The Reduction of Auxiliaries Power Demand using Fuel-Fired Heaters on Battery Electric Buses

Ambient external temperature and factors, such as topography, number of passengers, battery capacity, and surface conditions, influence the range of battery-powered electric buses. A significant factor influencing the distance e-buses cover is the buses' heating and air conditioning (HVAC), which contributes to greater than 50% of the use of battery power in North America's frigid and warm weather regions. We explore using fuel-fired heaters and heat pumps for heating or cooling e-buses via a tech-economic feasibility study. Our research will build on previous work to explore, model, and size alternative auxiliary power units that could supplement energy demand for the available technological options that can be used for transit buses. Secondly, the specific energy consumption of various heating systems in different operating conditions will be simulated and analyzed. The insights from this research work can provide a foundation for optimizing power usage by HVAC systems in e-buses, size lithium-ion batteries, plan for grid capacity, and simulate energy utilization models for public transit or freight vehicles in the future.