TECH TRENDS
Seb Hargreaves , Executive Director , The OR Society
Netherlands ’ transition to electric buses by 2030
When RET , Rotterdam ’ s public transport operator , wanted to switch to electric buses there were several challenges to address . These included the limited electric bus range and long charging times that would affect the regular service and any potential delays could leave buses stranded with insufficient charge .
RET turned to the Rotterdam School of Management , Erasmus University ( RSM ) to use OR to find a solution . RSM developed a simulation model to assess the impact of electrification on RET ’ s scheduling considering factors including battery capacity , energy consumption patterns and the capacity of the charging infrastructure .
The simulation revealed existing schedules couldn ’ t accommodate electric buses without major planning adjustments . the bus station , which would allow for energy generation uncertainties . Results showed that up to 70 % of energy for charging could come directly from solar panels during the summer , with the potential for a 7 % increase in renewable energy use through energy storage .
The key learnings were that :
The electrification of the bus network required significant operational changes and real-time adjustments were essential to handle delays and ensure buses had adequate charge . They also learned that hub-based charging networks were ideal for local renewable energy usage .
The collaboration between RSM and RET and the use of OR has enabled a smooth transition to electrics buses . The model was integrated into RET ’ s day-to-day planning software , contributing to the successful electrification of Rotterdam ’ s bus fleet .
A growing field with huge potential
OR offers solutions to complex problems , cost savings and improved decision-making .
It is a transformative tool that leverages data , mathematics and human insights to solve complex business problems . Its applications span industries , from healthcare to transportation , and its potential continues to grow with advancements in technology . x
OR OFFERS SOLUTIONS TO COMPLEX PROBLEMS , COST SAVINGS AND IMPROVED DECISION-MAKING .
RET adapted its planning , and the simulation model was used to optimise the charging strategy , accounting for bus delays . The model revealed a real-time charging approach to reduce charging moments and maintain the bus service reliability .
With the initial deployment of 50 electric buses in December 2019 , attention shifted to introducing electric buses in the south side of Rotterdam . Clustering charging activities at common terminal stations presented opportunities for local renewable energy generation . The RSM team then did a feasibility study of having a solar park at
www . intelligentcxo . com
17