Speed and Direction Control of a Solar Assisted Electric Wheelchair

Abstract

This paper deals with a motorized solar wheel chair with speed and direction control applications. Speed control is implemented in this wheel chair in order to compensate the absence of manual movement of the vehicle. And to provide smooth movements it also consists of cruise control which helps the wheelchair to move in one direction with a constant speed. The main aim of this project is to provide an economically feasible and cost efficient electric wheelchair which helps the person to move freely without depending on another person. A solar assisted electric wheelchair is powered by the energy stored in the batteries and by the photovoltaic energy from the solar panel, the traction is obtained by an electric motor. So the wheelchair uses solar panels to charge the battery and to use for small applications such as powering the LCD and sending electrical signals. This paper mainly focuses on the fabrication of a solar powered wheel chair with speed control and direction applications at an optimal cost designed for both indoor and outdoor environment.