The bus batteries can be recharged with a second charging concept that uses scheduled waiting times. In Occasional charging, at selected bus stops, the E-buses are charged let’s say final stops. Time buffers are often used at such stops where unforeseen delays are already planned or breaks for bus drivers can be utilized for charging.
Automatically, the pantograph is connected to the bus that descends from the charging station to the bus roof. With conductive connection, the roof-mounted batteries are recharged within three to six minutes with a 150 to 600 KW direct current. The bus range is increased without returning to the depot and it is in compliance with the timetable.
The method is considered to be an initiative for several bus manufacturers and industrial companies including ABB. As per the customer requirements, the depot charging can be combined with the technology.
The benefit of occasional charging is when the depot charging is not sufficient for the energy requirement of the electric buses. There may be a loss of energy due to auxiliary components such as air conditioning.
Even though we talk about high technology but the cost will always be a major factor and with smaller batteries, it’s cheaper to purchase. Vehicle weight and power consumption can be reduced. ABB has implemented occasional charging systems in Luxembourg City at the railway station, in Namur in Belgium, and in the Swedish cities of Gothenburg and Värnamo.
Source:- All-electronics