The measures developed and tested within the 12 demonstrations are very different, but energy efficiency is behind several of them. In terms of Energy Strategy and Auxiliaries, solutions that can reduce the energy demand in HVAC system on-board e-buses between 15 – 60%, have been successfully tested in different climate and operative conditions. This decrease can be translated in a lower gross energy use per bus and per km between 3 and 17%. Energy efficiency has been also investigated in terms of ecodriving applied to diesel, hybrid and electric buses. Overall, the reduction of the energy consumption differs significantly among the diverse demonstrations, depending on factors related to the execution of driving, contextual factors (e.g. route characteristics) as well as individual factors . Positive results have been also achieved regarding the passenger comfort, with the number of hard accelerations/deceleration reduced by more than 80% thanks to the Green Driver Assistance System tested in Barcelona. As a result of the analsyis, EBSF_2 developed code of practice for the design of the Human-Machine Interface for ecodriving systems.
EBSF_2 has performed the first introduction of standardised IT systems architecture including several types of PT applications (e.g. AVMS, telediagnostic, ecodriving) on existing vehicle fleets in a complex multi-supplier environment. The knowledge gained from the technical implementations performed within EBSF_2 has been shared with CEN/CENELEC standardization groups to support the deployment of standards for onboard plug-and-play IT-systems for public transport.
In terms of accessibility, the project has investigated, both in simulation and in practice, internal vehicle layouts for improved passenger flow and better accessibility for persons with reduced mobility. The 3D-passenger behavioural simulation developed in San Sebastian, has shown that adjusting the bus layout to a specific population can reduce dwell time. The results of the trials show that electrification can have a potentially very positive impact on comfort, safety, accessibility, as well as the users’ perception of the bus system. Electric buses, silent and without local emissions, offer new possibilities to progress towards a bus system more integrated with the city. The project has demonstrated the feasibility and potential of indoor bus stops. With a specific destination (such as a library, a hospital, or a shopping mall) close to the stop, the destination itself can act as a bus stop.
Finally, EBSF_2 demonstrations have explored the definition of new algorithms and tools for predictive maintenance (i.e. new filters and quality sensors for the engine oil), autonomous parking procedures in underground depot and IT systems to manage bus fleets via telediagnostic. Altogether, they represent a significant advance in bus fleet maintenance and garage procedures, reducing maintenance costs, decreasing breakdown occurrence, extending oil and component life and improving information availability and precision.
