Electrification of Commercial E-buses by Utilizing Stationary Battery Energy Storage Systems for Mass Transportation Network in Los Angeles

TL;DR

This paper explores using stationary battery energy storage systems to reduce peak load demand caused by electric buses in Los Angeles, including a fleet management software demonstration and techno-economic analysis.

Contribution

It introduces an integrated approach to optimize battery specifications and power rates for electric bus fleets, addressing grid impact and economic viability.

Findings

Optimal battery size and power rates identified for LA bus routes

Peak load demand can be significantly reduced with stationary storage

Cost-benefit analysis supports economic feasibility

Abstract

The 2028 LA Olympics is approaching, and the mass transportation network requires to be expanded. The green electric bus transportation system is gaining increasing attention as an essential step to mitigate emission concerns. However, the introduction of a large electric bus fleet will increase the peak load demand, which will adversely affect the grid. This research addresses the issue of an increase in the peak load demand due to the introduction of the electric bus fleet. Therefore, the potential implementation of stationary battery energy storage systems is investigated to shave the peak load demand by providing energy during peak hours. Moreover, a fleet management software implementation has been demonstrated for a test case scenario in Los Angeles. As a result, based on specific energy demand values, battery hardware options, standard e-bus driving cycles and profiles, and local bus route characteristics, the optimal battery specifications, and power rates have been addressed. Moreover, techno-economic analysis has been carried out to demonstrate the cost-benefit analysis.