Design Guidelines for Bus Transit Systems using Electric and Hybrid Electric Propulsion as an Alternative Fuel

摘要

The use of alternative fuels to power transit buses is steadily increasing, Several fuels, including Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG); and Methanol/Ethanol, are already being used. At present, there are no available comprehensive facility guidelines to assist transit agencies contemplating converting from diesel to electric of hybrid electric propulsion. This document addresses that need. This guidelines document presents various facility and bus design issues that need to be considered to ensure safe operations when using electric or hybrid electric propulsion. Fueling facility, garaging facility, maintenance facility requirements and safety practices are indicated. Among the issues discussed are electric storage device properties, potential hazards, requirements for specified level of service, and applicable codes and standards. Critical fuel related safety issues in the design of the related systems on the bus are also discussed. A system safety assessment and hazard resolution process is also presented. This approach may be used to select design strategies which are economical, yet ensure a specified level of safety. This report forms part of a series of published by the U.S. DOT/FTA on the safe use of alternative fuels. Documents similar to this one in content have been published for CNG, Hydrogen, LPG, LNG, and Methanol/Ethanol.