Design of an extended range Electric Motorcycle

The impact of increasing GHG emissions has been distressing in the world. According to United Nations Environment Programme report, ?The transport sector contributes approximately one-quarter of all energy-related to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions?, thereby adding greatly to global warming. Thus, th

Project Title

Design of an extended range Electric Motorcycle

Project Area of Specialization

Electrical/Electronic Engineering

Project Summary

The impact of increasing GHG emissions has been distressing in the world. According to United Nations Environment Programme report, ‘The transport sector contributes approximately one-quarter of all energy-related to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions‘, thereby adding greatly to global warming. Thus, the transition of conventional vehicles to clean-energy vehicles (EV) has been no less than a necessity. However, the penetration of electric vehicles in the markets and infrastructure has faced many challenges including driving range, charging time (Battery capacity and speed of charger)Lack of charging infrastructures. The limited range of the vehicle has been one of the most significant concerns leading to psychological barriers like range anxiety to large-scale public adoption of these vehicles. Our project aims at mitigating the issue of the range of battery electric motorcycles.

Motorcycles are considered to be the most dominant means of transportation in Asia. Particularly in Pakistan, the motorcycle population has increased by 11.5% reaching 17,465,880 as of 2018 and has been the fifth-largest motorcycle market in the world. With the massive interest in electric vehicle technology, all different types of vehicles are moving toward green awareness, including the motorcycle promising technology for emission reduction through global transportation. . For daily commutes, the better energy-efficient modes of personal transportation are Electric Motorcycles (EMs) and other alternative fuel vehicles.

Thus, we intend to promote the adaptation of electric motorcycles in Pakistan by introducing a motorcycle with a travel range greater than that in Pakistani markets at the same cost. Recently, a company named Jolta has launched its electric motorcycles in Pakistan with a range of 80km however with our proposed model we tend to increase this range by 5%. The deployment of a microcontroller coupled with the motor and battery will be demonstrated to provide for the extra range. The basic principle is the regenerative braking system through which we convert the kinetic energy, which is lost as heat in the motor, to electrical energy to charge the battery pack. The simulation of the proposed design would be undertaken using Labview. Further, a small-scale prototype will also be developed. The proposed model is estimated to add to the range of the electric vehicles ultimately paving the way to lessening customers' range anxiety and meeting the demand of users, thus contributing to positive climate action.

Project Objectives

This research aims the design and development of an extended range electric motorcycle through a regenerative braking system. The objectives of the research are as follows:

1. To determine the ratings of the components required in the system.
2. To develop a LabVIEW simulation model of the electric motorcycle system with the proposed range extension scheme.
3. To fabricate a prototype based on the proposed model of an electric motorcycle.

Project Implementation Method

The methodology for mitigating the issue of the range of battery electric motorcycles is the proposed model as described: The deployment of a regenerative braking system coupled with the wheel and battery will be demonstrated to provide for the extra range. The simulation of the proposed design would be undertaken using LabVIEW. Further, a small-scale prototype will also be developed. The proposed model is estimated to add to the range of electric vehicles that ultimately paves the way to lessening customers’ range anxiety and meeting the demand of users, thus contributing to positive climate action.

The model for an electric motorcycle is shown in Fig.1 consisting of the essential components like Battery pack, Speed controller, Throttle, Motor, Power switch, battery charger port (for plugin vehicle).

The deployment of a controller with a regenerative algorithm connected with the motor and the controller of the battery is shown in Fig.2. The proposed model would be developed as a prototype and tested for the performance parameters.

Fig. 2 Proposed model for the range extension of Electric Motorcycle

Fig. 1 Model of an Electric Motorcycle

Benefits of the Project

The project has been intended to be an endeavour in contributing to the global positive climate action and mitigating the range anxiety in public regarding electric vehicles specifically electric motorcycles. 

The expected outcome from the deployment of the regenerative braking scheme in the electric motorcycle is the extension of travel range. The proposed model would provide for a travel range greater than usual in Pakistan with the same battery pack, and components, thus optimizing the efficiency and making it more economical too. It would eventually cause the people to adopt the electric motorcycles as the petrol prices are already hiking, thus this economical choice would serve as a clean net-zero emission alternative.

Technical Details of Final Deliverable

The final deliverable of the project is the hardware prototype of an Electric Motorcycle with extended travel range. 

HARDWARE COMPONENTS SELECTED:

The component selection has been based on the literature review, market research and economic feasibility.

2.BLDC Motor

There are many types of motors being employed in EMs. But because of their higher electrical efficiency and torque-to-weight ratio, the BLDCs are being prioritized over other motors specifically brushed DC motors.

Motor specifications:

2. Controller

Controller Specifications:

3.Accelerator throttle with on off button

4.Battery Pack

Lithium-ion batteries are very commonly used for EM applications because of their light weight, energy density, durability and ability to deliver longer power in the system which ultimately would cause the efficiency of the electric motorcycle to rise. The battery quality of the Li-ion batteries with regard to the recharging cycles it provides is also appreciable. They are capable of providing up to 1000 recharging cycles as compared to NiMH batteries, around 400 to 800 cycles of recharging cycles.

Parameter

Voltage

Power

Construction

Parameter

Voltage

Current

Construction

Parameter

Voltage

Capacity

Construction

Charging time

Final Deliverable of the Project

Hardware System

Core Industry

Energy

Other Industries

Transportation

Core Technology

Clean Tech

Other Technologies

Shared Economy

Sustainable Development Goals

Affordable and Clean Energy, Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, Climate Action

Required Resources

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