Empirically Validated Method to Simulate Electric Minibus Taxi Efficiency Using Tracking Data
Simulation is a cornerstone of planning and facilitating the transition towards electric mobility in sub-Saharan Africa’s informal public transport. The primary objective of this study is to validate and refine the electro-kinetic model used to simulate electric versions of the sector’s minibuses. A...
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MDPI AG
2025-01-01
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| Series: | Energies |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/2/446 |
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| author | Chris Joseph Abraham Stephan Lacock Armand André du Plessis Marthinus Johannes Booysen |
| author_facet | Chris Joseph Abraham Stephan Lacock Armand André du Plessis Marthinus Johannes Booysen |
| author_sort | Chris Joseph Abraham |
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| description | Simulation is a cornerstone of planning and facilitating the transition towards electric mobility in sub-Saharan Africa’s informal public transport. The primary objective of this study is to validate and refine the electro-kinetic model used to simulate electric versions of the sector’s minibuses. A systematic simulation methodology is also developed to correct the simulation parameters and improve the high-frequency GPS data used with the model. A retrofitted electric minibus was used to capture high-frequency GPS mobility data and power draw from the battery. The method incorporates key refinements such as corrections for gross vehicle mass, elevation and speed smoothing, radial drag, hill-climb forces, and the calibration of propulsion and regenerative braking parameters. The refined simulation demonstrates improved alignment with measured power draw and trip energy usage, reducing error margins and enhancing model reliability. Factors such as trip characteristics and environmental conditions, including wind resistance, are identified as potential contributors to observed discrepancies. These findings highlight the importance of precise data handling and model calibration for accurate energy simulation and decision making in the transition to electric public transport. This work provides a robust framework for future studies and practical implementations, offering insights into the technical and operational challenges of electrifying informal public transport systems in resource-constrained regions. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-cf36333a93944a139bfb53e50ed77af9 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1996-1073 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Energies |
| spelling | doaj-art-cf36333a93944a139bfb53e50ed77af92025-01-24T13:31:31ZengMDPI AGEnergies1996-10732025-01-0118244610.3390/en18020446Empirically Validated Method to Simulate Electric Minibus Taxi Efficiency Using Tracking DataChris Joseph Abraham 0Stephan Lacock 1Armand André du Plessis2Marthinus Johannes Booysen3Industrial Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Matieland 7602, South AfricaElectrical and Electronic Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Matieland 7602, South AfricaElectrical and Electronic Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Matieland 7602, South AfricaIndustrial Engineering, Stellenbosch University, Matieland 7602, South AfricaSimulation is a cornerstone of planning and facilitating the transition towards electric mobility in sub-Saharan Africa’s informal public transport. The primary objective of this study is to validate and refine the electro-kinetic model used to simulate electric versions of the sector’s minibuses. A systematic simulation methodology is also developed to correct the simulation parameters and improve the high-frequency GPS data used with the model. A retrofitted electric minibus was used to capture high-frequency GPS mobility data and power draw from the battery. The method incorporates key refinements such as corrections for gross vehicle mass, elevation and speed smoothing, radial drag, hill-climb forces, and the calibration of propulsion and regenerative braking parameters. The refined simulation demonstrates improved alignment with measured power draw and trip energy usage, reducing error margins and enhancing model reliability. Factors such as trip characteristics and environmental conditions, including wind resistance, are identified as potential contributors to observed discrepancies. These findings highlight the importance of precise data handling and model calibration for accurate energy simulation and decision making in the transition to electric public transport. This work provides a robust framework for future studies and practical implementations, offering insights into the technical and operational challenges of electrifying informal public transport systems in resource-constrained regions.https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/2/446electric vehicleelectric mobilityparatransitminibus taximobility modellingrenewable energy |
| spellingShingle | Chris Joseph Abraham Stephan Lacock Armand André du Plessis Marthinus Johannes Booysen Empirically Validated Method to Simulate Electric Minibus Taxi Efficiency Using Tracking Data Energies electric vehicle electric mobility paratransit minibus taxi mobility modelling renewable energy |
| title | Empirically Validated Method to Simulate Electric Minibus Taxi Efficiency Using Tracking Data |
| title_full | Empirically Validated Method to Simulate Electric Minibus Taxi Efficiency Using Tracking Data |
| title_fullStr | Empirically Validated Method to Simulate Electric Minibus Taxi Efficiency Using Tracking Data |
| title_full_unstemmed | Empirically Validated Method to Simulate Electric Minibus Taxi Efficiency Using Tracking Data |
| title_short | Empirically Validated Method to Simulate Electric Minibus Taxi Efficiency Using Tracking Data |
| title_sort | empirically validated method to simulate electric minibus taxi efficiency using tracking data |
| topic | electric vehicle electric mobility paratransit minibus taxi mobility modelling renewable energy |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/2/446 |
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