Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a solar vehicle. More particularly, the present invention discloses a solar vehicle that carries people from one place to another.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] As a result of population growth in the world, the last few decades have pointed to the potential increase in demand for traditional sources of energy.
[0003] Most existing vehicle uses non-renewable sources of energy like coal, oil, and gas.
[0004] However, the conventional sources of energy like coal, oil, and gas alone cannot supply the increased demand, because they will be exhausted in the coming years.
[0005] Further, with the increase in demand for energy, production could not increase equally by using only conventional sources of energy.
[0006] Therefore, non-conventional sources such as solar energy, wind energy, and biomass are emerging as an alternative to traditional or conventional sources of energy.
[0007] More specifically, vehicles using as solar energy are in demand since solar energy depicts the maximum potential among all renewable sources of energy.
[0008] One such invention, which discloses a solar vehicle uses solar energy has been disclosed in China patent no. CN106004467A.
[0009] The said 467’ publication discloses that the solar electric vehicle is provided with a braking pedal for controlling the speed.
[0010] However, in the said vehicle, there is no provision of regulating the speed of the vehicle.
[0011] Further, there is no such provision in which the vehicle may run both in forward and backward direction with constant or different speed.
[0012] Additionally, no recharging device is provided to recharge the vehicle in the absence of solar power.
[0013] Further, solar vehicle discloses in the prior art, has the capability to carry single passenger and is applicable to walking replacement of old people in a rural-urban continuum in a plain region, picking-up of children and sightseeing only.
[0014] Therefore, there is need of solar vehicle, which may regulate the speed of the vehicle efficiently.
[0015] Further, a solar vehicle is needed that may carry multi-passengers with more advance features to match the features of vehicles with conventional sources of energy.
[0016] Further, there is a need to develop improved steering mechanism to provide the provision of backward driving and sensors-based speed regulators.
[0017] In nutshell, a solar powered vehicle is required which may overcome above discussed drawbacks and provides an efficient mode of transportation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0018] In an aspect of the present invention, a solar vehicle is disclosed.
[0019] In one embodiment of the present invention, the solar vehicle includes a vehicle body that has a chassis frame.
[0020] In one embodiment of the present invention, the solar vehicle is provided with at least two wheels which are attached to the said chassis frame.
[0021] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a drum braking system for both front and rear wheels and can be applied by hand and leg respectively at any time during the movement of the vehicle.
[0022] In one embodiment of the present invention, a braking system is provided for both front and rear wheels and can be applied by hand and leg respectively at any time during the movement of the vehicle.
[0023] In one embodiment of the present invention, the solar vehicle includes at least one energy storing device that is adapted to store the energy required to run the said vehicle.
[0024] In one embodiment of the present invention, the solar vehicle includes one or more solar panels installed at the said vehicle body and electrically connected to the said at least one energy storing device
[0025] In the said embodiment of the present invention, the one or more solar panels are installed to absorb and convert the solar energy into electric energy which in turn charge the said energy storing device.
[0026] In the embodiment of the present invention, the solar panels are installed at the roof of the vehicle to absorb maximum amount of solar radiation.
[0027] In the embodiment of the present invention, a tracker is provided to maintain constant output voltage from the solar panels to prevent power fluctuation which may result due to changing sunlight intensities.
[0028] In one embodiment of the present invention, the solar vehicle includes one or more driving devices operatively connected to the said energy storing device adapted to supply power to the wheels for the movement of the said vehicle.
[0029] In one embodiment of the present invention, the solar vehicle includes a plurality of sensors configured to detect the various factors required to regulate the action of the said vehicle.
[0030] In one embodiment of the present invention, the solar vehicle includes a controller operatively in communication with the said sensors and the one or more driving devices.
[0031] In the embodiment of the present invention, the said controller is configured to regulate an action of the sensors based on the detection performed by the sensors, which in turn allow the controller to regulate the movement of the vehicle via the said one or more driving devices.
[0032] In the embodiment of the present invention, the controller is an Artificial Intelligence based hybrid controller, the said controller with the help of the sensors is responsible for the supply of power at various phases such as during acceleration, deceleration, at the constant speed of the vehicle.
[0033] In the embodiment of the present invention, the controller with the sensors regulates the speed of the vehicle in both forward and reverse direction.
[0034] In one embodiment of the present invention, the said vehicle includes a modified steering system for providing appropriate steering of the vehicle during its motion as per the requirement.
[0035] In one embodiment of the present invention, the solar vehicle includes stiffeners to protect the vehicle against buckling and bending.
[0036] In one embodiment of the present invention, the solar vehicle includes perforated frames for building the supporting structure for the said solar panels.
[0037] In one embodiment of the present invention, the solar vehicle includes a suspension system provided at each wheel for minimizing the shocks received during movement of the vehicle.
[0038] In one embodiment of the present invention, the solar vehicle includes a seating arrangement for at least three persons.
[0039] In the embodiment of the present invention, the said solar vehicle has seating arrangement for at least three persons having a solar roof, with an exemplary payload of 210 kg at the maximum speed during travelling.
[0040] In various embodiment of the present invention, the solar vehicle includes a self-design and developed steering system for providing appropriate steering of the vehicle during its motion is provided.
[0041] This together with the other aspects of the present invention along with the various features of novelty that characterized the present disclosure is pointed out with particularity. For better understanding of the present disclosure, its operating advantages, and the specified objective attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying descriptive matter in which there are illustrated exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0042] The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0043] Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a solar vehicle, according to various embodiments of the present invention;
[0044] Fig. 2 illustrates a front view of the solar vehicle of Fig.1, according to various embodiments of the present invention;
[0045] Fig. 3 illustrates an isometric view of the solar vehicle of Fig.1, according to various embodiments of the present invention;
[0046] Fig. 4 illustrates a rear view of the solar vehicle of Fig.1, according to various embodiments of the present invention; and
[0047] Fig. 5 illustrates a side view of the solar vehicle of Fig.1, according to various embodiments of the present invention;
[0048] Like numerals denote like elements throughout the figures.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0049] The exemplary embodiments described herein detail for illustrative purposes are subjected to many variations. It should be emphasized, however, that the present invention is not limited to a as disclosed. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but these are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.
[0050] Specifically, the following terms have the meanings indicated below.
[0051] The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items.
[0052] The terms “having”, “comprising”, “including”, and variations thereof signify the presence of a component.
[0053] The present invention relates to a vehicle. More specifically, the present invention discloses a solar vehicle.
[0054] The inventive aspects of the invention along with various components and engineering involved will now be explained with reference to Figs. 1-5 herein.
[0055] In one embodiment of the present invention, the said solar vehicle (100) includes a vehicle body that includes chassis frame (6) that acts supporting structure for the said vehicle (100) (Refer Fig. 3).
[0056] In the embodiment of the present invention, the said vehicle body is provided with an at least two wheels (12) which are attached to the said chassis frame (6) (Refer Fig. 4).
[0057] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the said vehicle (100) is four-wheel solar vehicle. However, it should be understood that the four wheels in the vehicle should not be construed as a limitation to the present invention.
[0058] In one embodiment of the present invention, the said solar vehicle (100) includes a suspension system (8) that has been provided at each wheel (12) of the vehicle (100) with the purpose of minimizing the vibration, absorb the impacts and socks and provide comfort to passengers during riding (Refer Fig. 4).
[0059] In the embodiment of the present invention, the chassis frame (6) and the spring-supported suspension system (8) have been provided in such a way to make the vehicle (100) compact and light weight.
[0060] In one embodiment of the present invention, the solar vehicle (100) includes at least one energy storing device (4) that is adapted to store the energy required to run the said vehicle (100) (Refer Fig. 3).
[0061] In the embodiment of the present invention, the said energy storing device (4) includes batteries that are used to run the said vehicle (100).
[0062] In one embodiment of the present invention, the said solar vehicle (100) includes one or more solar panels (2) installed at the said vehicle body (Refer Fig. 1).
[0063] In the embodiment of the present invention, the said solar vehicle (100) is electrically connected to the said at least one energy storing device (4).
[0064] More specifically, the solar panels (2) are installed at the vehicle body to absorb sunlight, and thereby converts the solar energy into electric energy which in turn charge the said energy storing device (4).
[0065] More specifically, the solar panels (2) are installed in the roof of the vehicle (100) in such a way that it may absorb maximum amount of solar radiation.
[0066] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the solar panels (2) of 600 kilo watt (kW) are mounted on the lightweight body and chassis frames (6) of the vehicle (100).
[0067] In one embodiment of the present invention, a tracker is provided to convert output of array of solar panels (2) into proper voltage to be used by the energy storing device (4) to run the vehicle (100).
[0068] More specifically, the tracker may automatically hold the solar panels (100) at a constant voltage, while delivering the resulting maximum power to the batteries (4), thereby prevents the battery systems from being damaged.
[0069] In another embodiment of the present invention, the solar vehicle (100) includes at least one recharging device to recharge the energy storing device (4) from a second electrical source in addition to the one or more solar panels (2).
[0070] More specifically, the said recharging device recharges batteries (4) of solar panels (2) in the event of low sunlight or absence of sunlight like in rainy season and nighttime.
[0071] Moreover, in the sunny days as the solar panels (2) supplies more power, the batteries can also be recharged during the ride.
[0072] In one embodiment of the present invention, the said solar vehicle (100) further includes one or more driving devices operatively connected to the said energy storing device (4) adapted to supply power to the wheels (12) for the movement of the said vehicle (100) (Refer Fig. 5).
[0073] In the embodiment of the present invention, the said one or more driving devices(not shown in the figure) are brushless DC (BLDC) motors which are installed at the wheels (12) of the said vehicle (100). However, it should be understood that the BLDC motors should not be construed as a limitation to the present invention.
[0074] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the DC brushless motors (not shown in the figure) are fitted directly in the wheels, which in turn results in the reduction in transmission losses and offers maximum efficiency. Moreover, they offer smooth operation and less electrical noise (Refer Fig. 5).
[0075] More specifically, DC brushless motor is a mechanical device which converts electrical energy (current) into mechanical energy and supply power to the wheels of solar vehicle which in turn causes the solar vehicle (100) to run.
[0076] In one embodiment of the present invention, the solar vehicle (100) includes a plurality of sensors configured to detect the various factors required to regulate the action of the said vehicle (100).
[0077] More specifically, the said sensors are installed at the motors to detect/measure various factors such as position, speed, current or the like.
[0078] In one embodiment of the present invention, the solar vehicle (100) includes a controller unit comprised of a hybrid artificial intelligence (AI) based controller operatively in communication with the said sensors and motors.
[0079] In the embodiment of the present invention, the controller is configured to perform regulating action of the vehicle.
[0080] More specifically, the said controller is configured to regulate an action of the sensors based on the detection performed by the sensors, which in turn allow the controller to regulate the movement of the vehicle via the said one or more driving devices.
[0081] In the embodiment of the present invention, the hybrid AI-based controller regulates the action of sensors and controls the flow of current coming from the solar panels (2) to DC brushless motors, which are directly fitted in the wheels of the vehicle.
[0082] In this way, the hybrid AI-based controller, with the help of the sensors, is responsible for the smooth supply of powers at various phases such as during acceleration, deceleration, and at the constant speed of the vehicle as per the need.
[0083] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the said sensors are hall effect sensors, which are installed in the motors.
[0084] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the said hall sensors are used to detect/measure the motor’s position which is communicated to the AI-based controller to spin the motors at the right time and right orientation.
[0085] Moreover, the said hall sensors are operated by a magnetic field from a permanent magnet or an electromagnet.
[0086] Referring to Fig. 2, the solar vehicle (100) is provided with a modified steering system (3) for providing appropriate steering of the vehicle during its motion as per the requirement.
[0087] In one embodiment of the present invention, the said solar vehicle (100) includes structures and stiffeners which are provided to minimize the weight of the vehicle and to sustain the solar panels.
[0088] In another embodiment of the present invention, the said solar vehicle (100) includes perforated frames for concrete reinforcement of the structure and thereby improving stability.
[0089] Referring to Fig. 4, the said solar vehicle (100) is further provided with seating arrangement (10) for at least three persons with a solar roof.
[0090] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the solar vehicle (100) is provided with a payload capacity of 210 kg at the speed of 40 Km/hr during travelling.
[0091] In one embodiment of the present invention, the said solar vehicle (100) includes a braking system equipped at the said wheels (12) i.e., at both front and rear wheels, wherein brakes may be applied by hand and leg respectively at any time during the movement of the vehicle.
[0092] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the solar vehicle (100) may be used to transport from one part of the city to the other within 40 km of range. However, it should be understood that this range of the said vehicle should not be construed as a limitation to the present invention.
[0093] In the embodiment of the present invention, the exemplary dimensions of the solar vehicle (100)) are illustrated in Table-1 as follows:
Dimensions Measurement
Length 2170 mm
Width 1680 mm
Height (Maximum) 2045 mm
Height (Minimum) 1255 mm
Wheel base 1210 mm
Track Width 990 mm
Ground Clearance 130 mm
Weight (without payload) 240 kg
Table-1
[0094] The exemplary illustration of time required to full recharge the batteries (4) in different weather conditions is shown in Table-2 are as follows:
Weather Condition Time to Full Recharge (minutes)
Sunny 250
Partly Cloudy (50% cloudy) 450
Cloudy 750
Table-2
[0095] The exemplary illustration of average time taken by the vehicle (100) to travel 10 km at different operating condition is shown in Table-3 are as follows:
Operating Condition Average Time to travel 10km (minutes)
Sunny weather Partly Cloudy Weather Cloudy weather
With Solar charge during running at average speed 20 20.5 21.5
Without Solar charge during running at average speed 22 22 22
Table-3
Advantageous effects of the present invention
[0096] In one embodiment of the present invention, the design of the solar vehicle in the present invention serves as a mode of transportation using non-conventional source of energy.
[0097] Further, the solar vehicle provided in the present invention, uses solar energy which depicts the maximum potential among all renewable sources of energy.
[0098] Furthermore, the present invention focuses on providing a lightweight low-cost mode of transport that may be used for local travel within the city.
[0099] In addition, the invention incorporates a spring-supported suspension system to minimize the vibration, absorb the impacts and socks and provide comfort to passengers during riding.
[00100] Further, the configuration of the controller with the sensors and motors is provided in such a way that the present invention provides allows the movement of the vehicle in both forward and backward direction with constant or different speed.
[00101] Further, the hybrid AI-based controller with the help of the sensors enables the user to regulate the speed of the vehicle as per the need.
[00102] Furthermore, in addition to solar panels, a recharging device is provided for recharging the energy storing device from an electrical power source ensures the motion of vehicle even in the absence of solar energy.
[00103] Additionally, a low wheelbase and track width is adapted in the solar vehicle of the present invention, which are designed to accommodate narrow roads.
[00104] In one embodiment of the present invention, the tracker has been provided to match the output voltage of the solar array panel to the system voltage to be used by batteries to drive the motor when the vehicle drives under the shade or solar panel receives a limited amount of sunlight because of clouds or shading. In this way, tracker allows the system to run as efficiently as possible.
[00105] In the embodiment of the present invention, hall sensors are provided for rotor position feedback in DC brushless motor, reason being they are cheap and do not require complex processing algorithms.
[00106] In nutshell, the solar vehicle of the present invention, overcome above discussed drawbacks and provides a lightweight low-cost vehicle.
[00107] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching.
[00108] Further, the embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, and thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
[00109] It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but such omissions and substitutions are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.

[00110] LIST OF THE REFERENCE NUMERALS:
100 - Solar vehicle
2 - Solar roof panels
3 - Steering system
4 - Energy storing device
6 - Chassis frame
7 - Perforated frames
8 - Suspension system
10 - Seating arrangement
12. - Wheels
, Claims:1. A solar vehicle, comprising:
a vehicle body comprising at least two wheels (12);
at least one energy storing device (4) adapted to store the energy required to run the said vehicle (100);
one or more solar panels (2) installed at the said vehicle body and electrically connected to the said at least one energy storing device (4), the one or more solar panels (2) are installed to absorb and convert the solar energy into electric energy which in turn charge the said energy storing device (4);
one or more driving devices operatively connected to the said energy storing device (4) adapted to supply power to the wheels (12) for the movement of the said vehicle (100);
a plurality of sensors configured to detect the various factors required to regulate the action of the said vehicle (100);
a controller operatively in communication with the said sensors and the one or more driving devices,
wherein the said controller is configured to regulate an action of the sensors based on the detection performed by the sensors, which in turn allow the controller to regulate the movement of the vehicle via the said one or more driving devices.
2. The solar vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the solar panels (2) are installed at the roof of the vehicle to absorb the maximum amount of sunlight.
3. The solar vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensors are installed at the one or more driving devices to detect the various factors comprises at least one of speed, position, or current.
4. The solar vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the said plurality of the sensors comprises hall sensors.
5. The solar vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the controller is an Artificial Intelligence based hybrid controller, the said controller with the help of the sensors is responsible for the supply of power at various phases such as during acceleration, deceleration, at the constant speed of the vehicle.
6. The solar vehicle as claimed in claim 5, wherein the controller with the sensors regulates the speed of the vehicle (100) in both forward and reverse direction.
7. The solar vehicle as claimed in claim 1, comprising,
a modified steering system (3) for providing appropriate steering of the vehicle (100) during its motion as per the requirement,
stiffeners to protect the vehicle (100) against buckling and bending,
perforated frames for building the supporting structure for the said solar panels (2),
a suspension system (8) at each wheel (12) for minimizing the shocks received during movement of the vehicle (100) in uneven road, and
a seating arrangement (10) for at least three persons.
8. The solar vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein, the chassis (6) and the spring-supported suspension system (8) have been provided in such a way to make the vehicle (100) compact and light weight.
9. The solar vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprising a braking system equipped at the wheels (12), wherein brakes may be applied by hand and leg respectively at any time during the movement of the vehicle.
10. The solar vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprising at least one recharging device for recharging the energy storing device (4) from a second electrical source in addition to the one or more solar panels (2).
11. The solar vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more driving devices comprises but not limited to brushless DC (BLDC) motors.