SOLAR POWERED ELECTRIC BICYCLE

SOLAR POWERED ELECTRIC BICYCLE

• INTRODUCTION-

There is no doubt that the emission of carbon-dioxide from an automobile exhaust is a concern for the increasing rate of global warming. The fuel prices in India and around the world is increasing day by day thus there is a tremendous need to search for an alternative to conserve these natural resources. Promoting use of hybrid vehicles can reduce CO2 emission and the fuel costs. Thus a solar bicycle is an electric vehicle which provides alternative by utilising solar energy to charge the battery and thus provide required voltage to run the motor. India is blessed with nine months of sunny climate thus concept of solar bicycle will be very useful in India.

• DESIGN AND OPERATION OF SOLAR OPERATED CYCLE-

Thesolar hybrid bicycle is designed for carrying a load of 70 kg person, at 1500 Mph solar assisted bicycle developed is driven by DC motor which is mounted on rear wheel and operated by solar energy. The solar panels mounted on the carriage will charge the battery & which in turn drive the hub motor. When the bicycle is idle, the solar panel will charge as a part of dissertation work. The solar power rating is of 250W and with a travelling speed of around 25-30 kmph. It is provided with a pair of lead acid batteries of 10 Ah each, a photovoltaic solar panel with capacity of 20 watt, a voltage regulator of 24v 10 Amp, accelerator and motor controller of 24v 25Amp. There is also a provision for charging of the battery with 220-240V, AC wall outlet supply, in case of poor solar supply due to cloudy weather. A throttle allows driving the motor from zero speed to full speed. Our solar bicycle total weight including battery, motor and solar panel is 25kg. Our hybrid bicycle cost is 73% less than presently existing E-bikes. Hybrid bicycle power can be increased by replacing existing motor and battery to higher ratings as per needed.

• ADVANTAGES-

It is one of the most used, cleanest and sustainable forms of energy obtained through solar cells.
It is environmental friendly with no use of any fuels or release of toxic fumes that may cause global warming.
It also has a long life span of at least 20 years and requires little maintenance.
Normal pedalling is possible when not on power assist mode.
Detachable battery can be taken inside the house for charging.
Thumb throttle - simple to operate and less strain on hands.
The unit cost is very low.

• CONCLUSION-

Solar assisted bicycle is modification of existing bicycle and driven by solar energy. It is suitable for both city and country roads, that are made of cement, asphalt, or mud. This bicycle is cheaper about cost of 13000 rupees and simpler in construction & can be widely used for short distance travelling about 25km especially by school children, college students, office workers, villagers, postmen etc. It is very much suitable for young, aged, physically challenged people and caters the need of economically poor class of society. It can be operated throughout the year free of cost. The most important feature of this bicycle is that it does not consume valuable fossil fuels thereby saving the money. It is eco-friendly & pollution free, as it does not have any emissions. It has fewer components, can be easily mounted or dismounted, thus needs less maintenance.