Electric Rickshaw Charging Stations as Distributed Energy Storages for Integrating Intermittent Renewable Energy Sources: A Case of Bangladesh

Abstract

This exploratory research outlines an opportunity for increasing renewable energy share in Bangladesh by using electric rickshaws (e-rickshaws) as a catalyst. The overall objective of this research is to show how to utilise an existing opportunity, such as e-rickshaws, as energy storage options for integrating renewable energy sources. It proposes a grid-connected local energy system considering a battery swapping and charging station (BSCS) for e-rickshaws as a community battery energy storage (CBESS). This system was simulated using the HOMER Pro software. The simulation results show that such systems can help communities significantly reduce their dependency on the national grid by integrating solar PV locally. The proposed BSCS also shows an opportunity for battery demand reduction and circular battery management for electric rickshaws. The research also discusses the economies of scale of the proposed method in Bangladesh, and pathways for implementing microgrids and smart energy systems. The innovative concepts presented in this research will start a policy-level dialogue in Bangladesh for utilising local opportunities to find an alternative energy storage solution and provide momentum to the researchers for further studies.