DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF AN ELECTRIC POWER CONVERSION SYSTEM FOR FUEL COMBUSTION TRICYCLES

ABSRACT The project focuses on converting a fuel –powered tricycle into an electrically powered vehicle to reduce carbon emissions, operating costs, environmental pollution and global warming due to the emission of gases from internal combustion engines which become a global issue that has made automobile companies develop emission-free or pure electric vehicles. The objective of this work is to convert the three-wheeler fuel combustion tricycle into a pure electric three-wheeler with an onboard battery charging system through electric current source. Conversion methods were used and the engine and fuel-related components of the existing tricycle were removed and replaced with the electric motor, battery, and associated components. The methodology involved selecting a suitable electric motor, battery system and motor controller, followed by retrofitting the tricycle chassis. Performance tests were conducted to evaluate speed, range, and efficiency. Results showed that the electric tricycle achieve a top speed of 48km/h (using the speedometer of the electric tricycle) and a range of 80km-92km per full charge, this can be calculated using the battery capacity value to divide the force or weight required to pull the total load of the vehicle. The calculated force is 32.422N, and the measured battery capacity is 3000Wh (60V ×50Ah), thus the distance or the range given by the formula d= Wh/F, so that d=3000Wh/32.422N, d =92.54Km. The significant variation of the tricycle distance range is based on factors such as battery capacity, rider and load weight, terrain, riding speed, wind, and road conditions. Larger batteries with higher watt-hours (Wh) will provide a longer range, while factors like uphill riding and higher speeds will drain the battery faster, the conversion demonstrated a viable, environmental friendly, and cost –effective alternative to conventional fuel-powered tricycles. Recommendations for future improvements include optimizing performance and efficiency, by converting petrol –run tricycle to electrical, we can make use of scrap vehicles and this will be an affordable solution as an EV (electric vehicle), we can however protect the environment by reducing the usage of petrol, thus the use of electric tricycle is advisable for use in our society, because of its superiorities and divers advantages over others. In conclusion the project successfully demonstrates the technical and economic viability of converting a fuel –combustion tricycle to an electric-powered vehicle and offers significant environmental, financial, and societal benefits, positioning it as a sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuel-dependent transportation.