Design and Control of a Tricycle with a Hybrid Electric Motor Cooling System Powered By Solar Photovoltaics

Abstract

The power for a standard electric tricycle used for transportation comes from a battery, which can lose power after a certain amount of time. In this regard, the standard tricycle in the proposed concept will have a battery that will be charged by solar panels mounted on a stand on the rear of the tricycle. A solar-based renewable energy source is also used along with the traditional charging mechanism to make a hybrid system. The proposed tricycle is more stable in braking turns because it has a lower center of gravity compared to a bicycle. The proposed tricycle has movement in both directions, i.e., forward and reverse, for disabled persons. The proposed model was validated using the finite element analysis approach in solid work for different points of the frame and different types of loads. Also Electric motors have a great efficiency of operation, but they create a lot of heat depending on the torque and speed they need to run. As a result, an effective motor cooling system is required to keep the temperature within restrictions. Although the coolant pump and radiator fan in a conventional motor liquid cooling system do an efficient job, they are also energy hogs. The FEA approach was used to identify the maximum stress, displacement, and safety factors.