Aggregator-Driven Efficient Charging for Electric School Buses Based on Power-Cost Curve

The electrification of the transportation sector, along with the transition to distributed energy resources, is expected to drive significant changes in the electric power distribution sector. This shift will be crucial for many countries in achieving their decarbonization goals. Public transportation, particularly transit buses, constitute a large part of urban transportation systems in many cities. However, the electrification of these buses has faced challenges due to the substantial charging load they impose on the distribution system, complex operational timings, and cost-effectiveness when compared to diesel-fueled buses. This study evaluates a scenario of electric school buses operating within a typical urban distribution feeder, taking into account actual utility tariff. We propose that an aggregator facilitated charging operation based on a power-cost curve market mechanism can effectively address these challenges while also reducing the overall operational costs of electric buses.