Author(s)

J. Redgate, A. Al-Habaibeh, A. Williams & M. Kansara

Abstract

The most environmentally friendly model for a transportation system, based on the available technology, could involve the use of zero emission electric vehicles combined with a highly efficient electrical drive system and an electrical storage system that can be replenished using renewable energy sources. This paper presents the overall strategy of a transportation system. It presents a model for the dynamics and drive of an electric vehicle, describes a novel approach for optimising the efficiency of induction motor drives, reports on practical evaluations of an electric vehicle drive under controlled laboratory conditions and relates the application of renewable sources of electrical energy to the transport sector. The results demonstrate the feasibility of the use of efficient electrical drive systems coupled with renewable energy sources as a strategy for a zero emission transportation system. Keywords: transport systems, zero emission, sustainability, electric vehicle, renewable energy, energy management, induction motor. 1 Introduction This paper represents part of the findings of a comprehensive research project related to a sustainable transport system using renewable energy and efficient electric vehicles. As pollution of the environment has become an important concern for all societies and a major contributor to global warming, the search for sustainable zero emission transport systems is becoming increasingly important. Some 30% of the overall CO2 emission in Europe is produced from transport and use of vehicles for domestic and commercial purposes is rising

Keywords

transport systems, zero emission, sustainability, electric vehicle, renewable energy, energy management, induction motor.