Solar Tree powered electric bicycle – A step towards sustainable transport

Researchers at UPES take a step ahead in their commitment to a sustainable and environment-friendly future

Researchers Dr. Roushan Kumar, Divyanshu (M. Tech- Automation and Robotics), Basant Singh Bhaskar (B.Tech -Mechatronics Engineering), Udayveer Mittal (B.Tech – Mechatronics Engineering), through their relentless effort and constant urge to make a better future, developed a self-powering Solar Tree set up at UPES campus. In addition to the solar tree, they also developed a model bicycle with an electric motor that is an eco-friendly step towards short-distance transportation. The integrated electric motor can be used for propulsion of the bicycle to a speed of 30-35 kilometers per hour without pedaling for up to a run of 70-80 kilometers.

Explaining the running principle of the solar tree, Dr. Roushan says, “Sunlight is regularly considered as the main bounteous and free energy asset. Among all the various methods accessible to harness solar energy, the most well-known and developed innovative technique is the solar photovoltaic cell. A solar tree has various design parameters in the Himalayan region. The development work is executed in such a way so as to cater to multiple user demands and provide an environmentally-viable solution.”

The solar tree is the most constructive and environment-friendly solution in the hilly region because of poor flat land availability, explains Divyanshu. “A new idea of a modular solar tree design,” he further adds, “is presented in our research which consists of a monocrystalline cell with front tempered glass, anodized aluminum alloy frame and hybrid solar inverter based on DSP technology.”

Udayveer and Basant elucidate why the idea of a solar tree is a revolutionary lighting concept for the Himalayan region. According to them, “Less space utilization, no overlapping of solar plates and maintenance-free equipment with the latest technology is the source of inspiration for the development of a solar tree. Our current research paper deals with modular frame design and tilted absorber PV plates lead to more exposure to sunlight. The designed tree is a non-tracking solar tree, which is furnished with 3 watts and 6 watts LED light, multiple USB 2.0 port and basic electrical socket to charge laptops as well as mobile phones.” The research team is ecstatic that its rationale for modeling an electric bicycle has been well-received. “Our driving force,” they explain, “was that the bicycle is the finest mode of transport known to man which emits no greenhouse gas emissions.” The features of the bicycle, apart from the electric motor that enables its propulsion, include a speed selection mode, inbuilt charging socket, clock, speedometer, storage box, foot-rest, led lamps and automatic light sensors. Additionally, a user can book a ride using a simple mobile application. The bicycle is capable of taking and supporting a seating load of about 120 kilograms at a time and can be propelled to a speed of 30-35 kilometers per hour without pedaling for up to a run of 70-80 kilometers.