Discrete event simulation for battery-swapping station sizing for hybrid and electric motorcycles

Abstract

Hybrid and electric vehicles are emerging as a solution to the environmental problems in the transportation sector caused by the use of fossil fuels. However, these technologies have challenges in terms of high battery costs, energy consumption, and charging times. Battery-swapping charging stations have emerged as a solution to these problems, but it is necessary to ensure a sufficient number of batteries and charging slots. This research proposes a method for estimating these parameters for fleets of a different number of hybrid or electric motorcycles using a discrete event simulation. Routes are created to simulate the behavior of a fleet for a home delivery service. Then, by implementing a dynamic particle model dependent on route and vehicle parameters, the consumption for each trip is estimated. Finally, in the discrete event simulation, the number of batteries, charging slots, and motorcycles in circulation varied for each scenario. To provide a service that meets operator and user needs, design decisions are based on the following performance metrics: Average waiting times, motorcycle energy demand, the number of cycles the batteries reach in a year, and services served. The behavior of a fleet of hybrid or electric motorcycles in Medellin, Colombia, is simulated by varying the parameters up to 30 batteries, charging slots, and motorcycles in circulation. The results allowed us to identify a design basis for battery swapping stations where the waiting times stabilize regardless of the number of vehicles in circulation. On the other hand, there is a relationship between the number of batteries, charging slots, and the number of battery cycles, which in turn varies depending on motorcycle technology. Hybrid motorcycles generate a lower energy demand; simultaneously, they reduce battery usage and attend the station fewer times than electric motorcycles. To validate the sizing approach for battery swapping stations, we are currently building a charging station to offer services to vehicles with hybrid and electric technologies as part of a local project.