Análise técnico-econômica de conversão de caminhões de pequeno porte a combustão interna para tração elétrica com geração fotovoltaica

Abstract

According to the latest National Energy Balance of 2023, the Transportation sector is the one that consumes the largest amount of energy used in Brazil. Almost half of this total comes from diesel oil, showing the high dependence of this sector on fossil fuels. The use of electric traction in Brazil is appropriate since electricity production in the country is predominantly renewable. This work aims to contribute to increasing energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions and various pollutants. This approach was the basis for the elaboration of this work, which describes a methodology for the conversion of urban freight trucks, with internal combustion engine, to electric traction, the so-called "retrofit", including regenerative braking and a photovoltaic panel on the roof of the truck, aiming at greater autonomy. Theoretical calculations were prepared to establish a code in MATLAB, which allows introduce the internal combustion truck original data and to obtain the necessary values to select the most suitable electric motor available on the market, to replace the original engine. Finally, a technical-economic analysis was carried out, comparing the converted truck with its diesel version and also with a new electric truck of the same category. As a result, it was concluded that the conversion was viable. Thus, the proposed retrofit allows the electrification of existing fleets, which provides a new labor market and a viable technical option to accelerate the transition to sustainable mobility in freight trucks.