Gabriel Brugues Soares

Sustainable mobility in university environments presents both a challenge and an opportunity to reduce environmental impact and promote energy efficiency. This study assesses the feasibility of implementing electric buses in the internal transportation system of the Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB), considering environmental, economic, and operational aspects. The analysis demonstrates that transitioning to this model can lead to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, noise pollution mitigation, and optimization of operational costs throughout the vehicle’s life cycle. The study examines technical, structural, and financial factors, emphasizing the necessary infrastructure, academic community acceptance, and the economic viability of the project, as well as the strategic advantage of integrating the electric fleet with photovoltaic energy generation. The key highlights of this research include: (i) Sustainability and energy efficiency, emphasizing a reduction of up to 52.52% in CO₂ emissions when vehicles are powered by photovoltaic energy in an LCA context, alongside improvements in air quality and noise pollution mitigation. (ii) Economic feasibility analysis, comparing operational and maintenance costs between electric and conventional diesel buses, evaluating the financial viability and potential return on investment. (iii) Infrastructure and implementation challenges, addressing the need for charging stations, adaptation of UFPB’s infrastructure, and financing models, including government subsidies and strategic partnerships. (iv) Impact on the academic community, analyzing student and staff perceptions and acceptance of fleet electrification and the promotion of sustainable practices. (v) Future projections and replicability, exploring trends in the sustainable transportation sector, as well as the potential expansion of the electric fleet and its integration with energy storage systems. The results indicate that adopting electric buses at UFPB can position the institution as a benchmark in sustainable mobility, serving as a replicable model for other universities and contributing to carbon emission reduction and modernization of university transportation.

Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the integration of EVs in Uruguay between 2025 and 2040, based on data from the National Energy Balance (BEN) and the 2005–2030 Energy Policies (PE0530) document, aiming to analyze the impacts of the increasing adoption of EVs on the country's electrical system.. Theoretical Framework: The methodology of this research is based on the development of scenarios derived from indicators of the electric sector, transport sector, population, and vehicle fleet. It is structured around new indicators that allow the comparison of energy demand increases under three EV adoption rates in Uruguay: natural (1%), moderate (3%), and accelerated (10%). Python programming was used to evaluate the extrapolations of these indicators through Simple Linear Regression (RLS) and Simple Exponential Smoothing (SES), determining the most appropriate methodology using Mean Absolute Error (MAE) and Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) metrics. Data were collected from governmental websites in Uruguay and other publicly accessible domains. Method: The methodology adopted for this research comprises [concisely describe the study design, including approach, participants, instruments, procedures, etc.]. Data collection was carried out through [explain the specific methods used, such as interviews, questionnaires, observations, among others]. Results and Discussion: The results revealed that EV adoption generates increasing impacts on electrical demand, with 1% and 3% scenarios showing controlled impacts, while the 10% scenario demonstrates a significant increase, requiring strategic adaptations to avoid overloading the electrical system. Despite the usefulness of RLS and SES projection methodologies, their limitations lie in their sensitivity to extreme variations and reliance on historical data, which may hinder accuracy in contexts of rapid changes or unforeseen factors, such as future policies or technological advancements. Research Implications: This study presents practical and theoretical implications, highlighting Uruguay's need to invest in the expansion of the SIN and renewable sources to meet potential future EV demand, as well as to implement integrated policies for electric mobility. Theoretically, it reinforces the use of methodologies like RLS and SES for robust projections, influencing sectors such as the automotive industry, adapting to electrification, and the environmental sector, through emissions reductions, showcasing the impact of interdisciplinary approaches. Originality/Value: This study adds value by highlighting how different scenarios affect the SIN infrastructure of a country, especially one powered by 97% renewable energy sources. The approach can guide the formulation of future energy policies, assisting in infrastructure planning, setting renewable generation targets, and promoting electric mobility. By quantifying demands and benefits, this study provides input for strategic decisions, supporting sustainable energy transition and aligning public policies.

This systematic review outlines the application of thermoelectric generators (TEGs) as energy sources in CubeSats. While CubeSats currently rely on solar cells with efficiencies between 16.8% and 32.2%, their performance diminishes with increased distance from the Sun. TEGs, although used in radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) for satellites, remain underutilized in CubeSats. A literature review revealed 33 relevant articles, with 21.2% employing simulation software to evaluate thermal behavior. Among 34 patents, only one mentioned micro-TEGs, with most focusing on structural improvements. Patent activity peaked between 2016 and 2020, emphasizing structural and thermal optimization, but no patents addressed TEGs as energy sources for CubeSats, highlighting a significant research gap. TEGs present a viable solution for harnessing residual heat in CubeSats.