Saving energy costs: In block planning

Escalating energy costs are forcing many transport companies to put various processes to the test. An important area is block planning. Sophisticated planning can save unnecessary journeys and consequently fuel or, in the case of e-buses, electricity.

Efficient planning with the optimization tool MOBILEopti2

MOBILE-PLAN allows planners to carry out their timetable, block and duty scheduling quickly and flexibly and which take into consideration any operational priorities. Even more efficient and energy-saving results are achieved, thanks to MOBILEopti2, the module for integrated optimization of blocks and duties. Once the timetable has been created, the optimization tool is activated in order to automatically generate optimized blocks and duties. Planners can also use this solution to focus on avoiding dead runs.

Saving journeys through tripshifting

A special function of the optimization tool is tripshifting, where the optimization tool is tasked with shifting designated journeys (usually school or supplementary services) forwards or backwards by one or two minutes, for example. Small changes can sometimes have a big effect. For instance, dead runs can be reduced, particularly during peak early mornings or afternoons.

Reduction of standing times

Standing times between two trips also offer savings potentials, because fuel and electricity are also consumed when the vehicle is idling, for heating or cooling, for example. Here too, MOBILEopti2 in combination with trip shifting helps to save energy by moving the next trip forward by a few minutes.

Electromobility: Taking cost-effective charging times into account as early as the planning stage

In many contracts with energy suppliers, the price of energy is not fixed throughout the day. Usually, electricity is more expensive at times when the grid is at full capacity than during off-peak periods. In eMOBILE-PLAN, electricity costs and the corresponding time slots can be stored. In this way, already in the planning stage those time slots for charging can be prioritised when electricity prices are most favourable.

 

Electromobility: Consideration of peak shaving

Since the price of electricity depends primarily on the maximum charging power, peak shaving is all about reducing it. Once the charging peak, which must not be exceeded, has been determined, it can be stored in eMOBILE-PLAN as can be the entire charging window of the vehicle. As a result, the charging slots can be moved during the full time frame available to avoid parallel charging. This means that not all buses are charged directly before the start of the block or after pulling in, but the charging processes are distributed over the entire available period between the blocks. Even more efficient peak shaving is made possible by eMOBILE-PLAN in conjunction with the MOBILEcharge charge management system.

Learn more about ways to save energy and costs here:

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Kaeppelestraße 4-10
76131 Karlsruhe
Germany
Phone: +49 721 6100 0

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This article was published in our customer magazine INITiative, issue 3/2023. If you want to receive the magazine regularly per e-mail, we kindly ask you to subscribe.

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