Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. An improved solar powered rickshaw comprising an arrangement to change the alignment of the solar panels to improve solar receptivity characterized in that the solar panels are foldable and mounted on the mild steel frame using hinges and a pair of bars with lock arrangement to support and change the alignment of the solar panels.
2. The improved solar powered rickshaw as claimed in claim 1 wherein solar panels normally rest on the frame while in motion and are aligned to an appropriate angle for better solar receptivity while at rest and is supported by the pair of trust rods which in turn is mounted upon the frame of the rickshaw and are lockable and unlockable using a pair of steel screw clamp.
3. The improved solar powered rickshaw as claimed in claim 1 wherein solar rickshaw has an hinge arrangement at the side which enables the seat to be lifted and use the levelled space for carrying goods and be used as a carrier vehicle.
4. The improved solar powered rickshaw as claimed in claim 1 wherein solar rickshaw is motor driven while the pedal power and the pedal generator are disengaged.
5. The improved solar powered rickshaw as claimed in claim 1 wherein solar rickshaw is motor driven while the pedal generator engaged and the pedal power to rickshaw disengaged.
6. The improved solar powered rickshaw as claimed in claim 1 wherein solar rickshaw is pedal driven and the motorized drive and the generator disengaged in case of failure of motor components.
7. The improved solar powered rickshaw as claimed in claim 1, 7, 8 and 9 wherein solar rickshaw has three modes of drive and any one of them are used at a time.
8. The improved solar powered rickshaw as claimed in claim 1 wherein pedal generator and dynamo are used for regenerative braking.

9. The improved solar powered rickshaw as claimed in claim 1 wherein pedal generator is connected electrically through wires to the rechargeable batteries using a diode to store the power generated and the diode prevents the flow of current in the opposite direction.
10. The improved solar powered rickshaw as claimed in claim 1 wherein to enable the operator to recharge the rechargeable batteries using a 220V AC wall input an AC charger is mounted on the solar rickshaw using a frame of L angled bars to bars of the bottom frame at the centre to form the frame for the charger.
, Description:AN EFFICIENT SOLAR E-RICKSHAW WITH HYBRID POWER GENERATION

FIELD OF INVENTION:
[001] The present invention relates to the field of solar vehicles. The present invention more particularly relates to a solar powered rickshaw with foldable solar panels, whose alignment can be modified to get the best possible solar efficiency while the vehicle is static.

BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART:
[002] Solar powered rickshaws are in a rapid phase of development to provide cheap as well as convenient means of transport to the masses. The existing rickshaws and E-Rickshaws use either human effort or rechargeable batteries for powering up the rickshaw. The pedaling of the rickshaw requires intensive power from the operator and is detrimental towards the health of the operator while, the use of rechargeable batteries needs to be charged using a plug in charger and needs electricity. Continuous developments have been made to improve the efficiency of the vehicle and making the vehicles more compatible with non-conventional and non-polluting sources of energy, but still the field remains vastly exploitable. For an example, in the current designs there is no optimization of the solar panels roof top which limits the use of solar energy efficiently. As the sun transits during the day, adjustable roof top can improve the sunlight feasibility by great standards for day to day use and increase the pan of the vehicle to be used as a more than just a short distance mode of transportation. Furthermore the existing models lack any secondary means of power generation within the vehicle except the solar panels, which restricts the vehicle to smaller and limited distance. Hence, to improve the runtime of the vehicle, secondary means of power generation can be added to the vehicle which can be used by the operator with minimal efforts. This can be achieved with various technologies and pedal generator technology is one of them.

[003] US Publication No. DE102010025785 A1 relates to the Use and combination of the sun's energy and other alternatives in common for all types of bikes also for a tricycle (rickshaw). In this patent, the rickshaw has solar panel on the roof but stationary and not covering the roof. This Patent gives a detail description of power saving and their use.

[004] It has regenerative suspension (neubaren spring dampers) mounted on the axle and it has regenerative braking to save energy from braking.

[005] The current designs usually have no onboard charging system, which limits the charging the vehicle to only at charging stations or to locations where the charging kit is readily available. The unavailability of an efficient and compact charging kit limits the vehicle under bad weather conditions or failure of solar panels. In most of the existing models of a solar powered rickshaw, the batteries are the heaviest component of the entire vehicle structure and highly impact the vehicle stability and dynamics.

[006] Being a vehicle for day to day usage in heavy traffics, a lot of energy is wasted while slowing down the vehicle. This leads to a major wastage of energy in the vehicle which can be reduced using alternative braking methods to regenerate energy from the brakes while slowing down the vehicle. The implementation of cheap and efficient braking mechanism poses as an important challenge for the inventors.

[007] Indian patent application 2522/DEL/2014 discloses a solar trike comprising a vehicle body, which contains therein a vehicle load for in-vehicle electronic components; at least four vehicle batteries, which is arranged inside the vehicle body and is connected to the motor via MPPT and motor controller for supplying required electrical current to motor. Solar panels are so adjusted that it will receive constant energy from every direction. Arrangement of Solar panels are such that both sides of vehicle roof solar panels are inclined in a range of 40° to 70° from horizontal plane. The central solar panels are horizontal. There can be any number of solar panels in this pattern. All solar panels are connected in series. These solar panels will convert solar energy to electrical energy which will be transferred back to batteries. The solar panels will produce electric current which will be further increased by MPPT. The current through MPPT will go to two sets of batteries via DPDT (Double Pole Double Throw) switch. One set of battery at a time being used while another set of batteries would have been charged by the solar panels.

[008] The current from the used batteries will go to motor controller via another DPDT (Double Pole Double Throw) switch to motor controller and then to motor. DPDT switches are used to connect one set of appliance to another set of appliance. At a time one set of batteries would be used while other set of batteries will be charged by solar panels. This will all be possible by DPDT switches. There will also be a Battery monitoring system will be connected to the corresponding batteries. It will show the condition of batteries at any time to the driver.

[009] Indian patent application 2270/DEL/2008 discloses a three-wheeled pedicab, rear wheels are driven by manual pedalling and front wheel is driven by Brass Less DC (BLDC) electric hub motor. The BLDC hub motor has been mounted at the center of front wheels directly, similar to hub of wheel, which has simplified the mounting and maintenance of motor. The speed override mechanism has been used at the center of rear axle; result in proper turning and better dynamic stability of the vehicle. Electric motor is powered by 36V, 18AH lead acid battery source. The battery can be charged from solar power and conventional electric power. This pedicab can be driven by manual pedaling or by BLDC motor or in combination of both i.e. it optimizes the use of manual power and electric power.

[0010] Publication no. DE102010025785 (A1) discloses a solar rickshaw consists of a combination of solar cells, a solar roof and a photovoltaic-battery drive. The electrical energy is recovered through brakes and through a spring damper. The photovoltaic-battery drive is utilized as an additional energy source.

[0011] Publication no. CN104108317 (A) provides an electric tricycle with a solar canopy. The electric tricycle with the solar canopy comprises a solar panel, a steering wheel, a front fork, a storage battery box, driving wheels, a frame and a brake device. The front fork is mounted at the front end of the frame, a box bottom plate is arranged at the rear end of the frame, and the driving wheels are arranged on the lower side of the rear end of the frame through a driving shaft. The frame is connected with the driving shaft through a bearing. The steering wheel is arranged at the lower end of the front fork, and a steering gear is arranged at the upper end of the front fork.

[0012] The storage battery box is mounted at the front end of a carriage, vertical rods are mounted at the four corners of the carriage, a canopy cloth is arranged among the vertical rods, and the middle of the canopy cloth is fixed on the carriage through canopy cloth supporting rods. The solar panel is mounted on the upper surface of a ceiling.

[0013] Publication no. CN103523150 (A) discloses a comprehensive energy electric bicycle and tricycle using solar energy and wind energy. The novel comprehensive energy electric bicycle and tricycle comprise bodies, solar panels are arranged at the tops of the bodies, and a wind power generation device is arranged below the seat of each body and/or on the outer side of the tail portion of each body.

[0014] Publication no. CN203046872 (U) provides a hybrid power tricycle which is environment-friendly and can increases endurance mileage of an engine. The hybrid power tricycle comprises a controller, a storage battery and an internal combustion engine generator. The storage battery and the internal combustion engine generator are connected with the controller. The controller is further connected with an electromotor, a display screen and an operating panel. The storage battery is connected with a power supply charging interface and a solar charger. By the adoption of the hybrid power tricycle, through the operating panel controlling the use of the energy sources, the storage battery and the internal combustion engine generator are switched to use, electric quantity of the storage battery and speed of the electromotor are displayed on the display screen.

[0015] Publication no. CN202294328 (U) provides a solar powered hybrid power tricycle which comprises a tricycle main body, an internal combustion engine, a driving motor and a transmission, wherein the tricycle main body comprises a roof, side doors, a plurality of seats located below the roof and front and rear wheels. The solar powered hybrid power tricycle also comprises a solar cell panel covering the roof and the side doors, a cell control system for controlling the solar cell panel, a storage cell for storing the electricity of the solar cell panel and a power control system for controlling switching between storage cell power supply driving and internal combustion engine driving. The side doors can be turned up and closed along vertical direction.

[0016] Publication no. CN102514680 (A) relates to a solar hybrid power electric tricycle and belongs to the technical field of structures of electric bicycles. The solar hybrid power electric tricycle is characterized by comprising a tricycle body (1), wherein a universal shaft is arranged between a front beam and a rear beam; a front wheel is arranged in the front of the tricycle body; two rear wheels and a seat are arranged at the back of the tricycle body; a clutch, a wheel disc and pedals are arranged on a front wheel shaft sequentially; a power generator, a storage battery and an inverter are arranged at the lower part of the seat; the wheel disc is connected with the power generator through a transmission chain; a rear wheel driving motor is used for driving; handlebars and a brake are arranged on the front beam; and a solar battery is supported at the top of the tricycle body.

[0017] Publication no. CN104071271 (A) provides a novel solar energy electric tricycle. The tricycle comprises front handlebars, a front vehicle beam, solar energy panels, a front wheel, a curved beam, a bracket, a seat, a cross beam, vertical bars, a hub dynamo wheel and auxiliary wheels. The tricycle is characterized in that the front handlebars are arranged at the top of the front vehicle beam which is connected with the bracket through the curved beam to form a vehicle frame; the front wheel is arranged at the front end of the vehicle frame; the seat is fixed at the middle position of the upper part of the vehicle frame, and one solar energy panel is arranged at the upper end of the seat; the two vertical bars are arranged at the rear end of the seat; three layers of solar energy panels are arranged on the vertical bars; the solar energy panels are connected with the vertical bas through a push-pull bar; the cross beam is arranged at the rear end of the vehicle frame, and the hub dynamo wheel and the two auxiliary wheels are arranged at the lower end of the cross beam, and the auxiliary wheels are symmetrically arranged at both ends of the hub dynamo wheel.

[0018] US Publication no. 20030217874 discloses a tricycle driven by an electric motor supplied by batteries recharged by solar panels. Electric braking is used. The batteries and a battery charger are enclosed in a thermally insulated compartment and the batteries are kept warm in cold weather by the heat produced by the battery charger and by electric braking. The solar panels are mounted on the roof of the passenger cabin and/or on the insulated compartment and are oriented towards the sun by a stepper motor.

[0019] US patent no. 8,701,800 discloses a solar electric vehicle (SEV) with large foldable surface area that can be oriented towards the sun for peak generation of electricity. The surfaces of the SEV are mounted on a flexible chassis for elevation tracking, while the drive train provides azimuth tracking. The SEV also integrates the conversion of power from various sources, to various storage or power consumption devices.

[0020] Accounting for all the problems in the previous inventions and the need to develop green energy, there is a need to develop a solar powered rickshaw which can use the stored energy efficiently and in turn, produce its own energy to make itself sustainable in different environmental conditions. There is also a need to provide a solar rickshaw with foldable solar panels powered by an MPPT to optimize the solar energy generated. Further there is a need to provide a cheap suspension system for a comfortable ride and improve the controlling of the Rickshaw. There is also a need to provide a solar rickshaw which comes with a built-in charger which can be used anywhere and a pedal generator mechanism coupled with dynamic braking to improve the efficiency of the vehicle.

[0021] Hence, in view of the above prior arts present invention aims to overcome one or more of the disadvantages of the prior arts by providing a solar powered rickshaw with foldable solar panels, whose alignment can be modified to get the best possible solar efficiency while the vehicle is static. The invention also uses hybrid power and built-in charger for ease of operator in case of power failure.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION:
[0022] The principal objective of the present invention is to provide a green transport vehicle which is an improvement of the traditional Rickshaw and a replacement for the other conventional means of local transport like the Auto Rickshaw, Taxi etc

[0023] Another object of the present invention is to provide a solar powered rickshaw whose alignment can be modified to get the best possible solar efficiency and improved solar receptivity.

[0024] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a solar powered rickshaw can be used as a small carrier vehicle like a good transporter.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a solar powered rickshaw with comfortable ride to the passengers unlike the prior systems which don’t concentrate on the passenger comfort.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[0025] In accordance with the said objectives, the present invention provides a solar powered rickshaw with foldable solar panels, whose alignment can be modified to get the best possible solar efficiency while the vehicle is static. The solar panels are mounted on the top frame of the model and the alignment can be changed with a bar and screwed clamp. The invention has a pair or seats making a ride for 4 people excluding the operator and the seats can be realigned to be used as a small carrier vehicle like a good transporter. The invention uses a 1000 W BLDC motor similar to other E-Rickshaw coupled with a motor controller serving as the main mode of drive for the invention but also provides an arrangement for the operator to power the rickshaw by pedaling in case of failure of any of the motorized components. The invention uses three tires like the convention rickshaw but the tires are reinforced to take the additional load than a conventional rickshaw. The invention has a 59 W pedal generator unlike the conventional and E-Rickshaw which can be powered by the operator while using the vehicle at ease and the same power can be stored to the battery or can be used for driving the motor.

[0026] The invention uses a pair of springs with dampers for making the ride comfortable to the passengers unlike the present systems which don’t concentrate on the passenger comfort. Solar Rickshaw uses customized wheels to improve the load withstanding capacity without much gain on weight of the wheel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered for limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.
[0028] Figure 1 shows an isometric view of the overall outline of the solar rickshaw with the solar panels in a tilted position.
[0029] Figure 2 shows the front view of the top of the solar rickshaw with the solar panel in a tilted position.
[0030] Figure 3 and 4 shows the bottom view of the solar rickshaw with the solar panels closed to the normal position.
[0031] Figure 5 shows the top view of the solar rickshaw depicting the placements of the battery on the chassis.
[0032] Figure 6 shows an isometric view of the rear wheel with the dynamo being attached to the wheel during braking operation.
[0033] Figure 7 shows the side view of the seat tube below the driver with the pedal generator mounted which can be powered by the operator.
[0034] Figure 8 shows the side view of the sprocket attached to the rear axle and the dual spring suspension system.
[0035] Figure 9 shows the top view of the solar rickshaw depicting the arrangement of the batteries on the chassis of the solar panel.
[0036] Figure 10 shows the framework of the solar rickshaw.
[0037] Figure 11 shows the back view of the solar rickshaw depicting the arrangement provided for mounting the built in charger.
[0038] Figure 12 shows the isometric view of the arrangement of the controller and brakes in the solar rickshaw.
Figure 13 shows an isometric view of tilting arrangement of the solar panels.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS:
[0039] Accordingly the present invention provides solar powered rickshaw having solar panels (1, 2) for which the alignment can be altered to improve solar receptivity. With the increased efficiency from the solar panels (1, 2), it justifies for the added weight and cost of the solar panels (1, 2) to the rickshaw. With this technology to change the alignment of the solar panels cuts the cost for a solar tracking system which could result in added weight and reduced efficiency. The solar rickshaw is built using a space-framework, using mild steel tubes of appropriate diameter to form the chassis and body of the solar rickshaw. The mild steel frames the body of the solar rickshaw and provides support for all the other mountable like drive, solar panels etc. The solar panels (1, 2) which act as the primary powerhouse for the rickshaw are mounted on the mild steel frame using hinges (3, 4) and a pair of bars with lock arrangement is used to support and change the alignment of the solar panels (1, 2). The solar panels normally rest on the frame while in motion, but can be aligned to an appropriate angle for better solar receptivity while immobilized and is supported by the pair of trust rods (3, 4) which in turn is mounted upon the frame (5, 7) of the rickshaw and can be locked and unlocked using a pair of steel screw clamp. The frame is carefully designed to support all the mounts as well as the passenger and added enhancements are done to remove the unnecessary weight. The rickshaw is powered using a BLDC motor drive (18), which ensures swift movement of the solar rickshaw but the solar rickshaw comes with an added arrangement to switch to pedal mode in case of failure of any of the component of the motorized drive.

[0040] Referring to figure 1, that illustrates the arrangement of the front (12) and back seat (13) and the back rest (11) and the bottom frame along with the chassis of the solar rickshaw. The bottom frame (42) of the solar rickshaw is made up of L angle bar of 40x40x2 mm. The L angles (42) which form the chassis or the solar rickshaw are made up of cast iron as it forms the primary base for most of the components including the bottom frame, side frame and other etc. components like the seat (12, 13), rechargeable batteries (70,71,72,73), charger (120) etc. The bottom frame (40) of the solar rickshaw comprises of seven circular tubes (41, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86) of 2.54 cm diameter and 3 mm thickness. The added mild steel tubes also increase the contact between the L angled chassis bars (40), so the bottom frame (41, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86) is welded to the chassis the illustrated locations (42). Two vertical bars (25, 90) of adequate height are mounted on the first rod/ opposite left and right frame to support the back seat (11). L angled bars of mild steel of dimensions 20x20x2 are used to form a framed structures for the back seat (12,13) along with the vertical bars (74,75,84,85,93,94,95,96,115,121) of the opposite left and right frames. The L angled bars (51, 52) are drilled at appropriate positions using a 3 mm drill bit and six holes are created in the bar for holding the seat firmly. Similarly four circular tubes of similar dimension are mounted and welded on the bottom frame to provide support for the front seat (93, 94, 95, and 96). The right side of the solar panel is connected to the head of the circular steel rod (3, 4) through a hole which is on the frame of solar panel. The framework includes the opposite left and right frames (5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10) and the bottom frame (41) which forms the chassis of the model and provides structural support and framework for the other parts. Two seats (11, 12) are mounted between the left and the right frames and the back frame along with a backrest (11) for the back seat (13).

[0041] The entire framework of the solar rickshaw is supported by two rear left (16) and an identical rear right wheel (15) and the front wheel (17), where the drive is connected to the rear wheels (15, 16) through a transmission shaft (79) which connects both the rear wheels (15, 16) and the front wheel (17) is connected to the fork which helps in steering the solar rickshaw.

[0042] The mounting of the solar panels (1, 2) is illustrated in figure 2 which shows the position of the solar panel while the solar rickshaw is at rest. The two solar panels (1, 2) are mounted on the upper frame (21) which is supported by vertical (5, 6, 9, 10) and slant bars (7, 8) from the left and right frame and the cycle frame. The right side of the solar panel rests on the upper frame (21) of the model, while the solar panels (1, 2) are folded and the solar rickshaw is in motion. Referring to figure no 13 the invention has an added enhancement for changing the alignment of the solar panel (1, 2) to improve the sunlight receptivity. The right side of the solar panels are connected to the head of the circular steel rod (3, 4) through a hole which is on the frame of solar panel (1, 2) while other end of steel rod (3, 4) is clamped with the tube (7, 5) with the help of steel screw clamp (32, 33) which can be locked and unlocked at ease to change the alignment of the solar panels when desired. This arrangement improves the ability of the solar panels to change inclinations with minimal effort to the desired inclination with the adjusting the height of the Steel tubes (3, 4) to improve the solar efficiency at other times of the day without affecting the performance of the solar rickshaw while the solar rickshaw is in motion. The invention uses pedal generator (24) and the dynamo (55) for regenerative braking. The pedal generator (24) and the dynamo (55) produce a considerable amount of energy which reduces the reliability of the invention on conventional sources of energy for power. The pedal generator (24) as shown in figure 7 is mounted on the seat tube (57, 58) and seat stays of the cycle frame and is connected to the left chain (23) of the chain wheel.

[0043] Referring to figure 8 the bottom frame is mounted on a pair of dual spring suspension (65, 67) and is connected to the cycle frame (41). The four tubes (81, 85, 86, 87) forms the external frame and acts as the footrest for the passenger (not shown). The other three tubes (82, 83, and 84) are welded to the outer frame at a distance of 20, 30 and 25 cm respectively to provide structural support for the lower frame and offer mounts for the seats.

[0044] Figure 3 shows the connectivity of the drive to the transmission shaft (79) and the wheels (15, 16). All the frames are mounted on the bottom frame (41), which provides structural support for all the mounts and the passenger (not shown).

[0045] The connection between the motor drive (18) of the solar rickshaw and the transmission shaft is illustrated in figure 4 and 5.The 1000W BLDC motor drive which acts as the primary drive for the model is mounted on the bottom frame and is connected to the transmission shaft (79) by a V-belt (37). To mount the motor drive (18) to the bottom frame two number of clamps (46, 47) of semi-cylindrical shape have been used of which the clamp one (46) is welded to the tube 2(44) and tube 3(43) of the bottom frame (41) and acts as the primary structural support for the motor drive (18). The motor is held firmly to the clamp one (46) by using clamp two (47) at the bottom and is bolted to the clamp (46) one at the ends through the two numbers of 5 mm drilled holes at the ends of the clamps (47) . The motor is mounted at the center of the cylindrical structure between these two designed semi-cylindrical clamps (46, 47). To prevent the slippage of the motor drive (18) while in operation between the clamps (46, 47), a rubber piece is inserted between the motor drive (18) and the clamp two (47). The rubber piece provides frictional support and locks the rotatory motion of the motor (18). The framework for the front seat (12) even comprises of four L angled bars (83) of 20x20x2 dimension which are welded to the tube 3 and 4 (95,96) of the bottom frame and provides structural support. The framework is connected to the left frame (9) of the solar rickshaw using two numbers of hinges (53) so that the seat can be folded for easier accessibility to the back seat (11) and also to improve the ability to manipulate the workspace to the necessity. The seat (12) is similarly bolted to the framework using screws through the holes which are drilled using a drill bit. Figure 5 illustrates the entire framework of the seating on the rickshaw. A V-groove pulley (80) is attached to the shaft of the motor (18) as shown in figure 5 and is used to transmit the power efficiently between the motor drive (18) and the transmission shaft (79). As the motor drive is mounted close to the transmission shaft (79) it reduces the belt weight and increases the performance of the belt and pulley system with minimized slips. The motor drive draws power for operation from the 48V controller (78) which is connected to the rechargeable battery.

[0046] Referring to figure 7 the pedal generator (24) is mounted on the seat tube (57, 58) and seat stays of the cycle frame and is connected to the left chain (23) of the chain wheel.

[0047] Referring to Figure 9 the four pair of batteries (70,71,72,73) forms the energy storing and supply system for the solar rickshaw are mounted on the bottom frame in a possible manner to improve the performance of the solar rickshaw by shifting the canter of mass to closer to axle and closer to the ground. The batteries are clamped to the bottom frame to restrict the dislocation of the batteries on the bottom frame.

[0048] The side frames (74,75,90,25) and the vertical and slant bars (5,6,9,10) of the model are made up of tubes of mild steel which have a diameter of 2.54 cm and have a thickness of 3 mm to make the vehicle as light as possible to improve the efficiency and make the propulsion using the pedal mode possible. The side frames (25, 90, 74, 75) are connected to the vertical (9, 10) and slant (5, 6) bars which support the upper frame along with the slant forward (7, 8) bars originating the head tube of the cycle frame. The upper frame is made up of L-angle bars of 20x20x2 mm made up of mild steel which are welded to the four round tube from the rear assembly of the model and two tubes from handle tube (7, 8) of the cycle assembly of the model. Two additional rectangular bars are welded to the upper frame to provide structural support to the upper frame as well as to provide support to the solar panels and allows a platform to the feet of the bars (3, 4)to be bolted. The two numbers of solar panels (1, 2) are mounted on upper frame of model (21) with the help of hinges to the left side of the upper frame. The left L angled bar is drilled at eight appropriate positions for holding the hinges (83,84,85) to the upper frame and accordingly the solar panel aluminum frames are also drilled and bolted to the hinges. The upper frame is made as light as possible but structurally strong to support the solar panels with ease.

[0049] Referring to the figure 10, five rectangular mild steel bars (108,109,110,111,112) of dimension 20x2 are welded at an equal distance between the tube (84) and back frame (85) in the bottom frame to form a framework for two numbers of rechargeable batteries (72,73). The two number of rechargeable batteries (70.71, 72, 73) are mounted on the five bars and are fixed in place with the help of a longitudinal flat bar (49, 50). Two number of flat bars (115,116) are welded to the opposite left (84,115) and right (85,121) back seat frame to form a platform to weld the longitudinal rod to fix the vertical movement of the battery. The horizontal movement is checked by the flat bar (122) welded to the back seat tubes and the two vertical flat bars (113,114) at the Centre providing both structural support to the back seat and the battery framework. The other two rechargeable batteries (70, 71) are placed on tube 2 and 3 (82, 83) of the bottom frame vertically and are fixed into place with the help of the vertical seat mounts (93, 94, 95, and 96) for the front seat. Two pair of flat rectangular bars is welded between the two left and right seat mount tubes at an appropriate height and to the left welded bar a hinge is welded. The other side of the hinge is welded to another flat bar restricting the vertical translator movement of the battery and is bent and drilled as illustrated in the figure. The hinged bar is bolted to the opposite bar (118,119) welded between the two tube frames on the right of tube 2 and 3 of the bottom frame through the drilled hole. This provides a mechanism for removing the battery when needed. Referring to figure 12 the motor controller is placed at the additional space between the left frame (75) and the two vertical tube mounts (95, 96) on the left. A rectangular bar is welded between the left frame and the vertical mount tube 1 (96) and holds the controller firmly and prevents its dislocation towards the back. One rectangular bar (125) is welded between the left frame (75) and the vertical tube 2 (95) of the seat mount and seals the movement of the controller. This sealing of the movement of the controller (120) and the rechargeable batteries (70,71,72,73) ensures proper life for the controller which is composed of critical electronic components and are prone to failure on physical damage and the rechargeable lead acid solar batteries.

[0050] The mounting of the pedal generator to the pedal rickshaw is displayed in figure 7. The 59W, 12 V pedal generator, which generates an important part of power for the model with minimal efforts is mounted between the seat rest (57) and seat tube (58) of the cycle frame of the solar rickshaw. The mounting of the pedal generator (24) is made possible with the help of two rectangular bars (63, 64) between the seat rest and seat tube. The upper rectangular bar of dimension 20x2 mm is welded between the seat tube (57) and the seat rest (58) and two holes are drilled at appropriate distance with a 3 mm drill bit. The second rectangular bar (62) is welded at an appropriate distance forming a platform for bolting the pedal generator between the frames. The pedal generator (24) is bolted to the frames formed by the rectangular bars (63, 64) using 3 bolts and nuts providing easy installment and disassembly. Two pulleys (91, 92) of dissimilar sizes are attached to the shaft of the pedal generator and are connected through a chain (23) to the left chain wheel using a chain of appropriate length. The two attached pulleys provide a mechanism for engaging and disengaging the pedal generator (24) using a stiffener. The pedal generator is connected electrically through wires to the rechargeable batteries using a diode to store the power generated and the diode prevents the flow of current in the opposite direction.

[0051] The AC charger (19) is mounted on the solar rickshaw which enables the operator to recharge the rechargeable batteries (70, 71, 72, 73) using a 220V AC wall input. The charger is mounted using a frame of L angled bars (97, 98, 99,100) of dimension 20x20x2 mm. Four number of vertical bars (25, 90, 84, 85) are welded to bar (43) and bar (44) of the bottom frame at the centre to form the frame for the charger.

[0052] Referring to the figure 11, four number of L angled bars (97, 98, 99,100) are welded to the bottom of the vertical bars to connect a form a rectangle (97, 98, 99,100) which forms the base for the charger to be placed. The position of the charger is made in such a way, that it reduces the distance between the center of gravity and canter of rotation. For allowing the mounting and dismounting of the charger (19), a rectangular flat bar (101) has been used between the vertical bar (99, 97) to prevent the slipping of the charger (19) out of the frame. The bar is welded to a hinge and the hinge is welded to the right L-angled bar (98) and the other end of the rectangular bar (101) has been Drilled and a nut and bolt mechanism (102) is used to lock the bar to the left L-angled bar (99) and forms a sturdy frame for the charger. The charger is connected to the rechargeable batteries (70, 71, 72, and 73) through wires and the other input can be plugged to a 220 V wall socket.

[0053] The model is immobilized with three pairs of brakes attached to the three wheels (15, 16, 17) of the solar rickshaw. Referring to figure 6 the rear two wheels has a dynamic braking system (55) coupled with shoe braking system (103) while the front wheel (17) has a pair of shoe brakes attached to the wheel frame (123). The front pair of shoe brakes is mounted on the front wheel (17) frame like regular rickshaw brakes and is connected to the brake lever at the right hand of handle and is connected to the motor controller (120) by wires, which stops the motor drive (18) on application of the brakes. While the two rear brakes (104,105) has been modified to accommodate the dynamic braking mechanism (55, 56). The dynamic brakes (55,56) has been mounted to one side of the brake levers (107) as shown in the figure and a shoe brake has been mounted on the other brake lever (106). On the application of the brakes both the brake shoe and dynamo (55) attaches to the rim of the rear wheels (15, 16) and immobilize the solar rickshaw. The power generated from the dynamic braking (55, 56) mechanism is stored in a small rechargeable battery (70, 71, 72, 73) and can be used for lighting and other purposes.

[0054] The provided inbuilt charging system (78) makes the invention versatile unlike the available E-Rickshaw which needs a charging station for recharging the batteries. The unavailability of the inbuilt charging system limits the current Solar Rickshaws on adverse weather condition while, the solar rickshaw according to the present invention can be used on bad weather conditions with the availability of plug in source and the rickshaw can travel an average of 72 km on a single full charge. The invention also includes the ability to use the vehicle as a mini carrier vehicle instead of a passenger vehicle by removing the front seat. The Solar Rickshaw is so designed to replace the other conventional modes of transportation like the auto rickshaw, cabs etc. which use conventional source of energy and also are priced much higher. This will result in green and a healthy environment along with monetary benefits both for the operator as well as the passenger.

[0055] Numerous modifications and adaptations of the system of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and thus it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and adaptations which fall within the true spirit and scope of this invention.