Power-assisted Bicycle Research Articles

"Motion Control of an Electric Power-Assisted Bicycle under the Effects of Operating Conditions"

"Motion Control of an Electric Power-Assisted Bicycle under the Effects of Operating Conditions"

Enhancing Urban Mobility with Self-Tuning Fuzzy Logic Controllers for Power-Assisted Bicycles in Smart Cities.

In smart cities, bicycle-sharing systems have become an essential component of the transportation services available in major urban centers around the globe. Due to environmental sustainability, research on the power-assisted control of electric bikes has attracted much attention. Recently, fuzzy logic controllers (FLCs) have been successfully applied to such systems. However, most existing FLC approaches have a fixed fuzzy rule base and cannot adapt to environmental changes, such as different riders and roads. In this paper, a modified FLC, named self-tuning FLC (STFLC), is proposed for power-assisted bicycles. In addition to a typical FLC, the presented scheme adds a rule-tuning module to dynamically adjust the rule base during fuzzy inference processes. Simulation and experimental results indicate that the presented self-tuning module leads to comfortable and safe riding as compared with other approaches. The technique established in this paper is thought to have the potential for broader application in public bicycle-sharing systems utilized by a diverse range of riders.

Dynamic LCA of fuel cell-assisted bike in consideration of Pt catalyst degradation in various operating conditions

Fuel cell (FC) systems have recently become increasingly popular in large applications, such as FC vehicles and stationary FC power systems for residences. The use of FC systems in smaller applications, such as electrically power-assisted bicycles and drones, is expected to expand. FC systems exert a low environmental impact during operation. However, in the future, the environmental impact during the manufacturing phase ought to be additionally considered. There is a concern that the sale of products may be restricted, if they fail to meet legal standards, such as the life cycle assessment (LCA) regulations in the EU countries. For instance, in TC 105 of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), the technical specification of LCA methodology for a stationary FC co-generation system was issued. This study evaluates the abiotic depletion potential (ADP) in the manufacturing phase and global warming potential (GWP). As the platinum (Pt) catalyst of FC significantly impacts the environment, more than lithium and cobalt, used in conventional lithium-ion batteries, each FC application ought to be designed considering all life cycle stages, while optimizing performance product life. As a promising example, we analyzed the performance drop caused by Pt degradation during the use phase of the assisted bicycle. Moreover, the dynamic performance of the FC-assisted bikes with an FC device and the supplemental power source of a Li-ion battery were evaluated under various operating conditions.

Experimental Study of Pedelec E-Bike Using Modified Mid Drive Motor

In small island areas, people still use fossil fuel vehicles as their mode of transportation. This will cause environmental damage. One solution to this problem is developing the electric bike. This study uses a power-assisted bicycle type electric bicycle, consisting of a battery, a dc motor, a motor controller, and a throttle motor. From the test results, the motor can be used to support the rider. The problem is that the rated power is still more oversized than the engine can receive, where the temperature rises sharply from 30. 6 ° to 56.8°C in 21 minutes. The consequence was motor burnout because the motor forced to turn the front wheel over time. For right now, this e-bike suitable tourism bike in a short area so we can make sure the motor temperature did not exceed 50°C.

Effects of Design Parameters on Operating Characteristics of an Electric Assisted Bicycle Using Fuel Cell

A simulation study was conducted to examine the effects of design parameters on the operation of an electric power-assisted bicycle using fuel cell. Bicycle dynamic, electric motor and fuel cell models were built to depict operation of the electric bicycle. These models were solved by Matlab-Simulink to obtain the operating characteristics of the electric bicycle, such as power of fuel cell, propulsion force, moving distance and velocity. The simulation results in motion were compared to experimental results to validate the simulation models. The effects of the number of cells and hydrogen fuel pressure on the operation of the electric bicycle were investigated. In addition, the influences of slope grade on the operating characteristics of the electric-assisted bicycle and fuel cell were investigated in two cases: without and with fuel cell control. The simulation results show that the operating performance of the electric bicycle was improved when the number of cells was increased. The increase in hydrogen fuel pressure helped to increase the operating performance of the electric bicycle; however, this contribution was not significant. When fuel cell control was applied, the velocity of the electric assisted bicycle could be maintained at a stable value, in spite of changing slope grade.

Young e-cyclists in Israeli cities: a characterization of typical behaviours and risk factors based on field observations

Electric power-assisted bicycles (e-bicycles) provide a convenient form of mobility in urban areas, being an attractive alternative to private cars, usual cycling and walking. However, there is a growing concern of their associated injuries, resulting from the increasing exposure and apparently higher speeds. Unlike other countries, in Israel, a growing use of e-bicycles by youngsters (below 18) is observed, in many towns, accompanied by a substantial increase in the number of related injuries. In this study, an observational survey of young e-cyclists was undertaken in Israeli towns aiming to characterize their behaviours at typical urban settings and then to consider measures needed for their safe integration in the urban space. The observational survey was focused on teen e-cyclists' behaviours during their trips to and from school and during leisure hours. The data were collected by means of dynamic video-recording, at five types of urban settings: signalized and un-signalized intersections; roundabouts; street sections with and without bicycle-paths. The survey covered 225 locations in 15 cities, including 150 sites near high-schools and 75 in city centers. In total, over 2000 video-films were collected and their contents were coded for statistical analyses. The results showed that at all types of sites, most teenager e-cyclists were males, older than 16 and not wearing a helmet, despite the traffic law demands. High shares of them rode on sidewalks and crossed at crosswalks, violating the law that prohibits using pedestrian facilities for riding. At signalized intersections, substantial shares crossed on red, both on the roadway and on crosswalks, thus violating the traffic law and increasing accident risk. At various urban settings, young e-cyclists demonstrated a wide range of risky manoeuvres. They move faster than pedestrians and endanger them on sidewalks, but also disturb vehicle traffic and endanger themselves while riding on the road. A wider application of bicycle infrastructure, with better separation between the sidewalks, roadways and bicycle paths, would lead to a safer integration of e-bicycles in Israeli cities. Additionally, road safety education and training of teen e-cyclists supported by stronger enforcement of traffic regulations are required.

Cyclist’s Riding Style Assessment via Inertial Measurement

Bicycles are seen as a viable solution to a number of transportation problems: the use of bicycles alleviate congestion, reduce pollution and generally improve public health. In many congested cities, bicycles are the quickest means of transportation. The widespread use of bicycles, along with the exponential growth of electrically power assisted bicycles, could pose some safety issues related to reckless cycling. This paper presents an inertial measurement based approach to quantify and classify different riding styles. The bicycle velocity, longitudinal acceleration and angular rates are monitored to identify dangerous riding from three different perspective: longitudinal, vertical and lateral dynamics. In this way, it is possible to assign a number assessing the quality of each trip. The approach is developed using data collected from ad-hoc experiments and real-world data.

Design and Development of an Innovative E-Bike

A new model of power-assisted bicycle has been designed, set up and tested. The main innovative solutions for the pedelec prototype are described in the present paper: the electric motor position; the new mechanical transmission; the low cost measurement system of the driving torque; the special test rig. Differently from a common approach, in which the electric motor is located on one of the three hubs of the bicycle, the idea of the pedelec prototype consists of an electrical motor in the central position that, by means of a bevel gear, transmits the torque on the central hub. The other innovative solution is represented by the motion transmission from the motor to the pedal shaft, achieved by two different gearboxes: the first one is a planetary gearbox and the second one is a simple bevel gear. The pedelec prototype contains also a new low cost measurement system of the driving torque based on a strain gauge load cell located on one side of the rear wheel, between the hub and the frame. Moreover, a commercial cycling simulator has been suitably modified in order to properly install the different sensors for the measurement of the performance of the pedelec. The test rig is able to reproduce an aforethought route or paths acquired during road tests, to measure the performance of the e-bike in terms of instantaneous power and speed. The experimental test rig can simulate the resistant torque of a predetermined track and it aims to test and to optimize the control strategy available on the electronic control unit. The authors have also conducted an environmental analysis of the developed pedelec, in particular comparing the e-bike with a thermal moped, in terms of environmental impact.

Model-based Control for an Innovative Power-assisted Bicycle

This paper presents an activity concerning the development of a control strategy for power-assisted electric bicycles, also called pedelecs. A common assistance algorithm available on commercial pedelecs consists in providing predefined constant assistance electric power. This approach is lack of flexibility with respect to environmental condition and generally does not provide a good driving comfort. The proposed control method has been designed to minimize the tracking error between the actual bike velocity and the desired one, in the presence of external disturbances. The assistance electric motor torque consists of a feedforward torque integrated with a feedback one. The feedforward contribution is a nonlinear torque based on the pedelec model. The feedback action has the function to compensate the tracking error due to model uncertainties and unknown disturbances. The performance of the methodology has been evaluated applying the controller to an innovative pedelec prototype. To this aim, a mathematical model of the vehicle has been developed. Different human torque models have been implemented in order to study the influence of the rider on the pedelec dynamics. The results of a comparative analysis between the proposed algorithm and a common assistance method have demonstrated that the proposed controller provides improvements in terms of riding comfort and energy utilization.

2A1-H04 アクセシビリティを考慮した交通弱者支援シティコミュータの研究開発

These days, population outflows increase from the district to the urban area by the opening to traffic of the expressway. By a population outflow, a traffic inconvenience area occurred in each place of the whole country in the district. In addition, The vehicle that has been being produced for elderly person until now has some problems such as heavyweight, expensive cost, and it is difficult to move when the battery gave out, so only some people is able to purchase it. Besides, although a power-assisted bicycle is light and able to move even out of battery, it can be used on only roads for the size, not sidewalk, so the risk of accidents is increased. Therefore, this paper explains about the research and development of vulnerable road users support city commuter with excellent accessibility as new mobility turning into existing transportation.

Biomechanical Evaluation of an Electric Power-Assisted Bicycle by a Musculoskeletal Model

Biomechanical Evaluation of an Electric Power-Assisted Bicycle by a Musculoskeletal Model

J102031 筋骨格モデルによる電動アシスト自転車のアシス卜方法の生体力学的評価([J10203]ライフサポート(3))

J102031 筋骨格モデルによる電動アシスト自転車のアシス卜方法の生体力学的評価([J10203]ライフサポート(3))

Sustainable mobility transitions and the challenge of countervailing trends: the case of personal aeromobility

Research on sustainable mobility transitions has focused on battery-electric vehicles, urban ‘smart’ cars, fuel-cell powered transport modes and power-assisted bicycles. While these studies have usefully exposed some of the dynamics governing sociotechnical change, developments outside the purview of sustainability have been largely ignored. A critical area of neglect concerns the growing popularity of personal aeromobility. Passenger dissatisfaction with commercial airlines, public concerns about terrorism, increasing affluence and creative marketing have expanded interest in private aviation. In parts of the USA, customised air travel is becoming a straightforward and affordable transport alternative. This article describes the mounting popularity of four segments of this trend: business/personal airplane acquisition, fractional aircraft ownership, flight-time cards and air taxis. It also highlights the role that the federal government is currently playing to overcome the technological obstacles to more pervasive personal aeromobility. A concluding section considers the ramifications of these activities on contemporary efforts to foster sustainable mobility and to conceptualise viable transition pathways.

Factory Tour to Yamaha Motor

Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd., founded in 1955, is representative of global Japanese companies with factories worldwide that deliver a wide variety of products meeting customer needs. It employs 51,000 working on product lines including motorcycles, scooters, hybrid (power-assisted) bicycles, snowmobiles, boats, outboard motors, yachts, water vehicles, diesel engines, automobile engines, surface mounters for electronic parts, industrial robots, industrial unmanned helicopters, and electric wheelchairs. The December accounting term for fiscal 2007 showed unconsolidated sales of 799.2 billion yen and consolidated sales of 1,756.7 billion yen. The percentage of sales by product was 60.1% for motorcycles, 16.4% for marine use, 15.2% for special equipment, and 8.3% for others in the same fiscal year. The percentage of sales by region was 35.2% for the United States, 23.9% for Europe, 17.6% for Japan, 9.3% for Asia, and 14.0% for others. In the 21st century, Yamaha holds the basic philosophy of creating values and profits for sustainable growth and offering new excitement and a more fulfilling life for people worldwide.

Developement of an Integrated Performance Simulator for a Power-assited Bicycle

In this paper, we propose an integrated performance simulator that supports efficient research and development for a power-assisted bicycle. First, we show theoretical conditions modeled as closely as possible to real conditions. We reproduced the conditions on the equipment simulator that we developed, which can experimentally evaluate qualities of the power-assisted bicycle. In addition, we model the performance of the power-assisted bicycle with respect to the elasticity of a torque sensor, and consider the correlation between pedaling torque and the velocity of each component using the computer simulator. Considering the equivalent nature of both simulations, the experimental results support the validity of the integrated power-assisted bicycle simulator.

The Power Oar – Mechatronic Rowing Assistant

This paper represents an innovative rowing assistant - called Power Oar (Pat. pending). Power Oar is a rowing booster, which allows a rower to row with normal movements but with less power. The system is related to power steering and power-assisted bicycle. In Power Oar the regular oarlock is replaced with a combination of an electric motor and a gear. The torque (current) of the motor is controlled by the rowing force of the human rower. The technical development and performance tests of the prototype are described and finally a market research is reviewed shortly.

Development of a Torque Sensor using Giant Magnetostrictive Material for Electric Power-Assisted Bicycles

We developed a new light-weight power-assisted bicycle using a giant magnetostrictive torque sensor, which is a new mechatronics product for individual use. The key components for power-assisted bicycles are sensors, which are vital for detecting the extremely large forces (maximum crank axle torque: about 160Nm) of power exerted on the pedals by the riders. In this paper we propose a torque detection method that uses a giant magnetostrictive material with a high force detection sensitivity, where the capacity to resist stress is extremely large.Improving the hysteresis has become an issue for raising the precision of force sensors that use giant magnetostrictive elements. As a method to improve the hysteresis, we focus on the point of integrating these force sensors into microcomputer-equipped digital control systems, and construct a detection circuit such that the magnetostrictive elements are expanded instantaneously by the application of a pulse magnetic field during the sampling of discrete sensor data. this paper also examines this hysteresis reduction method and reports the contents of an actual construction method for force sensors.

00/03405 Optimisation of flow-field in polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells using computational fluid dynamics techniques

The application of micro-solid oxide fuels cells in small systems is discussed. Two types of application are examined, namely, leisure CHP systems and micro-hybrid vehicles. A unique triple layer catalyst–SOFC–catalyst system has been designed utilising propane/butane fuel. The system consists of a co-generating gas burner with a pre-reforming catalyst, a micro-SOFC stack and an oxidation catalyst. The pre-reforming catalyst comprising of Ru metal on Saffil® ceramic wool, was used to partially reform the propane/butane gas prior to entering the fuel cell, preventing carbon formation. The micro-SOFCs were YSZ tubes (Adelan, UK) with nickel/YSZ cermet anodes on the outside and strontium-doped lanthanum manganite cathodes on the inside. Final oxidation was provided by a cordierite honeycomb coated with platinum combustion catalyst producing most of the heat for the fuel cell operation. Initial performance results were obtained and it was shown that a co-generating system could be achieved using a propane/butane fuel supply, piezoelectric ignition system and air supply for the triple catalyst system. The application of this micro-SOFC system for leisure and micro-hybrid vehicles, such as golf trolleys and power-assisted bicycles, is described.

Novel applications for micro-SOFCs

The application of micro-solid oxide fuels cells in small systems is discussed. Two types of application are examined, namely, leisure CHP systems and micro-hybrid vehicles. A unique triple layer catalyst–SOFC–catalyst system has been designed utilising propane/butane fuel. The system consists of a co-generating gas burner with a pre-reforming catalyst, a micro-SOFC stack and an oxidation catalyst. The pre-reforming catalyst comprising of Ru metal on Saffil® ceramic wool, was used to partially reform the propane/butane gas prior to entering the fuel cell, preventing carbon formation. The micro-SOFCs were YSZ tubes (Adelan, UK) with nickel/YSZ cermet anodes on the outside and strontium-doped lanthanum manganite cathodes on the inside. Final oxidation was provided by a cordierite honeycomb coated with platinum combustion catalyst producing most of the heat for the fuel cell operation. Initial performance results were obtained and it was shown that a co-generating system could be achieved using a propane/butane fuel supply, piezoelectric ignition system and air supply for the triple catalyst system. The application of this micro-SOFC system for leisure and micro-hybrid vehicles, such as golf trolleys and power-assisted bicycles, is described.