Design And Construction Of A Solar Powered Tricycle

ABSTRACT

Solar energy is one of the important sources of renewable energy which can be a feasible alternative to fossil fuels. There are many works has been done in order to incorporate solar energy to everyday transportation including tricycle. However, most of the tricycle develops are expensive and not feasible for developing countries. In this study, a cheaper solar tricycle with more capability of utilizing the solar energy is designed for developing countries. The main content of the tricycle is Solar PV panel, Brushless PMDC motor, controller, and battery. The power transmission of the solar tricycle is also simple. It is found that tricycle serves 24% back up for running, by the solar panel. This paper highlights the advantages of the dual mode of charging, including the economic and environmental feasibility of the tricycle.

 CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1                                              BACKGROUND OF STUDY

This project is to improve and develop the significance of solar energy in automobile. A method of upgrading the conventional tricycle that uses petroleum as a means of energy to Solar-Powered Electrical tricycle that is powered by an electric motor which gets its supply from photovoltaic (PV) panels. The PV panels must be mounted and installed on the tricycle without compromising riding comfortability. The method employs an electric motor that are easily connected and separated for ease of transport. The solar panel is connected to the charge controller and then connected to the batteries for collecting solar energy and converting it to electrical for recharging. The batteries are now connected to the DC motor for providing electrical power to drive the tricycle.  This project is to improve and develop the significance of solar energy in automobile.

This project is a combination of technology used typically in automobile industries, solar industries and electrical industries. Therefore, this design of solar powered tricycle have been built for the purpose of solar tricycle only.

1.2                                                  PROBLEM STATEMENT

From the beginning of the industrial revolution, the rate of energy consumption has increased at an alarming rate due to the synergistic effect of individual energy consumption and population. This situation can be overcome with mass production of the photovoltaic (PV) cell which uses solar energy with low fluctuation converted into electrical energy. The electrical energy is obtained by converting the Sun’s energy by the photovoltaic (PV) cell. By using this method, solar vehicles can be run which reduce the pressure on the energy sector as well as help to make the environment green.

The conventional tricycle uses fuel which produces carbon dioxide (CO2) which is dangerous to human and at the same time it makes most noise when in use which causes noise pollution. In order to solve this problem a solar powered tricycle is been invented. This machine produces lesser noise and also environmental pollution frees too

1.3                                       AIM

The aim of this project is to design and construct a solar powered tricycle.

1.4                             PROJECT OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this project are:

1. To design and construct a solar powered tricycle
2. To develop a tricycle that use renewable energy, environmentally friendly and cheap.
3. To convert the solar energy to the electrical energy by using solar cells, then Converting this electrical energy to mechanical energy by using dc motor to run the tricycle beside the human paddling.
4. To find the alternative of fuel.
5. To maintain the ecological balance.
6. To form the economical tricycle.

1.5                                                    SCOPE OF PROJECT

The scope of this project is limited to the design and construction of a solar powered tricycle that is powered by an electric motor which gets its power from photo voltaic (PV) panel and uses solar energy and to convert the solar energy to the electrical energy by using solar cells, then converting this electrical energy to mechanical energy by using DC motor to run tricycle.

1.6                                           LIMITATION OF THE PROJECT

1. The problem of this work is that the sun doesn’t shine 24 hours a day. When the sun goes down or is heavily shaded, solar PV panels stop producing electricity. If we need electricity at that time, we have to get it from some other source – the battery. However, if the battery discharges the machine will stop working.
2. Initial design price is high.

iii. Storage batteries will need to be replaced after about 3-5 years.

1. Can’t carry more than one passenger.
2. Slow speed comparing with other ways of transportation

1.7                                                            Applications

1. Travel for free with the power of the sun.
2. Provides free, ‘green’ transportation for short distances (<10 miles), thus it must never plug into a wall socket,

or emit any pollutants.

3. Charges while at work

4.Is cheap, simple, and low maintenance.

5. Draws attention to the practical

1.8                                         METHODOLOGY

To achieve the aim and objectives of this work, the following are the steps involved:

1. Study of the previous work on the project so as to improve it efficiency.
2. Draw a block diagram.

• Test for continuity of components and devices,

1. Design and calculation for the system was carried out.
2. Studying of various component used in circuit.
3. Construct a system circuit.

• Finally, the whole device was cased and final test was carried out.

1.9                                                         PROJECT ORGANIZATION

The work is organized as follows: chapter one discuses the introductory part of the work,   chapter two presents the literature review of the study,  chapter three describes the methods applied,  chapter four discusses the results of the work, chapter five summarizes the research outcomes and the recommendations.

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