Feasibility Study for the Implementation of Photovoltaic Panels in Public Transportation in Barranquilla

Cristian Antonio Pedraza-Yepes (), Kevin Enrique Berdugo-Rolong, Daniel Eduardo Ruiz-Muñoz, Oscar Fabián Higuera-Cobos and José Daniel Hernández-Vásquez
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Cristian Antonio Pedraza-Yepes: Faculty of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Program, Universidad del Atlántico, Carrera 30 Number 8-49, Puerto Colombia 080001, Atlántico, Colombia
Kevin Enrique Berdugo-Rolong: Faculty of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Program, Universidad del Atlántico, Carrera 30 Number 8-49, Puerto Colombia 080001, Atlántico, Colombia
Daniel Eduardo Ruiz-Muñoz: Faculty of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Program, Universidad del Atlántico, Carrera 30 Number 8-49, Puerto Colombia 080001, Atlántico, Colombia
Oscar Fabián Higuera-Cobos: Faculty of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Program, Universidad del Atlántico, Carrera 30 Number 8-49, Puerto Colombia 080001, Atlántico, Colombia
José Daniel Hernández-Vásquez: Faculty of Mechanical, Electronic and Biomedical Engineering (FIMEB), Mechanical Engineering Program, Universidad Antonio Nariño, Puerto Colombia 080001, Atlántico, Colombia

Energies, 2023, vol. 16, issue 20, 1-28

Abstract: The conservation of the environment and the use of clean energy is one of the main concerns of international governments. In this sense, encouraging the use of clean energy, both locally, nationally, and internationally, contributes to the development of countries. In this order of ideas, this work was motivated with the purpose of contributing to the scope of the SDGs at the national level, specifically, in the city of Barranquilla (Colombia). The thermal sensation inside the public transport in Barranquilla limits the quality of the service and, consequently, the satisfaction of the users due to the high temperatures (T > 30 °C). To address this problem, it is necessary to implement air conditioning systems that improve comfort conditions and are friendly to the environment. In this study, the feasibility of implementing photovoltaic panels as an alternative energy source for air conditioning units in public transport was examined. The study began with the dimensioning of the photovoltaic system and the accumulation of energy. A stress analysis was then performed on the chassis and bodywork of a selected bus. Finally, the work was evaluated based on the results obtained from the dimensioning of the mentioned systems. The results confirmed that a photovoltaic generator with a power of 35.88 kW and an energy storage capacity of 481,204 Ah is required. Additionally, the results also confirmed that the chassis and bodywork are structurally sound. The economic analysis carried out confirmed a Net Present Value and an Internal Rate of Return of 22,936 USD and 11.05%, respectively. The energy alternative proposed for the transport sector, based on the application of photovoltaic energy, constitutes an advance to meet international objectives in relation to the use of clean energy.

Keywords: comfort; photovoltaic energy; photovoltaic panels; public transport; thermal sensation; feasibility; solar energy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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