Calgary Electric Bus Pilot Project Group B

Our team evaluated a variety of criteria to use for block design from the standpoint of both operation-based and function-based. We eventually chose to go with criteria that were a hybrid of both operation and function to create our block design.

The drive cycle is a model that predicts the vehicle’s velocity throughout its journey. The model allows for a more detailed analysis of the battery range where variations in speed and acceleration can be factored into our calculation. Using R Studio and Excel, our model was created using kinematic equations to calculate the points of acceleration and deceleration between each stop.

Based on our drive cycle model, we were able to calculate the extent each of the factors in the following image had on the energy consumption from the battery. Red arrows indicate factors that draw from the battery while green arrows indicate factors that add to battery range.

To select our final design, multiple iterations were performed which served to narrow refine our block selection to a desirable final product. These iterations used a variety constraints and factors both from the bus specifications and from qualitative design criteria.

Iteration 1 began with the desire to optimize ridership on the blocks. The blocks were filtered to display the maximum passengers per trip, while still being below the 30 person capacity of the shuttle buses used in this pilot program. From this list, weekday blocks were split into morning and evening groups and 6 blocks were selected from each. 6 Saturday and 6 Sunday blocks were also selected using this method. This block set was then evaluated through drive cycle calculations to determine if the blocks were feasible within the battery capacity of the bus. It was determined that both the Saturday and Sunday blocks used too much energy.

Iteration 2 made two significant changes. A longer weekday block was split to have two separate buses work the route in the morning and evening components of it, removing a shorter block that did not fully utilize the battery. The weekend blocks were also split approximately in half to have 2 separate buses work each of them during the course of the day so they would fit inside the range of the battery. This block set was determined to be acceptable for summer months. However, when heating in winter months was taken into consideration the blocks were no longer within the battery range and so had to be further modified to produce the final block design for winter months.

Once the pilot program has been implemented there exists a need for data collection to assess the effectiveness, and for a set of benchmarks that should be met to justify a full-scale launch. Our team has prepared a list of possible data collection methods and possible benchmarks that can be used by the City of Calgary and WSP once the pilot program has been initiated.