Engineers from India have developed an electric bicycle system that allows the battery to be charged while in motion, using a low-speed NEMA-42 generator.
India: Innovation in electric bicycle system that allows for self-charging of the battery
Archive photo / gazeta.spb.ru
This technology increases the riding range by between 10% and 18%, without affecting the cyclist's comfort or causing annoying resistance while riding the electric bike.
This development solves the main problem with electric bicycles: their limited range compared to traditional bicycles. The generator is connected to the rear wheel, where it converts the mechanical energy generated by the rotation into electrical energy, which is then transferred to the battery via the controller.
According to Gazeta.spb.ru, tests showed that the system generates an electric current of between 0.3 and 0.8 amps, and a power of between 7 and 15 watts, without this posing any noticeable resistance to the cyclist.
The system is most efficient when descending and during rapid acceleration, as it converts excess mechanical energy into electrical energy. It also works even when driving using only muscle power.
Since the generator adds extra weight, the engineers compensated for this by using a lightweight fork, a lightweight frame, a lightweight handlebar, as well as special pneumatic tires.
Before the system was installed, the bike's range was approximately 14 kilometers per charge, while with it it increased to 15.3 kilometers. In real-world conditions, the efficiency improvement could reach 18 percent.
