Optimal Deployment of Wireless Charging Facilities for an Electric Bus System (MPC-513)

Research Needs: Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the transportation sector account for about 27% of the total GHG emissions in the United States. Due to increased travel demand and limited improvement in fuel efficiency, the GHG emissions from transportation have increased by 16% since 1990 (USEPA, 2015). About 80% of transit buses are currently powered by diesel engines, which are a primary source of the particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) emitted by motor vehicles. Furthermore, most transit buses are operated in densely populated urban areas, and they are generally in-use for large portions of the day. Electric buses, which produce zero tailpipe emissions, offer huge potential in improving environmental sustainability and livability of urban areas. However, the range problem associated with on-board batteries has substantially limited the popularity of electric buses.