Engineering Students Build a Solar-Powered Electrical Bicycle in Goa
Five mechanical engineering students build a solar-powered e-cycle at Agnel Institute of Technology and Design in Goa in order to reduce vehicular pollution. As of now, the customised photo-voltaic electrical bicycle could cover the distance between Panaji and Vasco on a single run.
Initially the students developed an idea of building a self-sustain cycle that could be powered by solar energy as part of their final semester project with an intention to help reduce carbon emissions.
This idea further progressed and materialised into a nifty design. The frame of the cycle is made from stainless steel and is powered by twenty lithium-ion batteries, which could be charged using two solar panels or a conventional power supply point.
Five mechanical engineering students build a solar-powered e-cycle at Agnel Institute of Technology and Design in Goa | Image: The Times of India
Beniston Ribeiro, one of the five students, said that the cycle weighs 29 kilos at present. They could have used an aluminium body to further reduce the carbon emission, however it could have been very costly. He also said that their cycle is a bit heavier and its distance could be extended if its weight is reduced.
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They have utilised a Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) charge controller, which generates analogue signals using a digital source to ensure the batteries don’t overcharge or short circuit. The batteries provide energy to a brushless DC (direct present) motor, which is mounted onto the rear wheel.
While explaining their idea, the students said;
Charging your electrical car (EV) on renewable power corresponding to photo voltaic or wind minimizes these emissions much more. All these energies obtainable are eco-friendly when in comparison with traditionally-used fuels which trigger critical issues of environmental air pollution,
As the number of vehicles is increasing day by day, air pollution and carbon emissions are also rising at an alarming rate. Therefore, maximum usage and production technologies like EV must increase to help provide greener transport.
Via: The Times of India
