DE20118397U1 - Wheel powered by solar power (bicycle) - Google Patents

Description

Solar-powered bicycle ("bicycle").

Up to now, solar-powered vehicles, which bear little resemblance to a conventional bicycle, have had their solar panels fixed or positioned at the best possible angle of incidence. The disadvantages in terms of handling and dimensions were so obvious that this form of transport proved to be unsuitable for everyday use and thus practically failed to gain a foothold on the market. Bicycles are a common means of transport around the world, are environmentally friendly and have no additional costs, but they can generally only be moved using pure muscle power. This was the starting point for my considerations. The physical effort (muscle power) combined with solar energy is an environmentally friendly and yet more convenient form of transport, with no disadvantages in handling and function compared to a conventional bicycle.

My invention/idea is based on the following considerations:

The projected area between the hub (- 2 -) and the rim (- 8 -), known as the spoke ring, was specifically covered on racing bicycles and used as an aerodynamic aid, often seen in the Six Day Race.

It is precisely these areas to the right and left of the bike that are ideal for use as solar panels, as they provide the least amount of shading. At the same time, there are no aerodynamic disadvantages and the center of gravity is not significantly different from that of a conventional bicycle.

This "surface" is geometrically the surface of a truncated cone. The surface is curved, so that a division into 6 equally sized truncated circular segments is necessary so that flat solar cells (- 7 -) can be used. It also brings other advantages such as: repair replacement, external use, etc. (Solar cells according to the current state of the art)
6 pieces are needed per wheel side, so 24 pieces for a fully equipped bike.

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As a replacement for the spokes, a frame element (- 9 -) is used, which serves to hold and fix the solar panels without deformation, and also ensures the necessary stability of the wheel. The edges between the solar panels are covered by a lockable, rounded metal profile with an inserted reflector, which also helps to protect the solar panels from damage. For security and theft protection, the edge protection profiles (- 6 -) are secured centrally by a metal ring (- 3 -) on the hub.

The inner space, given by the length of the hub and the distance to the inner struts, is used to accommodate the electric drive (- 4 -) and the electronics required for it (- 5 -). They are arranged closely around the hub (- 2 -) to minimize imbalance.

The rotor of the electric motor is firmly connected to the wheel axle (-1 -). The wheel axle is firmly screwed to the frame/fork like a normal bike. The winding field (stand) is firmly connected to the hub part/wheel.

This is a brushless, clock-controlled DC electric motor with an integrated tachometer disk.

The electronics integrated in the wheel are mainly divided into three systems: Sensors.

Detection of the actual speed (tachometer pulses).

Storage of the target speed (constant speed + - approx. 20%). From the target/actual speed and recording of the currently available energy, the processor determines the optimal power point and passes it on to the engine control as a controlled variable.

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Overload detection and overrun cut-off.

It is necessary if, for example, the wheel is brought to zero revolutions (stopped), but the energy is still fully available. This state lasts until tachometer pulses (number of pulses depending on time) are generated again by a sufficiently fast rotation of the wheel.

Engine control.

It is used to generate the rotating field for the DC motor and to regulate the power as well as to act as a charge controller for 12 volt batteries. They can be connected to the wheel via a socket output (-10-).

Operation and functionality of the solar drive during daytime operation.

The functional processes of the drive are controlled automatically, which gives all users (cyclists) the opportunity to ride safely even without prior knowledge.

1. The bike is stationary, even in bright sunlight = no drive. If the bike is stationary for longer than 5 seconds, the output (external connection) is activated.

2. The bike is pushed or moved at normal walking speed = no drive!

3. If the speed is increased further (number of pulses / time limit is exceeded), the drive switches on. If the travel speed is constant within 5 seconds, the processor recognizes it as the target value and uses it to regulate the power. If the solar energy is sufficient for the target speed, you can stop pedaling.

4. If the speed is changed (+ / -) and then held at the new value (5 see.), this is the new setpoint, etc.

5. As long as tachometer pulses are generated, the drive remains active.

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6. If the wheel is brought to a standstill (no speedometer pulses) and the time limit is exceeded, the drive is switched off.

Scope of application .

Bicycle, tricycle, wheelchair (with appropriate wheel size).

Another area of application is to use the wheels as pure solar cells and thus achieve a double benefit.

Example:

When camping/caravanning, the bike can be connected to a cable to charge the on-board battery. Or at home, if you are not going to use it for a long time, the solar panels can be easily removed from the bike and inserted into the appropriate frame, and the stationary system is ready or expanded.

Health aspects.

Dynamic cycling is not restricted as is the case with bicycles with auxiliary motors, mopeds and the like.

When the sun is shining brightly, you have to pedal less or not at all, the physical strain is reduced. When it gets darker, the opposite effect occurs, but since the ambient temperature also drops during this time, the health benefits are there.

There will certainly be further significant advances in solar technology in the coming years in terms of efficiency, use of plastics, etc. and the reduction in price of products. This will ensure that the idea is right and that the new product will be accepted by the market.

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Claims (7)

1. Wheel with solar panels on one or both sides, with integrated electric drive and control electronics with charge controller output. As a safety device, the cover profiles are lockable, reflective and have a rounded surface. 2. Wheel according to claim 1, the arrangement of the solar surfaces on the wheel is between the rim and the hub ( 7 ). 3. Wheel according to claim 1 to 2, electric drive installed in the hub ( 2 )/axle ( 1 ). 4. Wheel according to claim 1 to 3, control electronics arranged inside the hub ( 2 ). 5. Wheel according to claim 1 to 4, function control without external operating elements. 6. Wheel according to claim 1 to 5, external connection ( 10 ) on the hub. 7. Wheel according to claim 1 to 6, cover profiles ( 6 ) are reflective and secured by means of a lockable metal ring ( 3 ).