Retrofication Of ICE Driven Auto-Rickshaw

Abstract

This retrofitting (electric conversion) project aims to modify the present structure and mechanism of Autorickshaw to make it suitable for its electrification, rather than designing a complete new E-rickshaw. This paper discusses study on feasibility check of project, selection of design parameters, validation of selected design parameters through MATLAB simulations and selection of most important devices for retrofitting i.e. traction motor and battery. Inspiration for the project is that thousands of auto rickshaws are been scrapped each year in Mumbai itself because of malfunctioning IC engine, which is a huge loss for rickshaw owners if scrapping is done before end of lifespan viz. 15 years. The old scrapped chassis and body of CNG auto rickshaw was reused to support the tagline “generating best from waste”. The BLDC motor has replaced the heart of auto rickshaw, IC engine, and the electricity of storage battery replaces the fuel and a controller is used for proper functioning and control of auto rickshaw. All this system was tried to be simulated, wherever and whenever possible by using MATLAB, and load test on motor.