Wednesday, April 30, 2008
IntroductionEnvironmental polution is always an intricate issue for the scientists all around the world. One of the main factors causing air polution is transportation including cars, motorbikes which produce tons of carbondioxide and other waste gases into the air. Although bicycles are obviously a better mean of transport for our environment, because of it's limitation in speed, people still prefer motorbikes and cars. However, now with the wonderful aid of solar energy, all has changed. Below is the project of a very creative guy who has made his own solar electrical bicycle by using solar battery.
Solar Electric Bicycle Project
This project was a way of using the ongoing power I am producing both from my 100w wind generator and 5w solar panel.
The basis of the project was a second hand Sinclair Zeta II bought on eBay for £21 ($40) - originally manufactured from 1997 - 2000
The Sinclair ZETA II consists of a rechargeable battery pack, which powers a lightweight motor unit over the front wheel. Touch a lever, and the unit pivots to bring a pulley-mounted belt into contact with the tyre. Press a switch, and the belt drives the wheel. This belt system is patented by Sir Clive Sinclair. When you no longer need power assistance, a flick of the handlebar switch takes the belt out of contact with the tyre.
Specifications
- Battery 12v 7Ah Yuasa sealed lead acid.
- Motor 12v dc - 168 W max (thermal cut-out)
- Charge time 14 hrs@ 500Ma
- Max speed 11mph
- Range Approx 5 miles on level road - no headwind.
Handlebar motor controls. 12v 7ah battery and fuse.
Zeta motor disconnected from tyre. Zeta motor engaged.
The addition of my 12v 500Ma (5w) solar panel with a 1 amp inline fuse connected was all that was needed to charge my bikes battery.
A silicone blocking diode connected to the positive terminal of the solar panel is necessary to stop reverse current from the battery.
If on a cloudy day I need more charging power I hook the battery to my 100w wind generators battery through a controller box to limit the current to 1.5 amps and that takes 4.5 hours to fully charge from flat. I check the voltage regularly with my digital multimeter, a charging regulator could be used if the bike is left for long periods of time in sunshine, they are available from maplin electronics price £9.99 code
N82AU wiring example
here
I use it daily to travel the 2 miles to work, however as expected the power from such a small motor is not great, best not to rely on the units power solely.
Best to consider it as pedal assistance, it really helps the old legs. I have read the zeta 3 (again no longer made) had a more powerful motor and quieter gear train.
No licence, tax or insurance needed (in the UK) + No fuel costs or parking fees or queuing in traffic!
This project cost me £30 ($50). I now have completely free powered transport - it can be done.
-Linh.
the sun left its mark!
