Development and performance evaluation of a solar three-wheeler for disabled people

Abstract

The mobility of the physically disabled or crippled people is a great concern of the society. It is observed that physically disabled people in the country are basically using some assistive devices like, Crutch, artificial limbs or legs etc., manual wheel chair or three-wheeler for their day to day movements. But, these wheel chairs or three wheelers are crude or of inefficient design; not very much suitable for our terrain or outdoor use. More ever, this commonly found manual wheel chair/three wheeler has a basic problem that the occupant needs to use physical force to turn the chair’s wheels. This action is physically stressful, can result in muscle and joint pain and degradation, torn rotor cuffs, repetitive stress injury, and carpal tunnel syndrome; which causes secondary injury or further disability. This thesis presents research, development and performance evaluation of a solar powered three-wheeler for disabled people suitable for countries like Bangladesh which is an under developed country with huge disabled/crippled people from war, accidents and diseases. Solar three-wheeler is designed primarily focusing on the requirements of the disabled people who can’t move in conventional transports comfortably. This threewheeler is operated by solar power and suitable for outdoor use. Solar power option enables the disabled people to use it at any place, even in remote areas where there is no electricity. A general survey has been conducted on disabled people using wheel chairs and manual three-wheelers and the opinions of the experts working with the disabled people are also taken in to consideration to identify the needs and requirement for designing the solar three-wheeler. The developed solar three-wheeler exceeds the conventional three-wheeler’s facilities with a more intelligent and efficient design. A solar panel to produce solar electricity, a battery system for preserving electric power, an efficient motor, cushion seat, all terrain tires are used for this solar three-wheeler. Due consideration and attention is given to better maneuverability, effective use of solar energy, biomechanics and comforts, increased suspensions, all terrain traffic ability, ease of use etc. while designing this solar three-wheeler for physically disabled people of the country.