FEASIBILITY OF ON-BOARD PHOTOVOLTAICS ON PLUG-IN ELECTRIC PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION BUSES
Abstract
Renewable energy is another option for use with the electric buses, which is a never-ending clean source of energy, including it preserving the environment. This paper studies the feasibility of installing thin-film solar cells on electric public transportation buses. In order to use the power from the solar cell to charge the electric bus battery. Simulation by using the MATLAB/Simulink program to simulate the movement and energy consumption of electric buses. By using the case study area as a route in Mueang District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province and collecting the solar irradiation and the efficiency of solar energy. The results show that using On-Board Photovoltaics on electric buses can save 39.5 kWh of battery power, which can adjust the size of the battery and will reduce the cost of the battery. However, the use of solar cells on electric buses, the efficiency will be diminished, especially in urban areas. In addition, the angle of exposure to sunlight also changes when the electric buses move.