ENHANCING COMMUNITY RESILIENCE: ELECTRIC SCHOOL BUS V2G AS PORTABLE ENERGY SOLUTION

Abstract

This study investigates the potential of utilizing electric school buses equipped with vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology as a portable energy solution to enhance community resilience during and after power outages caused by natural disasters and shortages. The first objective of this research is to advance our understanding of disaster resilience, particularly during the critical response period—from the onset of the disruption event to the stabilization of recovery efforts. The second objective is to translate fundamental insights gained from this understanding into practical applications. To achieve these objectives, the study encompasses various analyses. Firstly, economic losses resulting from power outages are quantified, providing insights into the broader impacts of energy disruptions. Additionally, the performance of power grid systems is evaluated to assess their resilience and effectiveness in responding to and recovering from adverse events. Furthermore, the study includes calculations for mobilization (response) time, crucial for assessing the timeliness and efficiency of emergency response efforts. Finally, the viability of employing electric bus V2G technology as an emergency power solution is thoroughly analyzed. This encompasses assessing factors such as response time, load recovery or supply, system performance pre- and post-recovery, and other resilience metrics. By integrating these multifaceted analyses, this research aims to offer comprehensive insights into the potential of electric school buses as a resilient energy solution for communities facing power disruptions.