Optimization of renewable energy usage in public transportation: Mathematical model for energy management of plug-in PV-based electric metrobuses

Abstract

In which internal combustion engines are used, public transportation systems undoubtedly have an important role in increasing carbon emissions. On the other hand, to reduce the carbon footprint and satisfy sustainability targets, the demand for electric vehicles with high energy conversion efficiency is increasing. At that point, various studies have been carried out to find out greener solutions in recent years, and it is demonstrated that it is also important to electrify public vehicles. This study contributes to the related literature and focuses on metrobuses, which are frequently used in the public transportation sector, and have garages in Istanbul, Turkey's most populated city. An environmentally friendly Metrobus Charging Station Optimization Model, which is integrated with the grid and renewable energy systems and can exchange energy with the grid, when necessary, is designed for the IETT Avcılar Metrobus garage where the metrobuses are located which has static conditions and optimal scheduling. The single objective MILP maximizes the usage of renewable energy by minimizing the cost of non-renewable energy usage and points out the best assignment of metrobuses to the scheduled departures. Finally, the model is solved in GAMS solver and it is observed that an environmentally friendly approach is not costly.