REHABILITATION OF ELECTRICAL POWERED TRICYCLE

ABSTRACT

In many developing countries, motorcycles and tricycle are increasingly

becoming the common means of transport especially among low-income urban

dwellers (urban poor) and many rural people. The increasing growth in the

number of tricycles has come to solve the mobility needs of many urban

residents in the light of poor and inadequate public transport system, poor road

conditions particularly those leading into the peri- urban areas where many

people reside as a result of urban sprawl. It also comes along with a host of

opportunities including employment to tricycle mechanics and tricycle spare

parts dealers, local revenue generating sources through taxes/levies on tricycle

owners/riders as well as tricycle registration and licensing. The tricycle

comprises body layout, front and rear longitudinal members, main floor unit,

engine position, wheel bases, luggage space, the rear seat panel, boot floor, rear

bumper, electrical and lighting system, chassis, ignition system, handle bar, fuel

tank, brake and gear selector, engine access booth, two side mirrors, back and

front tires, exhaust pipe and adjustable seat. Some of this which are not detail

explain in this course of the work rather the paper work focuses on the Engine

design layout and operation cycle of the engine, designs parameters

(calculations) with engine parts and their major functions

1
CHAPTER ONE

1.1 INTRODUCTION

A tricycle is a three-wheeled vehicle. The position of the wheels can be either

one wheel is positioned on the front or the other two wheels positioned on the

rear or vice versa. While tricycles are often associated with the small three-

wheeled vehicles used by pre-school age children, they are also used by adults

for a variety of purposes. In the United States and Canada, adult-sized tricycles

are used extensively by older persons for recreation, shopping, and exercise. In

Asia and Africa, tricycles are used mainly for commercial transportation either

of passengers inpedicabs or of freight and deliveries (Wikipedia, 2009).

Human-powered tricycles are usually powered engine four-stroke or two-stroke,

through Pedals. Although some models have hand cranks. Motorized tricycle

can be powered with a variety of methods, including motorcycle engines,

smaller automatic transmission scooter motors and electric motors (Wikipedia,

2009). The design of the tricycle been improved year by year towards getting

the convenience vehicle that meet the customer or user expectation in term of

mobility, maneuverability, performance and operating comfort and safety.

2
This project is to improve and develop the significance of solar energy in

automobile. A method of upgrading the conventional tricycle that uses

petroleum as a means of energy to an Electrical powered tricycle that is

powered by an electric motor. The method employs an electric motor that are

easily connected and separated for ease of transport. This project is to improve

and develop the significance of electrical energy in automobile.

This project is a combination of technology used typically in automobile

industries, solar industries and electrical industries. Therefore, this rehabilitation

of an electrical powered tricycle have been built for the purpose of electrical

tricycle only.

1.2 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Transportation is almost exclusively dependent on oil and petroleum demand. It

is also a single source of many air pollutants. It causes more than half of the

carbon monoxide, more than a third of the nitrogen oxides, and almost a quarter

of the hydrocarbons in our atmosphere. Motor vehicles also emit pollutants,

such as carbon dioxide, that contribute to global climate change.

So, by using electric vehicles, we reduce this pollution to a large extent and thus

they allow an ecofriendly mode of transportation.

1.3 AIMS AND OBJECTIVE OF THE PROJECT

The purpose of this research involves the rehabilitation of an electrical powered

tricycle. Also, their design concept, operational principles with various features

3
for performance excellence from the perspective of high power output, fuel

economy, durability and low emission for applications.

The objectives of this project are:

1) To design and construct an electrical powered tricycle

2) To test run the performance level of the designed tricycle

3) To evaluate the designed tricycle in terms the use of renewable energy,

environmentally friendly and cheap.

1.4 SCOPE OF PROJECT

The scope of this project is limited to the rehabilitation of an electrical powered

tricycle that is powered by an electric motor by converting this electrical energy

to mechanical energy by using DC motor to run tricycle.

4
 CHAPTER TWO

2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 EMERGING TREND OF TRI-CYCLE DEVELOPMENT

Breakthrough in technology has made it possible for various mode of transport

to have been developed, in fact railroad, telecommunication, television, satellite

communication pipe and conveyor belt etc has reduces the need for people to

travel.

Results of survey carried out on intermediate (Tri-cycle) mode of transport

revealed that Tri-cycle as a mode of transport was more effective than motor

cycle. Chikeze(2007).Although in 1980s bicycle has also become very popular

in the west, but they were initially very expensive in Asia and few in number.

Japan then developed its own bicycle industry and they rapidly become widely

used. Also in 1920’s bicycles have become important in most Asian cities

whereby Singapore, Indian, Hong-Kong and Kuala Lumpur all became a

bicycle nation, by 1970s onward, the beginning of an upsurge toward mass

motorcycle ownership could be seen in few of the rich Asian cities, and by late

1990 the Tri-cycle started emerging in both Indian and Pakistan.

5
Tricycle has been adopted by most industrialized countries of the world, tricycle

lanes have been installed and developed for parking whereby about 10,000km

of cycle paths, separate bridges for tricycle and bike have been constructed at

most of their high way junctions. They also gave priority to motorist traffic at

large intersection, for example the Hong Kong government has constructed a

tricycle and pedestrian only tunnel under a river, designed to handle two to three

cycles per road lane. While Dutch chooses to move about on cycles each day for

shop trips and it is believed that the Japanese has the highest number of these

forms of vehicles in the world. The urban edge, Vol.14, No. 22, March 1990.

The new modern tricycle was first constructed in Bangalore city (India) in 1992

although by late 1990 Tri-cycle has started emerging in both Indian and

Pakistan. About 15km of tricycle routes have been built in Bangalore city India,

this is an attempt to separate tricycle with pedestrians this project gulp about

12.5 million dollars. This project was basically on a recommendation of the

country’s master plan proposal for the year. Moreover, since Indian

government is concerned with the safety of its teaming tricycles operators in

daily commuting of its citizens, they develop a strategy for controlling tricycles

and all forms of cycle’s traffic in Bangalore city (Rishinth 1992).

According to the (Urban Edge, Vol.14; No. 2, March 1990) bicycle, motorcycle

and other forms of cycling constitute about (50-90%) of urban china vehicle, in

fact they are regarded as the “bike capital” of the world, with 160 million

6
different types of cycles which also include a tricycle, presently bicycle and

other cycles are very popular in either rural or urban centre. In fact this idea can

be used for other form of cycles such as the tricycles. For example India own

about 30 million cyclists which is 25 times the number of motorized vehicle. In

Philippines motor cycle was converted to a tricycle in order for such mode of

transport to carry both passengers and goods.

2.2 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND OF TRICYCLES IN NIGERIA

The diffusion of tricycle brands in the Nigerian market can be attributed to the

Federal Government’s initiative in 2002 to ease transportation problems and

create avenue for self employment, for the unemployed and the jobless(Sun,

2009). However, some states in Nigeria have decided not to adopt the tricycle

(e.g. Edike, 2009) while some states have whole heartedly adopted its use (Imo,

2009). This commercial tricycle scheme is popularly known as “Keke NAPEP”.

Keke is a native word for tricycle while NAPEP is an acronym for National

Poverty Eradication Programme (Josiah, 2008). It is noteworthy to mention that

majority of commuters use buses, tricycles and motorcycles for movement

while some use the taxis. The increase in urban population, particularly those

residing in smaller settlements away from city centers is the primary reason why

there is demand of the services of motorcycles and tricycles. Some passengers

however prefer the tricycle to motorcycle as a result of its relative affordability,

availability and safety (Sun, 2009). In most cities in Nigeria, it is such that the

7
city centre is congested with business premises while the fringes are occupied

by low and medium income earners. Faced with this, commuters are forced to

make longer trips on vehicles and trek a longer distance of a consecutive

estimate of two trips per person. With the above, it is clear that there is an

impending mobility crisis arising from demand/supply gap. The emergence of

various modes of transportation gave rise to tricycles especially in view of its

flexibility and the need to cope with socio-economic trends. Most tricycle

brands in Nigeria are motorcycles with side cars, which have the legal capacity

of 5 passengers including the driver. Tricycles are a popular mode of public

transportation among commuters due to their high accessibility, availability,

affordability, and convenience. Being much less expensive in fares than other

vehicles, they play an important role in Nigeria’s overall transportation

system.There are two general types of operational cycle of tricycles in Nigeria;

two stroke and four stroke powered tricycles with engine located either at the

rear or middle position. A two-stroke engine is an internal combustion engine

which completes the thermodynamic cycle in two movements of the piston

(compared to twice that number for a four-stroke engine) (Wikipedia, 2009).

The two-stroke internal combustion engine differs from the more common four-

stroke engine by completing the same four processes (intake, compression,

combustion, exhaust) in only two strokes of the piston rather than four. This is

accomplished by using the beginning of the compression stroke and the end of

the combustion stroke to perform the intake and exhaust functions. This allows

8
a power stroke for every revolution of the crank, instead of every second

revolution as in a four-stroke engine. For this reason, two-stroke engines

provide high specific power, so they are valued for use in portable, lightweight

applications such as chainsaws as well as large-scale industrial applications like

locomotives.

2.3 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Girikshith et al (2021) designed a solar-powered tricycle that will assist

physically challenged persons in getting about. At critical speeds and higher, the

vehicle's CG is behind the Neutral Steering Point (NSP), causing the rear wheel

slip angle to be larger than the front wheel, resulting in a negative static margin

for the tricycle. As a result, the vehicle responds to sideload by yawing, or

turning the CG in the opposite direction of motion. For safety reasons, the

tricycle was meant to go at a modest speed of no more than 20 km/hr. The

tricycle maintains stability at a low speed below its critical speed, according to

the center of gravity calculations.

Hanamapure et al. (2012) designed a solar-assisted bicycle developed is driven

by a DC motor fitted in front or rear axle housing & operated by solar energy.

The solar panels mounted on the carriage will charge the battery & which in

turn drive the hub motor. When the bicycle is idle, the solar panel will charge

the battery. This arrangement will replace the petrol engine, the gearbox & the

9
fuel tank in case of a two-wheeler or a chain sprocket, chain & gear shifting

arrangement of a conventional bicycle being used by the most common man.

Rajendra Beedu. et al. (2014) designed a solar-powered cycle is fabricated by

modifying an all-geared bicycle. The discussion covers the design, assembly,

and performance evaluation of the tricycle. The selection of electric motor, solar

charger, and panels are dealt with.

Mahadi Hasan Masud et al. (2013) developed a body of a tricycle, charging

system, battery, and power transmission system is designed. After a

performance study, it is obtained that the storage system can run the tricycle

about 25 km and it gets back up about 24% power from a solar system which is

equivalent to 6 km if the solar intensity is around 1150 w/m2 at the time of

running of the tricycle. The maximum speed of the tricycle has been found at 26

km/h.

10
CHAPTER THREE

3.0 METHODOLOGY

The main purpose of this project work involves the rehabilitation of an electric

powered tricycle.

3.1 HARDWARE DEVELOPMENT

3.1.1 CALCULATIONS OF TRICYCLE COMPONENT SELECTION

We needed to decide how much power would be required for our electric motor

to achieve our objectives. Some testing and calculation helped us to determine

this. We selected a front wheel which is of a diameter of 18 inch. Therefore,

D = 18 inch = 0.4572 m …………………………………

Eqn.3.1

According to our objective we require a speed of 10 km/h = 2.77m/s

…… Eqn.3.2

Mass of tricycle along with the batteries, motor and drive circuit was

found to be 20kg.

And we took the maximum load weight to be 80kg. Therefore,

(Dead weight) Total weight = 20+80= 100kg ……………….…

Eqn.3.3

11
 Fig 3.1: Distance travelled by the front wheel in 1 sec

3.2. COMPONENTS USED

This section gives us the details and ratings about the electrical components and

the different mechanical parts used to build up the electric tricycle.

Electrical components:

The Table 3.1 indicates the electrical components used in our Electric

Tricycle.

SL. Components Purpose

No.

1 PMDC motor The main component used to move the

front wheel of the Tricycle.

2 Motor drive circuit Used to control the speed

of The motor.

3 Sealed lead acid To supply energy to the motor.

Batteries

4 Electrical To increase or decrease the

12
 accelerator Speed of the motor.

5 Battery charger To charge the battery when low.

6 RF based wireless To turn on and off the tricycle from a

remote control distance.

Table 3.1: Electrical Components used

Mechanical components:

The Table 3.2 shows the mechanical components used in the tricycle.

SL. Parts Dimensions

No.

1 18 inch front wheel Wheel diameter- 45 cm

Width- 4 cm

Rim- 38 cm, thickness- 1cm.

2 Plywood sheet

3 Back wheel Diameter = 3.5 cm

Thickness = 2.5 cm

Length = 12 cm

4 Free wheel 24 teeth

5 Mechanical brakes

Table 3.2: Mechanical components of the tricycle.

13
3.3. ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS:

3.3.1. D.C. MOTOR:

For our tricycle, we are using a PMDC (brushed D.C. motor), 350W, 24V and

300 rpm brush motor.

Brushed DC motor is an internally commutated electric motor designed to be

run from a direct current power source. Brushed motors were the first

commercially important application of electric power to driving mechanical

energy. Brushed DC motors can be varied in speed by changing the operating

voltage or the strength of the magnetic field. Depending on the connections of

the field to the power supply, the speed and torque characteristics of a brushed

motor can be altered to provide steady speed or speed inversely proportional to

the mechanical load. Brushed motors continue to be used for electrical

propulsion, cranes, paper machines and steel rolling mills.

The brushed DC electric motor generates torque directly from DC power

supplied to the motor by using internal commutation, stationary

magnets(permanentor electromagnets), and rotating electrical magnets.

14
 Fig 3.2: PMDC Brush Motor

3.3.2.MOTOR DRIVE CIRCUIT

We decided to use Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) to control the speed of the

motor. The advantage of pulse width modulation over the use of adding gears

to the system is the fact that with gears, torque is gained, but distance efficiency

is lost. Pulse width modulation allows the motor to operate at a variety of

speeds.

To control the speed of a D.C. motor we need a variable voltage D.C. power

source. However if you take a 24V motor and switch on the power to it, the

motor will start to speed up. Motors do not respond immediately so it will take a

small time to reach full speed. If we switch the power off sometime before the

motor reaches full speed, then the motor will start to slow down. If we switch

the power on and off quickly, the motor will run at some speed between zero

and full speed. This is exactly what a PWM controller does: it switches the

motor on in a series of pulses. To control the motor speed it varies (modulates)

the width of the pulses.

If the motor is connected with one end to the battery positive and the other end

to battery negative via a switch (MOSFET, power transistor or similar) then if

theMOSFET is on for a short period and off for a long period as shown in Fig

3.3(a), the motor will only rotate slowly. In Fig 3.3(b), the switch is on 50% and

off 50%. In Fig 3.3(c), the motor is on for most of the time and only off a short
15
while, so the speed is near maximum. In a practical low voltage controller the

switch opens and closes at 20 kHz (20 thousand times per second). This is far

too fast for the motor to even realize it is being switched on and off: it thinks it

is being fed from a pure DC voltage. It is also a frequency above the audible

range so any noise emitted by the motor will be inaudible. It is also slow enough

that MOSFETs can easily switch at this frequency.

Fig 3.3(a): Motor on for a short period.

Fig 3.3(b): Motor on for 50% and off for 50%.

16
 Fig 3.3(c): Motor on for a long period.

A) Specifications:

The Table 3.3 shows the specifications of a PWM controller.

Sl.No. Description Range

1 Supply voltage 24V

2 Supply current 0 A (at zero speed)

3 Output voltage 0 to 100% full speed

4 Switching frequency 0-20 kHz

5 Size: (board only) 122mm x 55mm x 30mm

6 Size: (with heat sink) 180mm x 55mm x 35mm

7 Weight 100g

8 Input 1k to 10k pot.

9 Input voltage 0v to full speed

10 Full speed input adjustable 3v to 20v

17
Table 3.3: Specifications of PWM motor controller

B) Features:

• High speed MOSFET chopper circuit

• Half Bridge

• Fast current limit on drive and regeneration.

• Adjustable gain

• Regenerative braking

• Current limit on drive and regeneration

• CR type ramp

• Heat sink is adequate for normal motor use (i.e. intermittent

operation at maximum output). The integral heatsink may be bolted to

an additional heatsink if required. The current limit reduces

automatically if the controller gets hot, reducing the danger of failure.

• Circuit can be used to drive loads such as lamps, which will work

off a chopped D.C.

supply.

C) Components used:

The Table 3.4 shows the components required for the motor drive circuit.

18
SL Technical

No. Component specifications Purpose

1 SG3526 Supply voltage=40V

Pulse width modulation
Output current=
control circuit
±200A

2 LM7812C Output voltage =12V To obtain fixed output

voltage

3 MOSFET IRFP4710 Motor control

4 Resistors Biasing purpose

20KΩ, 10KΩ, 10Ω, regulates the current

0.001Ω, 1KΩ flow.

5 Capacitors 220μF/35V, Stores charges and

47μF/15V, removes harmonics

4700μF/35V

6 Potentiometer 20KΩ To increase or decrease

the speed of the motor

Table 3.4: Components required for motor drive

circuit. D) Circuit diagram:

19
 Fig 3.4: Motor Drive Control Circuit.

The Fig 3.4 shows the motor drive circuit with 20A short circuit protection.

The 24V DC voltage is applied to the voltage regulator IC LM7812C which

reduces the voltage from 24V to 12V. This voltage is now applied to the input

of the SG3526. The SG3526 is a high performance pulse width modulator

integrated circuit intended for fixed frequency switching regulators and other

power control applications. The 10KΩ potentiometer is used to vary the width

of the PWM in order to control the speed of the motor. The output of the high

performance pulse width modulator integrated circuit SG3526 is given to the

driver circuit which consists of 2 MOSFETs which is used to drive the motor.

3.3.3.SEALED LEAD ACID BATTERIES

We are using 2 12V, 12AH batteries as shown in the Fig.3.5

20
 Fig.3.5: Sealed lead acid batteries.

The advantages of using sealed lead acid batteries over the conventional lead

acid batteries are as follows:

• Sealed/Maintenance-Free: The valve regulated, spill-proof

construction of the battery allows trouble-free, safe operation in any

position. There is no need to add electrolyte, as gases generated

during over-charge are recombined in a unique ―oxygen cycle.‖

• Long Shelf Life: A low self-discharge rate permits storage of

fully charged batteries for up to a year at room temperature before

charging is required. Lower storage temperatures enhance shelf life

characteristics even further.

• Design Flexibility: Batteries may be used in series and/or parallel

to obtain choice of voltage and capacity. Due to recent design

21
breakthroughs, the same battery may be used in either cyclic or

standby applications.

• Deep Discharge Recovery: Special separators, advanced plate

composition, and a carefully balanced electrolyte system have greatly

improved the ability of recovering from excessively deep discharge.

• Economical: The high watt-hour per dollar value is made

possible by the materials used in a sealed lead-acid battery: they are

readily available and low in cost.

• Easy Handling: No special handling precautions or shipping

containers — surface or air — are required due to the leak-proof

construction. They are classified as nonhazardous commodity.

• Compact: These batteries use state of the art design, high grade

materials, and a carefully controlled plate-making process to provide

excellent output per cell. The high energy density results in superior

power/volume and power/weight ratios.

• High Discharge Rate: Low internal resistance allows discharge

currents of up to ten times the rated capacity of the battery. Relatively

small batteries may thus be specified in applications requiring high

peak currents.

22
 • Wide Operating Temperature Range: These batteries may be

discharged over a temperature range of -40°C to +60°C (-40°F to

+140°F) and charged at temperatures ranging from -20°C to +50°C

(4°F to +122°F).

• Rugged Construction: The high impact resistant battery case is

made either of nonconductive ABS plastic or styrene. Large capacity

batteries frequently have polypropylene cases. All of these case

materials impart great resistance to shock, vibration, chemicals and

heat.

• Long Service Life: Under normal operating conditions, four or

five years of dependable service life can be expected in stand-by

applications, or between 2001000 charge/discharge cycles depending

on average depth of discharge.

3.3.4. ELECTRICAL ACCELERATOR

The accelerator used is nothing but a potentiometer which is used to vary the

speed of the motor. In a nutshell, the PWM controller takes input when we twist

the accelerator and that tells it how many watts of electricity to send to the

motor. So the PWM controller has to also convert the direct current (DC) from

the battery to the alternating current (AC) for the motor. So basically the

23
twisting position determines how much electricity to shove into the motor.

More electricity, more torque and speed. Twist the accelerator, PWM controller

sends power from the battery to the motor, motor turns the wheels.

Fig 3.6: Electrical Accelerator

3.3.5.BATTERY CHARGER:

A smart battery is generally defined as one containing some sort of electronic

device or "chip" that can communicate with a smart charger about battery

characteristics and condition. A smart battery generally requires a smart charger

it can communicate with. A smart charger is defined as a charger that can

respond to the condition of a battery, and modify its charging actions

accordingly.

Some smart chargers are designed to charge:

• "Smart" batteries.

• "Dumb" batteries, which lack any internal electronic circuitry.

24
 The output current of a smart charger depends upon the battery's state. An

intelligent charger may monitor the battery's voltage, temperature or time under

charge to determine the optimum charge current and to terminate charging.

The voltage across the battery increases slowly during the charging process,

until the battery is fully charged. After that, the voltage decreases, this indicates

to an intelligent charger that the battery is fully charged. Such chargers are often

labeled as a ΔV, "deltaV," or sometimes "delta peak", charger, indicating that

they monitor the voltage change.

The problem is, the magnitude of "delta-V" can become very small or even

nonexistent if (very) high capacity rechargeable batteries are recharged. This

can cause even an intelligent battery charger to not sense that the batteries are

actually already fully charged, and continue charging. Overcharging of the

batteries will result in some cases. However, many so called intelligent chargers

employ a combination of cut off systems, which are intended to prevent

overcharging in the vast majority of cases.

A typical intelligent charger fast-charges a battery up to about 85% of its

maximum capacity in less than an hour, then switches to trickle charging, which

takes several hours to top off the battery to its full capacity.

The components used in the battery charger circuit are as shown in the

Table. 3.5

Sl. No Components Technical Purpose

25
 specification

1 Transformer 35-0-35 Step down 230V AC to

35V.

2 Rectifying Converting AC to DC

circuit- full

wave bridge

rectifier

3 Voltage To obtain fixed output voltage.

regulator Output

LM317 voltage= 17V

4 Capacitors 100𝜇𝐹, Stores charges and removes

2200𝜇𝐹 harmonics

5 Resistors 220Ω,

100Ω, Biasing purpose, regulates the

0.85Ω current flow.

6 Diode 1N5003 Unidirectional current flow and

current switching

7 Transistor BC547 Switching purpose

8 Potentiometer 10KΩ Allows to increase or decrease

26
 resistance

9 fuse Current=2A

Table 3.5: Components used in Battery Charger

Circuit

Circuit diagram for a battery charger is as shown in Fig 3.7

Fig 3.7: Battery Charger Circuit

This is a battery charger circuit for two 12V/ 12AH batteries. When two

batteries are connected in series, the voltage will add up and the current capacity

remains same. So two 12V/12AH batteries connected in series can be

considered as a 24V/12AH battery.

The circuit given here is a sealed lead acid battery charger built around the

famous variable voltage regulator IC LM 317. The charging current depends on

the value of resistor R2 and here it is set to be 700mA. Resistor R3 and POT R4

determines the charging voltage. Transformer T1 steps down the mains voltage

27
and bridge D1 does the job of rectification. C1 is the filter capacitor. Diode D1

prevents the reverse flow of current from the battery when charger is switched

OFF or when mains power is not available.

3.3.6. RF BASED WIRELESS REMOTE CONTROL

We are providing a RF based wireless remote controller for switching on and

off the tricycle for security purposes. It is often required to switch electrical

appliances from a distance without being a direct line of sight between the

transmitter and receiver. An RF based wireless remote control system (RF

Transmitter & RF Receiver) can be used to control an output load from a remote

place. RF transmitter, as the name suggests, uses radio frequency to send the

signals at a particular frequency and a baud rate.

The RF receiver can receive these signals only if it is configured for the

predefined signal/data pattern. An ideal solution for this application is provided

by compact transmitter and receiver modules, which operate at a frequency of

27 MHz Here, the radio frequency (RF) transmission system employs

Amplitude Shift Keying (ASK) with transmitter (and receiver) operating at 27

MHz The use of the ready-made RF module simplifies the construction of a

wireless remote control system and also makes it more reliable.

A) RF transmitter:

28
 Fig 3.8: RF transmitter

This simple RF transmitter, consisting of a 27 MHz license-exempt Transmitter

module and an encoder IC, was designed to remotely switch simple appliances

on and off. The RF part consists of a standard 27 MHz transmitter module,

which works at a frequency of 27 MHz and has a range of about 400m. The

transmitter module has four pins. Apart from ―Data‖ and the ―VCC‖ pin, there

is a common ground (GND) for data and supply. Last is the RF output (ANT)

pin. The Table 3.6 shows the pin assignment of the 27 MHz transmitter module.

Pin Function

1 GND

2 Data in

3 VCC

4 ANT

Table 3.6: Pin Assignment of the 27 MHz

Transmitter module

29
 HT12Eis capable of encoding information which consists of N address bits and

12N data bits. Each address/ data input can be set to one of the two logic states.

The programmed addresses/data are transmitted together with the header bits

via an RF transmission medium upon receipt of a trigger signal. Solder bridges

TJ1 and TJ2 are used to set the address and data bits.

The current consumption with a supply voltage of near 5.4V is about 10 mA.

Since the current consumption is very little, the power can also be provided by

standard button cells. Recommended antenna length is 17 cm for 27 MHz, and a

stiff wire can be used as the antenna.

Fig 3.9: RF Transmitter Circuit Diagram

RF Receiver

30
This circuit complements the RF transmitter built around the small 27 MHz

transmitter module. The receiver picks up the transmitted signals using the 27

MHz receiver module. This integrated RF receiver module has been tuned to a

frequency of 27 MHz, exactly same as for the RF transmitter.

Fig 3.10: RF receiver pin details

The miniature 27 MHz RF receiver module receives On-Off Keyed (OOK)

modulation signal and demodulates it to digital signal for the next decoder

stage. Local oscillator is made of Phase Locked Loop (PLL) structure.

Technically, this is an Amplitude Shift Keying (ASK) receiver module based on

a single-conversion, superheterodyne receiver architecture and incorporates an

entire Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) for precise local oscillator (LO) generation. It

can use PWM modulation signal and demodulate to digital signal.

31
 Fig 3.11: RF Receiver Circuit Diagram

3.4. MECHANICAL COMPONENTS

The different parts which make up our electric tricycle are as follows:

3.4.1. FRONT WHEEL

We made use of a normal bicycle wheel which is about 18 inches. These

wheels are typically designed to fit into the frame and fork and fork end, and

hold these bicycle tires. The dimensions of the wheel is as shown in Fig 3.12

32
 Fig 3.12: 18 Inch Front Wheel.

3.4.2. PLYWOOD SHEET

Plywood is a sheet material manufactured from thin layers or "plies" of wood

veneer that are glued together with adjacent layers having their wood grain

rotated up to 90 degrees to one another. It is an engineered wood from the

family of manufactured boards which includes medium-density fiberboard

(MDF) and particle board (chipboard).

All plywood bind resin and wood fiber sheets (cellulose cells are long, strong

and thin) to form a composite material. This alternation of the grain is called

crosstraining and has several important benefits: it reduces the tendency of

wood to split when nailed at the edges; it reduces expansion and shrinkage,

providing improved dimensional stability; and it makes the strength of the panel

consistent across all directions. There are usually an odd number of plies, so

that the sheet is balanced—this reduces warping. Because plywood is bonded

with grains running against one another and with an odd number of composite

33
parts, it is very hard to bend it perpendicular to the grain direction of the surface

ply.

Smaller thinner plywood and lower quality plywood may only have their plies

(layers) arranged at right angles to each other, though some better quality

plywood products will by design have five plies in steps of 45 degrees (0, 45,

90, 135, and 180 degrees), giving strength in multiple axes.

The Fig 3.13 shows the plywood sheet being used for the angular frame and Fig

3.14 shows the dimensions of plywood sheet which has been painted black.

Fig 3.13: Plywood Sheet.

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 Fig 3.14: Dimensions of plywood angular frame.

3.4.3. BACK WHEEL

The back wheel being used is basically a solid rubber wheel where,

• Wide-tread ribbed solid rubber tire is mounted on a rugged

polypropylene ball bearing wheel.

• Puncture-proof tire provides a smooth, quiet ride with low

starting effort on uneven floors.

We are using a 6 inch back wheel because using a wheel greater than 6 inch

provides difficulty in turning. The Fig 3.15 shows the dimensions of the 6 inch

back wheel.

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 Fig 3.15: 6 inch Back Wheel

3.4.4. FREEWHEEL

A freewheel is a device in transmission that disengages the driveshaft from the

driven shaft when the driven shaft rotates faster than the driveshaft.

The simplest freewheel device consists of two saw-toothed, spring-loaded discs

pressing against each other with the toothed sides together. Rotating in one

direction, the saw teeth of the drive disc lock with the teeth of the driven disc,

making it rotate at the same speed. If the drive disc slows down or stops

rotating, the teeth of the driven disc slip over the drive disc teeth and continue

rotating, producing a characteristic clicking sound proportionate to the speed

difference of the driven gear relative to that of the (slower) driving gear as

shown in Fig 3.16.

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 Fig 3.16: Freewheel

3.4.5. MECHANICAL BRAKES

A brake reduces the speed of the tricycle or prevents it from moving. Most

bicycle brake systems consist of three main components: a mechanism for the

rider to apply the brakes, such as brake levers, a mechanism for transmitting

that signal, such as Bowden cables, hydraulic hoses or rods, and the brake

mechanism itself, a calliper or drum, to press two or more surfaces together in

order to convert, via friction, kinetic energy of the bike and rider into thermal

energy to be dissipated. We use calliper brakes in our tricycle as shown in Fig

3.17

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 Fig 3.17: Caliper brakes

3.5 CIRCUIT DIAGRAM AND OPERATION

3.5.1 VIRCUIT DIAGRAM:

Fig 3.18 Electrical connections.

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3.5.2 CIRCUIT OPERATION:

The simple electrical connections are as shown in the Fig 3.18 All the

connections are taken from the PWM speed controller circuit. Connect the

motor terminal to the motor. Reversing this connection will reverse the direction

of motor. Connect the brake terminal to the tricycle handle where the brakes are

placed. The two terminals of the power lock must be shorted in order to start the

motor. The battery terminals must be connected to the battery terminals of the

motor drive circuit. Care must be taken that the positive terminal of the battery

is connected to the positive terminal of the motor drive circuit and vice versa or

else this would permanently damage the drive circuit. The throttle terminal of

the drive circuit is connected to the throttle (electrical accelerator). When the

battery needs to be charged, the charging port terminal of the drive circuit will

be connected to the battery charger.

CHAPTER FOUR

4.0 RESULT AND DISCUSSION

As the project proceeded, the project went through various changes and

improvement. This section discusses many of the obstacles and advancements

the group faced as the project developed. The key points that will be outlined in

this section are the evolution of the project design, the obstacles faced and the

prototype building phase.

4.1.1 DESIGN OF THE TRICYCLE

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We encountered a few difficulties while constructing our prototype. In

designing the mechanical part, welding was one of those processes that we had

to keep in mind since those in the area where our design will be implemented.

Designs requiring milling or turning operations for construction were not

options.

Welding became a problem because of the amount of heat that was dissipated

through the parts. This became a problem when our weld was close to threads of

our sprocket and slightly changed the exact opening. Again we encountered this

problem when welding the motor sprocket to the female end of the motor axle.

Some minor design changes that we made were more in the procedure then in

the actual changing of the design.

Design 1:

A) Constructing the front part of the tricycle:

Initially, we started off our mechanical design by constructing the front part of

the tricycle as shown in the Fig 4.1. Welding was again the main process used

for this. The entire mechanical structure was designed using iron.

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 Fig4.1: Front part of tricycle.

The front wheel was then attached to the end together with the 24 teeth

freewheel with the help of nuts and bolts as shown in Fig 4.2.

Fig 4.2: Front Wheel and Freewheel Assembly.

B) Constructing the handle:

Secondly, we went on to design our tricycle handle which goes on to the top of

the tricycle handle. We installed the electrical accelerator as well as the brakes

on this and the connections were taken out to be connected to the drive circuit

which is as shown in the Fig 4.3.

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 Fig 4.3: Connection of electrical accelerator and

brakes.

C) Constructing the motor base platform:

Then a motor base platform was constructed by welding on the front part of

the tricycle where the motor could be placed as shown in Fig 4.4.

Fig 4.4: Motor baseplatform.

D) Assembly of the Stem Pipe:

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The stem pipe was then welded on to the front part of the tricycle as shown in

the Fig 5.5. to which an angular frame made of plywood was attached and the

two 5 inch back wheels were then connected to this plywood sheet with the help

of nuts and bolts as shown in the Fig 4.6.

Fig 5.5: Stem Pipe.

Fig 4.6: Angular Frame.

Design 2:

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A) Installation of motor, drive circuit and batteries and remote control:

The motor was mounted on to the motor base platform which was then

connected to the front wheel through a chain drive system to transmit the motor

power to the front wheel as shown in the Fig 4.7.

Fig 4.7: Mounting of motor.

Finally, the motor, electrical accelerator, brakes and the batteries were

connected to the appropriate terminals as shown in the Fig 4.8. and the Fig 4.9.

shows the final design of our electric tricycle.

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Fig 4.8: Front view of final design

45
 Fig 4.9: Back view of final design

4.2. RESULTS

After analysis of all designs, we successfully completed all the designs which is

shown in Table 5.1

Design 1 Front part of the tricycle, constructing the

handle, constructing the motor base platform,

assembly of the stem pipe and angular frame

46
 was successfully completed.

Design 2 The connection of the motor to the front wheel

and batteries, brakes to the drive circuit was

completed.

Table 4.1:Design process.

4.3 APPLICATIONS, ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES

4.3.1 APPLICATIONS:

• It useful in aero drum.

• It is useful in Railway station to carry luggage.

• It is very useful in visiting places like zoo, palace, Lake Visitors,

etc.

4.3.2 ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES:

ADVANTAGES:

Electric vehicles do, however, offer other strong benefits that are ignored by

the marketplace.

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• Speed: Electric tricycles generally have a higher top speed than a

normal tricycle with the same rider.

• Great for Commuting: An electric bicycle can require little to

no effort to ride. Just twist the accelerator and steer the cycle where

you want to go. Another huge advantage is the ability to skip the

traffic. An electric tricycle can be ridden on a sidewalk, through a

park or down an alley allowing it to beat the traffic and in many

cases to get to a destination faster than a conventional tricycle. Since

it has 3 wheels, this type of cycle also has greater stability.

• Environment friendly: One is the dramatic reduction in oil

consumption and gasoline imports that their widespread use would

bring about.The use of electric hence does not create any pollution

and is eco-friendly and they have the potential to dramatically reduce

global warming, smog forming and toxic pollution from cars and

trucks.

• Easy to assemble: These types of tricycles can be disassembled

any time when not being operated and can be reassembled very

easily again for use.

• The greenhouse gas emissions are relatively lower.

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 • System efficiency: The overall system efficiency taking into

account the production of electric power, transmission and

distribution, local storage in batteries and conversion of electric

power to mechanical motion is estimated to be approximately 50%,

while combustion engine vehicles are only 15% to 25% efficient.

• Moving parts: These type of electric vehicles have many

components that will last longer than a typical gasoline car, they

have fewer moving parts and because they do not operate at a high

temperature of an IC engine.

• About 10% of the energy used in combustion engine vehicles is

during idling; electric tricycles consume no energy during idling.

• High torque: In these vehicles, the electric motor can deliver

very high torque over short periods of time, providing good

acceleration on the highway.

DISADVANTAGES:

• Maintenance cost: When any components fail to operate, it

becomes very costly to replace them and the maintenance cost is

very high.

• If the batteries fail to operate, it is very necessary to dispose these

batteries safely else it will cause environment degradation.

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 • The initial cost of the tricycle is high.

CHAPTER FIVE

5.0 CONCLUSION

5.1 CONCLUSION

The electric tricycle has been successfully designed and developed. This type

of electric tricycle can be very helpful in reducing pollution. Our current oil

dependence leads to myriad problems – environmental, security and economic.

Reliance on oil leaves us vulnerable to fluctuations in oil prices and gas price

shock and creates significant challenges for our foreign policy. Oil and other

petroleum products are also the great source of global warming pollution – just

edging out coal.

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Transportation is almost exclusively dependent on oil and petroleum demand. It

is also a single source of many air pollutants. It causes more than half of the

carbon monoxide, more than a third of the nitrogen oxides, and almost a quarter

of the hydrocarbons in our atmosphere. Motor vehicles also emit pollutants,

such as carbon dioxide, that contribute to global climate change.

So, by using electric vehicles, we reduce this pollution to a large extent and thus

they allow an ecofriendly mode of transportation.

5.2 PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED

A lot of problems were encountered before the completion of the project. Some

of which includes;

1. Power failure

2. Non-availability of required components.

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assisted Bicycle” International Journal of Engineering and Innovative

Technology (IJEIT) Volume 2, Issue 6, (December 2012).

Adeniji,k.(1997) Analysis of motorcycle operation in Ibadan, research

Development, NISER, Ibadan Vol No 2.

Barau (2003), Suitability of Tricycles as a Passengers Transport in Kano

Metropolis. An Unpublished Post Graduate Diploma in Transport Planning,

Transport School, N IT T Zaria.

Nkechi(2002)`,Nigeria KeKe Napep How safe? A daily trust newspaper

research publication, 10th December 2002 PP.51.

Rajendra Beedu (2012). “Design, fabrication and performance analysis of solar

power bicycle” International Journal of Renewable Energy and Environmental

Engineering ISSN 2348-0157, Vol. 02, No. 03 (July 2014).

Arulbel Benela, Jamuna K. (2013). “Design of Charging Unit for Electric

Vehicles Using Solar Power” 2013 International Conference on Information

52
Communication and Embedded Systems (ICICES), DOI:

10.1109/ICICES.2013.6508236 (29 April 2013).

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