Efficient energy conversion in electrically assisted bicycles using a switched reluctance machine under torque control

Abstract

The prospect of physical exertion commonly acts as a deterrent to the adoption of cycling for everyday transport. A battery powered assistance torque electric motor could alleviate such physical exertion by reducing the effort required by the cyclist. This study investigates the potential effectiveness, efficiency, and energy saving of electrically-assisted cycling when assistance torque of a switched reluctance motor is designed to vary in accord to the cyclist instantaneous torque at the pedal cranks. Specifically, the modulated motor assistance torque is delivered at the least efficient human input torque points on the cycle. For a representative short distance cycling schedule modulating the instantaneous torque of the on-board electric motor causes the electric energy expenditure to not exceed that of the assisted cycling mode of an identical constant-torque motor. Furthermore, for the same speed profile cycling journey with added road gradient and head wind resistance, the energy expenditure of the modulated torque motor is equal to the constant torque motor. These findings indicate significant improvements in the cycling experience.

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ORCID for Alex S. Weddell: orcid.org/0000-0002-6763-5460

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