Design and fabrication of eco - friendly solar scooter from electric scooter

Abstract

Solar energy, a renewable source of energy, is an imminent form that, if properly used, can give rise to incredible energy that can be further used in different forms. Research is still in progress on applications like solar-powered automobiles, solar-powered steam turbines, etc. The concept of the design and fabrication of solar-powered scooters was mainly intended for the reduction of non-renewable energy consumption and environmental protection. In this connection, it is essential to design and develop an eco-friendly solar-powered vehicle. This is an electric vehicle powered by solar energy obtained from solar panels on the surface of the vehicle, and it works on the principle of the photoelectric effect. Solar vehicles aren't practical day-to-day transportation vehicles at present, but they are used as primary demonstration vehicles. In our work, a Li-ion battery is an energy storage device that can store charge from a flexible monocrystalline solar panel. A brushless DC hub motor is the prime mover, and it drives the vehicle with the support of two wheels. A solar charge controller is used to manage the charging of a battery bank and control the ratio of current and voltage. This solar electric scooter has the capability to carry weights up to 150 kg and can travel at speeds of 40 km/h. The developed solar scooter can provide an incessant journey of 7 km, or it can travel up to 3 hours continuously. It is designed to be user-friendly, free from pollution, and entirely different from conventional vehicles. This solar powered vehicle solves various problems related to the environment, and it is the most efficient pollution-free technique.