Final Project: Electric Rickshaw modelling

Design of E-Rickshaw Using Simulink

AIM - Create a detailed MATLAB model of an electric rickshaw (three-wheel passenger vehicle) as per the details below:

• Rear wheels driven by PM brushed type motor
• Assume efficiency points of motor controller and motor
• Make an excel sheet of all input and assumed data
• Results: For any three standard driving cycles show energy consumption, the temperature rise of motor and controller for 100 km constant speed driving at 45 kmph

Theory -

Since 2008, electric rickshaws (also known as electric tuk-tuks, e-rickshaws, totos, or e-tricycles) have been gaining popularity in some cities as an alternative to auto rickshaws and pulled rickshaws. When compared to human-pulled rickshaws, their popularity stems from their lower fuel costs and ease of use. They are widely accepted as a viable alternative to gasoline/diesel/CNG auto-rickshaws. They are three-wheelers with electric motors ranging in power from 650 to 1400 Watts.

Data -

Block Diagram -

Vehicle Subsystem -

Motor & Controller Subsystem -

Battery Subsystem -

Calculation -

Using an Excel calculator we have calculated the maximum motor power requirement for our electric vehicle. Around 9Kw of motor power is required for working in extream conditions with 12-degree gradability and at a speed of 20 kmph at grade.

Simulink Model -

• The model is developed by combining many subsystems of the Controller, Battery, and Vehicle body.
• The longitudinal Driver block is used as a PI controller to reduce the error between input and feedback signals
• A 48 V battery is used to drive the vehicle with a 7.37kWh capacity battery
• A scope block is used to display all the data

Simulating for FTP 75 Drive Cycle Data -

• We can see that the Ref. Velocity is closely followed by the feedback velocity. Although after 2000 sec we can see that the feedback velocity is less responsive, The temperature of the motor is increased which reduces the efficiency of the motor.
• The SoC of the battery is 84% from 100%.
• The Temperature of the Controller and Motor is increased with an increase in time.
• The controller temp is increased to 500 K from 298 K.
• The motor temp is increased to 329 K from 298 K.
• The Distance Covered is 19 Kms.

Simulating for UDDS Drive Cycle Data -

• The Feedback signal is identical to that of the reference input signal. but during de-acceleration, we can see that the feedback signal is slightly different than that of the reference signal. This is because of the inertia force of the vehicle which increases the deacceleration time of the vehicle.
• The SoC of the battery is reduced to 88% as compared to that of 100% at the beginning of the test.
• The motor temperature is 449K at the end of the test.
• The Controller temp is 314K at the end of the test.
• The Distance Covered is around 13 km.

WOT Response -

• The WOT response is checked at a 45 kmph speed for 100kms.
• The velocity is converted to m/s from kmph, which is 12.5 m/s.
• After running the vehicle for 100 km at a constant speed of 45 kmph or 12.5 m/s the SoC of the battery is dropped to 27%.
• The Temperature of the motor is 376 K from 298.15 K.
• The temperature of the controller is 303K from 298.15 K.
• The Distance Covered is 100 Km.

Excel Sheet -

Conclusion -

• The model for E-Rickshaw is developed using Simulink and MATLAB.
• The motor and controller temperature rises with an increase in the duration of the operation.
• A proper Cooling system must be designed for the drive train component.
• During a continuous operation at 45km/h speeds, the motor did not get very high temperatures. Hence, increasing the efficiency of the vehicle.
• Columb Counting method is used to calculate the SoC.

Resources -

• The model is based on a previous project and all the subsystems design are explained in this link - https://skill-lync.com/student-projects/final-project-design-of-an-electric-vehicle-186
• Link of E-Rickshaw Modek - https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1jUqdAu20scEcCc_xOF4KxaDNNVnA8Hlc?usp=sharing