Automated Charging Methodology for Fleet Operated EV Buses to Reduce Down Time and Increase Safety at Charging Station

Prime concern for electric vehicle where the application of the vehicle is public transport, is the charging of vehicle and operation of its infrastructure. Such an example of operating the EV buses is under the GCC (gross cost contract) model, with high operation time and comparatively lesser time for charging. It is challenging to meet these requirements. To counter this situation in fleet operated busses it is proposed to adapt an automated charging method which involves minimum man power intervention and automated mechanism to connect & disconnect the charging connectors. This paper proposes an automated pantograph mechanism based method of charging EV buses, meeting requirements as per SAE J3105 & ISO 15118 standards, which would be an ideal way to resolve the current situation. In the above mentioned pantograph type charging, the charging station or depot will have an infrastructure including charger whose input will be from grid, and the charging dispenser will be pantographs particularly inverted type panto. The EV buses will have a pair of panto rails on the roof which will collect the power from inverted panto installed in charging station. Once the EV bus is under the vicinity of pantograph, wireless communication will be initiated. Once the vehicle is aligned and communication is established the pantographs will move down to make contact with rails on EV bus. The EV bus charging will be initiated meeting the ISO 15118 requirements. This automated mechanism of charging provides reduced charging duration because of high current carrying capacity, more operational hours of EV bus and increased safety due to less manpower involved. This overall improves profitability of business and safety.