DEVELOPMENT OF A SOLAR POWERED FOUR-PASSENGER SEATER TRICYCLE USING LOCALLY SOURCED MATERIALS

ABSTRACT

The transportation sector is one of the largest sources of environmental pollution due to carbon emissions, which promote the greenhouse effect that accelerates global warming. In response to this issue, a design and fabrication project was undertaken to create a solarpowered tricycle, a three-wheeled transportation device that utilizes solar energy as a renewable resource. To integrate a solar photovoltaic (PV) system into the tricycle, several key components were required, including an electrical load, battery, solar PV panel, and solar charge controller. The design process began with the generation of various design concepts, which were then evaluated to determine the most promising approach. This led to the final design concept and a technical drawing of the prototype. The fabrication process began with the construction of the tricycle frame and body, followed by the installation of mechanical components. Once the tricycle was fully assembled, it was painted before the solar PV system was integrated into the design. This involved mounting the solar PV panel onto the tricycle's roof, connecting it to the battery and electrical load, and installing a solar charge controller to regulate the charging process. The result was a fully functional solar-powered tricycle prototype that demonstrated the potential of this design to promote green and sustainable transportation. By harnessing the 14 power of the sun, this tricycle could potentially offer a cleaner and more efficient mode of transportation while reducing carbon emissions and protecting the environment.