Development of Solar Powered Automated Tricycle for Specially-abled  person  (Oct 07-July 08)

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Project Advisor :  Dr. Jyotirmay Mathur, Dr. Rajesh Kumar
Project Sponsor : Malaviya National Institute of Technology Jaipur
                          Bhagwan Mahaveer Viklang Sahayta Samiti (Jaipur Foot)

Motivation : To develop an alternative solution to the hand paddled tricycle which requires hard toil and extreme effort to drive it on inclinations and commute in cities

Work : I along with my colleague worked on this project to develop a low cost and low maintenance automated version of the hand paddled tricycle. The challenges were three fold 

1) To keep a light weight frame, 2) Minimize power transmission losses and 3) Reduce battery charging time. 
 
The picture in the right shows one such prototype sample of the automated tricycle. Wheel hub mounted PMBLDC motor has been used to minimize the power transmission losses. The electric motor is powered by three lead acid batteries which are connected in series. These batteries can be charged by either photovoltaic modules which have been mounted on the tricycle or an AC source can also be used. 

The frame for mounting PV module has been placed inclining forward to reduce the air drag and also it act as a protection against direct sun rays and rainfall. Once battery is fully charged the vehicle can travel a distance of about 30 km. with maximum speed of 25km/hr. It can be steered using an innovative single arm which has been designed to make its control easier. Drum braking has been provided for effective and maintenance free braking system. Vehicle kerb weight is around 75kg and can easily accommodate a person with his small luggage.