UTA Paratransit Bus Electrification Project

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• UTA Paratransit Bus Electrification Project

June 2015
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Problem Statement
Paratransit operations differ from fixed route
because of their mission to transport people who
are physically incapable of using scheduled
transportation. This leads to excessive wait
times during operations, where it is necessary to
run the engine to power heating, ventilation, and
air conditioning systems. Idling engines to
power HVAC systems wastes fuel, increases
emissions, and raises fuel and maintenance costs.
UTAs paratransit buses typically idle for
25-30 of the time.
Project Goal
To electrify accessories on paratransit vehicles
with the goals of improving the quality of life
in the communities served by these vehicles,
reducing petroleum fuel consumption, improving
vehicle performance, and cutting maintenance
costs.
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Project Scope

• Development of electrified paratransit shuttle
  bus
• Design and build a paratransit shuttle bus with
  electrified HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air
  conditioning) systems.
• Coupling of an electric air conditioning system
  to an advanced lithium ion battery auxiliary
  power unit
• Demonstration and Testing Period
• Demonstrate two (2) paratransit buses for 12
  months or more
• Perform independent third-party testing and
  evaluation to determine vehicle efficiency
  enhancements, fuel benefits, driver acceptance,
  maintenance cost reductions, and reduced emissions

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Project Team and Organization
Vehicle Supplier and Operator
Project Sponsor
Project Manager
Hybrid Systems Consultant
Hybrid Systems Integrator
In-Service Performance Evaluator
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Vehicle Operation

• While at passenger stops
• Engine is turned off
• Battery energy storage system powers the HVAC
  system and other auxiliary loads, such as
  wheelchair ramps, lights, and doors.
• Capable of providing over 30 minutes of power
  before requiring additional recharge
• While driving
• Engine is turned on and in use
• Belt-driven alternator recharges the batteries

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Project Team Roles and Responsibilities

• UTA
• Refurbish vehicles with new engines, HV
  alternators, electric A/C compressors, and
  electric water heaters
• Retrofit 2nd vehicle with APU and control system,
  with assistance from CEM
• Operate demonstration vehicles
• CTE
• Project Management
• Purchase of major components and parts
• 3rd party evaluator of prototype vehicles power
  system prior to delivery to UTA

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Project Team Roles and Responsibilities

• UT-CEM
• Develop requirements definition
• Power systems modeling and duty cycle analysis
• Development of control system and integration of
  the first prototype vehicle APU and control
  system
• Assist UTA with retrofit of 2nd vehicle.
• Transworld Associates
• Project Consultant in the design and fabrication
  of the vehicles, including re-powering and
  refurbishment of base vehicles and the hybrid
  retrofits.
• University of Utah
• - Data collection and performance assessment as
  a 3rd party evaluator

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Questions?
Jaron Robertson Sr. Labor Relations Specialist Hal Johnson Mgr, Project Dev-Systems Plan