Optimization of Electrified Propulsion Systems for School Bus Fleets using Scheduled (Daily) Routes Data

PI: Ahmed Abdel Rahim (UI), ahmed@uidaho.edu, ORCID: 0000-0001-9756-554X

Co PIs: none

AMOUNT & MATCH: $40,000 from PacTrans; $40,000 Match

PERFORMANCE PERIOD: 3/16/2022 – 3/15/2023

STATUS: Active

CATEGORIES: Optimization, School Buses, Electrification, Route Data

RESEARCH PROJECT HOT SHEET:

UTC PROJECT DOCUMENTATION:

FINAL PROJECT REPORT: will be available once completed

PROJECT DATA: will be available once completed

DESCRIPTION: This project will present a comprehensive approach for optimal route planning and battery sizing for electrified school bus fleets using data-based driving cycles. Gathered information about trip conditions for daily routes will be clustered and analyzed to reconstruct and generate representative driving cycles for each route. Generated speed profiles will then be implemented to define optimal battery capacity and powertrain size undergoing each route.

The research will examine the operational and environmental benefits that would result from the electrification of school bus fleets, transforming the current pollution emitters fuel-based fleets to the environmentally friendly electrified engines. Representative driving cycles will be generated using both historical and real-time GPS fleet route data. The developed driving cycles will be used to define optimal driveline and fleet sizing of electrified school buses.

Task 1. School-Bus GPS-Based Data collection

Task 2. Data Clustering and Analysis

Task 3. Electric Powertrain Sizing for School-Bus Operations

DELIVERABLE DUE DATE DATE RECEIVED
Research Project Progress Report #1 10/10/2022
No Cost Extension Request 1/15/2023
Draft Report 1/15/2023
Final Project Report 3/15/2023