Browsing by Author "Yoshizumi, Alexander"

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Open Access
Assessing the Outcomes of a Long-term, Zero-emission Strategy for GoTriangle’s Transit Fleet
(2019-04-19) Floum, Jackson; Fu, Yingyu; Yoshizumi, Alexander; Zhang, Liyue
The goal of this project was to assess how GoTriangle might most effectively implement battery electric vehicle (BEV) buses by analyzing possible environmental and social factors and providing recommendations for BEV bus implementation to maximize operating efficiency and social good. The core questions that drove the analyses were (1) whether GoTriangle is a good candidate for BEV bus implementation and (2) how GoTriangle might best implement BEV buses. Four analytical components were chosen to address the goals of the project based on participatory feedback from project clients: (1) analysis of potential grid impacts of charging the electric fleet, (2) comparisons between BEV bus well-to-wheel emissions and conventional diesel bus well-to-wheel emissions, (3) suitability analysis of route legs – the most granular transportation planning units used by GoTriangle, and (4) spatial analysis of emissions to address environmental health and environmental justice concerns. This report found that GoTriangle is likely a good candidate for BEV bus implementation. Increased demand to the grid would likely be negligible from a transmission point-of-view. In maximum fuel-economy scenarios with an energy mix based upon Duke Energy’s integrated resource plan, it appeared that BEV buses would contribute less emissions in every category when compared to diesel buses. Though, it should be said that comparatively larger contributions of some air pollutants were observed in minimum fuel-economy scenarios. Many bus route legs – the smallest planning units used in route optimization – appeared to be good candidates for implementation based on physical characteristics known to be associated with energy consumption. Route legs located near and around Raleigh were found to be some of the most optimal options based on their physical properties and comparatively greater potential to mitigate human exposure to criteria pollutants.
Open Access
Estimating the Energy and Emissions Impacts of a Commuter Rail System in North Carolina
(2024-04-26) Tsai, Chia-Shen (Jia-Shen); Wen, Xinyi (Wendy); Jiao, Zhengqi; Pang, Miaojun
In the United States, transportation sector is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. In North Carolina's Triangle region, the population growth that increases vehicular presence on the roads exacerbates this issue. To address climate challenges, promoting public transit emerges as a viable solution while the proposed commuter rail projects offer promising alternatives. Yet, the integration of rail systems requires careful consideration of energy and emissions impacts. To support strategic planning for commuter rail projects in the Triangle region, we built a user-friendly spreadsheet model to assess the energy and emission impacts of various trainset, fuel, and operation scenarios, focusing on the recent proposed Greater Triangle Commuter Rail (GTCR) service running between West Durham and Auburn, NC. Our granular model provides actionable insights for stakeholders to make informed decisions, facilitating sustainable transportation development.
Open Access
Exploring Microgrids: Powering Resilience in Eastern North Carolina
(2024-04-26) Ayyagari, Meera; Carlson, Maria; McKain, Kristy; Urbina, Alexandria
The Upper Coastal Plain (UCP) region of North Carolina faces frequent extreme weather events which cause failures in the electrical grid system and threaten the delivery of critical emergency services when they are needed most. The council of governments for the region (UCPCOG) aims to enhance the resiliency of critical infrastructure by offering resources and recommendations for microgrid development to its member bodies. This project presents a three-tiered analysis designed to inform UCPCOG’s recommendations. First, we evaluate microgrids as a tool for improving resilience through a literature review consisting of technology descriptions, environmental justice considerations, case studies, and development trends. Second, we examine potential site locations using a spatial multi-criteria decision analysis which prioritizes community input. Finally, we offer an economic analysis resulting in optimal configurations for select sites based on economic, technology, and carbon emissions constraints.