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Real-Time Charging Scheduling and Optimization of Electric Buses in a Depot

Author

Listed:
  • Boud Verbrugge

    (MOBI-EPOWERS Research Group, ETEC Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussel, Belgium
    Flanders Make, Gaston Geenslaan 8, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium)

  • Abdul Mannan Rauf

    (Products Innovation & Systems Verification (PI&SV) Team, Powerdale (PWD), Witte Patersstraat 4, 1040 Brussel, Belgium)

  • Haaris Rasool

    (MOBI-EPOWERS Research Group, ETEC Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussel, Belgium
    Flanders Make, Gaston Geenslaan 8, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium)

  • Mohamed Abdel-Monem

    (Products Innovation & Systems Verification (PI&SV) Team, Powerdale (PWD), Witte Patersstraat 4, 1040 Brussel, Belgium)

  • Thomas Geury

    (MOBI-EPOWERS Research Group, ETEC Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussel, Belgium
    Flanders Make, Gaston Geenslaan 8, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium)

  • Mohamed El Baghdadi

    (MOBI-EPOWERS Research Group, ETEC Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussel, Belgium
    Flanders Make, Gaston Geenslaan 8, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium)

  • Omar Hegazy

    (MOBI-EPOWERS Research Group, ETEC Department, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussel, Belgium
    Flanders Make, Gaston Geenslaan 8, 3001 Heverlee, Belgium)

Abstract

To improve the air quality in urban areas, diesel buses are getting replaced by battery electric buses (BEBs). This conversion introduces several challenges, such as the proper control of the charging process and a reduction in the operational costs, which can be addressed by introducing smart charging concepts for BEB fleets. Therefore, this paper proposes a real-time scheduling and optimization (RTSO) algorithm for the charging of multiple BEBs in a depot. The algorithm assigns a variable charging current to the different time slots the charging process of each BEB is divided to provide an optimal charging schedule that minimizes the charging cost, while satisfying the power limitations of the distribution network and maintaining the operation schedule of the BEBs. A genetic algorithm is used to solve the formulated cost function in real time. Several charging scenarios are tested in simulation, which show that a reduction in the charging cost up to 10% can be obtained under a dynamic electricity price scheme. Furthermore, the RTSO is implemented in a high-level charging management system, a new feature required to enable smart charging in practice, to test the developed algorithm with existing charging infrastructure. The experimental validation of the RTSO algorithm has proven the proper operation of the entire system.

Suggested Citation

  • Boud Verbrugge & Abdul Mannan Rauf & Haaris Rasool & Mohamed Abdel-Monem & Thomas Geury & Mohamed El Baghdadi & Omar Hegazy, 2022. "Real-Time Charging Scheduling and Optimization of Electric Buses in a Depot," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(14), pages 1-18, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:15:y:2022:i:14:p:5023-:d:859135
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Rong-Ceng Leou & Jeng-Jiun Hung, 2017. "Optimal Charging Schedule Planning and Economic Analysis for Electric Bus Charging Stations," Energies, MDPI, vol. 10(4), pages 1-17, April.
    2. Yajing Gao & Shixiao Guo & Jiafeng Ren & Zheng Zhao & Ali Ehsan & Yanan Zheng, 2018. "An Electric Bus Power Consumption Model and Optimization of Charging Scheduling Concerning Multi-External Factors," Energies, MDPI, vol. 11(8), pages 1-17, August.
    3. Rinaldi, Marco & Picarelli, Erika & D'Ariano, Andrea & Viti, Francesco, 2020. "Mixed-fleet single-terminal bus scheduling problem: Modelling, solution scheme and potential applications," Omega, Elsevier, vol. 96(C).
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    Cited by:

    1. Young Kwan Ko & Young Dae Ko, 2023. "A Development of Optimal Design and Operation Algorithm for Battery-Powered Electric City Tour Bus System," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(3), pages 1-16, January.
    2. Zhou, Yu & Wang, Hua & Wang, Yun & Yu, Bin & Tang, Tianpei, 2024. "Charging facility planning and scheduling problems for battery electric bus systems: A comprehensive review," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 183(C).
    3. Boud Verbrugge & Haaris Rasool & Mohammed Mahedi Hasan & Sajib Chakraborty & Thomas Geury & Mohamed El Baghdadi & Omar Hegazy, 2022. "Reliability Assessment of SiC-Based Depot Charging Infrastructure with Smart and Bidirectional (V2X) Charging Strategies for Electric Buses," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(1), pages 1-15, December.

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