation, the generated solar energy was sufficient to fully meet daily demand from April to August, while during continuous operation it supplied up to 60% of total consumption. The corresponding CO
2-emission reduction ranged from about 3.5 ton/Year for internal-combustion vehicles to around 2 ton/Year for electric ones. The framework provides a structured, data-driven approach for VIPV analysis, capable of simulating dynamic optical, thermal, and electrical behaviors under actual driving conditions. Its modular architecture ensures both immediate applicability and long-term adaptability, serving as a solid foundation for advanced VIPV design, fleet-scale optimization, and sustainability-oriented policy assessment.
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