Optimization of Electric Bus Charging: Integrating Discrete Event Modeling in Public Transportation Systems

Abstract

The transition to electric transportation is gaining more and more importance in the last years leading to new challenges to be addressed. A key role in this framework is represented by public transportation systems. This paper introduces a Discrete Event (DE) optimization model to optimize the charging scheduling of electric buses (EBs). By accounting for time tabling constraints, energy demand satisfaction, and the capability for simultaneous multi-socket charging, our model addresses the complexities inherent in managing EB fleets. Utilizing a periodic model to capture cyclical system behavior, we incorporate a detailed battery model reflecting nonlinear charging profiles to enhance accuracy in power requirement prediction and charging duration estimation. Validation of our model is performed using real-world data, demonstrating its practical applicability.