Tags:average electric bus charging system performance, bus parking bay, charging facility, charging system performance and gains, concept design of a solar, constraints criteria for charging stations, design and simulation, Electric Buses, EV Retrofitting, google earth, pv power and battery percentage, site of choice, solar charging facility, Solar Charging Station, solar charging stations, solar energy, spatial analysis and design, spatial design, steel frame structure, vat overhead operation labour material and Vehicle Tracking
Abstract:
The idea of decarbonizing the automobility sector using the abundant renewable energy from the sun is practical, especially for regions with high solar aptitude. With the electric vehicle (EV) retrofitting idea gaining traction at the University, ambitions of retrofitting transit buses used for intercampus shuttle are impeded by a renewable microgrid charging infrastructure. This study presents a concept design for a solar charging facility on campus. The site of choice was studied and applied spatial design using Google Earth Pro. The charging station follows a design by space and was sized and simulated using Helioscope. The steel frame structure was designed using Advanced Steel, and the bus parking bay was designed and applied vehicle tracking using Civil 3D. The result of the concept solar charging facility is an output of 36kWp for 61,80MWh annual energy production. This level of output passes the design constraints criteria for charging stations. Vehicle tracking tests on the grounds of spatial design and safety shows that, in a worst-case scenario, three buses can exit the station at once within 25.5 seconds and two are able to simultaneously reach the road within 127 seconds without collisions. Future work is focused on detailed understanding of the time-based energy demands of the buses. Recommendations of employing an AI-powered software for charging the buses in line with the buses’ tight schedule are key. A more detailed solar design and simulation tool is recommended to aid the solar electrical design, the panel configuration, and its orientation to wiring and components. Future work also seeks to study the structural integrity of the steel frame structure, and to explore the financial implications of practically constructing, commissioning, and maintaining the charging facility project in the light of municipal and national statutory and regulatory requirements.
Concept Design of a Solar Charging Station for Retrofitted Electric Buses Employed as Intercampus Shuttle