Modified microcontroller based hybrid electric rickshaw as a sustainable means of transportation for Nepal [articol]

Abstract

Rickshaw, a small scale low cost, local means of transport used in some part of Nepal especially plain belts and cities requires a lot of human effort and time in pulling which increases the working hours for travelling the particular distance thereby reducing the income of rickshaw puller. Most of the drivers are only male and elderly person and in some cases they are found to be drunk while driving to get relief from pain which makes the travel really unsafe. Moreover e-vehicles commonly used in southern belts of Nepal costs around 5000$ which is unaffordable for low class families and rickshaw drivers. Microcontroller based hybrid e-rickshaw the modified version of conventional rickshaw can overcome the problems associated with the conventional one. Micro controller based hybrid e-rickshaw is a battery powered, hybrid three-wheeler with provisions of dual drive system either from paddle or electric motor. Micro Controller is used to control the speed of the rickshaw using accelerator which works on the principle of speed control using Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) technique. The micro controller is also used to prevent the supply from the battery when the battery reaches its Depth of Discharge (DOD) in order to prevent it from being damage thereby increasing the lifecycle of the battery. The feature of hybrid system allows the travellers to reach the required destination whenever the battery is fully dead using the paddling system. Moreover braking switch is provided with controller applying the electrical brake to gain the rapid stop of the motor. The electric rickshaw is designed at top speed of 15 km/hour on the plain road with two passengers on board and can also operate at 10 degree slope. The designed e-rickshaw which increase the comfortness and reduce human effort decreases the working hours for travelling particular distance and thus uplifting the socio-economic condition of the rickshaw pullers can eliminating the problem of drunk and drive too. This cheapest e-rickshaw which cost around 1500$ will encourage women and economically weak families for driving thereby empowering the involvement of women and financially backward people in employment.