Sustainable Transport: Photovoltaic Plant, Electric Bus and GHG Reduction

Abstract

The aim of this study is to design a photovoltaic power plant in the Satélite company’s garage to supply electric vehicles, specifically one of the company’s fleet buses. Additionally, the study seeks to analyze, through applied research, the feasibility of replacing buses with internal combustion engines with electric vehicles from a technical, economic, and sustainable perspective. The methodology employed is based on applied and exploratory research with a quantitative approach. It involves analyzing the current operation of conventional buses using information provided by the company, including data on fleet size, routes, and mileage. This allows for the calculation of the peak power of the system for project the power plant using PVsyst software. Furthermore, the study evaluates the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions using CO2 calculators from IDESAM and EPE, as well as the financial return from renewable transportation. Based on the collected data and simulations conducted with software, the photovoltaic power plant, operating in On Grid mode, is capable of generating the necessary energy for daily passenger transport. This results in a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, equivalent to planting 14 trees per year. Moreover, the project proves to be financially viable, with an expected financial return in less than 10 years. The energy generated by the designed power plant is viable for powering an electric bus, allowing the company to improve its transportation system in favor of the environment.