To facilitate the execution of this trial, Sharp modularised its world-class, high-efficiency solar battery cells (conversion efficiency of 34 percent-plus), previously developed for a NEDO-led project, to create an onboard solar battery panel.
Toyota installed this panel on the roof, hood, rear hatch door, and other parts of its "Prius PHV" and produced a demo car for public road trials.
By enhancing the solar battery panel's efficiency and expanding its onboard area, Toyota was able to achieve a rated power generation output of around 860W, which is approximately 4.8-times higher in comparison with the commercial model Prius PHV (equipped with a solar charging system).
In addition to substantially boosting its power generation output, the demo car employs a system that charges the driving battery while the vehicle is parked and also while it's being driven, a development that is expected to lead to considerable improvements in electric-powered cruising range and fuel efficiency.
Toyota plans to conduct the trials under various driving conditions in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, Tokyo, and other areas.
Performance comparison of the commercial and demo model Prius PHV
| Performance items | Vehicle | |
|---|---|---|
| Prius PHV (Solar charging system) | Demo car | |
| Solar battery cell conversion efficiency | 22.5% | 34%-plus |
| Rated power generation output | 180 W | Approx. 860 W |
| Maximum charge to the driving battery while the vehicle is parked (per day) | BEV-mode cruising range equivalent to 6.1 km | BEV-mode cruising range equivalent to 44.5 km |
| Maximum charge and power supply to the drivng and auxiliary battery while the vehicle is being driven (per day) | Supplies power only to auxiliary battery, which powers the car navigation system, etc. | BEV-mode cruising range equivalent to 56.3 km |
Various data, including the power generation output of the solar battery panel and the amount the drive battery is charged, will be obtained and verified, and then used in the development of an onboard solar recharging system.
Toyota plans to share a selection of trial data results with NEDO and Sharp. The PV-powered Vehicle Strategy Committee (PV: photovoltaic), sponsored by NEDO and other entities will evaluate the benefits based on improvements in CO2 emissions reductions and convenience, such as the number of times a vehicle requires recharging.
The goal is to contribute to the creation of a new solar battery panel market, including the transport sector, and find solutions for energy and environmental issues.
