Solar-Powered Wheelchair Project Report
Solar-Powered Wheelchair Project Report
Session 2024-2025
"Solar-Powered Wheelchair"
Shubham Kumar-220005003
1
Table of Contents
2. Introduction 6-7
6. Expected Conclusion 26
7. Reference 27-29
2
1. Brief Literature Survey
In earlier years, there were normal wheelchairs that needed a caretaker to move
and control that wheelchair. It only had the potential to manually move the
wheelchair. If there was no caretaker, then the user could move the wheels using
his/her own hands. But for people with multiple disabilities who cannot put much
pressure on their hands, it is not a suitable option for them. Nevertheless, this kind
of wheelchair is used in this era also because many people cannot afford smart or
electric wheelchairs. Continuous research is carried on and many researches
already have been done regarding wheelchair development, some of them are
mentioned below:
Sanders et al. [1], performed a cost-benefit analysis of smart wheelchairs with
solar charging, considering both initial investment and long-term savings. The
paper discusses various aspects of cost analysis within organizational contexts,
highlighting the significance of evaluating costs against benefits in decision-
making processes. This includes examining methodologies for effective cost-
benefit analyses and how these analyses impact overall business performance
Brown and Zhao [2], have focused on the market research of smart wheelchairs,
with an emphasis on evolving user needs and technological advancements. Their
study discusses how technological innovations, such as AI-powered navigation,
obstacle detection, and remote monitoring, are enhancing the functionality of
smart wheelchairs, providing users with more independence and improving their
quality of life.
Nguyen et al. [3], presented a study on optimizing solar panel placement and angle
for maximum energy absorption in wheelchair applications. This study focuses on
enhancing solar panel performance through machine learning algorithms and Ant
Colony Optimization (ACO). The results indicate that the combined approach of using
Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) with ACO significantly improves the efficiency of
solar energy generation systems.
Thangapriya et al. [4], have explored the significance and advancements in assistive
technologies (AT) for individuals with physical and cognitive impairments. It examines
current trends in AT, the challenges faced by users and developers, and discusses
potential future developments in the field. The authors highlight how AT can empower
disabled individuals by enhancing their independence and participation in society.
V.Gunasekaran et al. [5], have presented that with the use of solar electricity, it is
possible to regulate wheelchairs mobility for those with disabilities. The wheelchair
can be improved by using battery-free direct solar power.
Ayush Pandey [6], proposed a voice-controlled wheelchair. In this type of
wheelchair, a user uses voice commands like go, front, back, left, and right and the
module detects the sound and works accordingly. But this is not efficient because
3
it cannot recognize voice every time properly, and it does not work in noisy
environments.
Devaraj A. and L Kaliannan [7], have added the controlling of wheelchairs using
a mobile Bluetooth connection as well as voice modulation. This technique also
has similar kind of drawbacks like less efficiency in noisy environments.
Sabin Adhikari et al. [8], have proposed an idea of a wheelchair based on hand
gestures as well as voice-controlled navigation, and also it includes an obstacle
detection system. But this system is wireless in one part, so it may not work
properly as there may be some interference and there may not be proper
communication between the receiver and transmitter.
Jones and Lee [9], discussed various solar panel configurations suitable for
wheelchair designs, focusing on efficiency and weight constraints. It discusses
advancements in utilizing solar energy through photoelectrochemical processes
for sustainability.
Manoj R. Hans [10], has explored the design and performance of a solar-
powered wheelchair aimed at enhancing mobility for individuals with disabilities.
The wheelchair is equipped with a solar panel, a battery, a charge controller,and a
brushless DC motor, enabling it to operate without relying solely on grid electricity.
Bhanu Prakash H K et al. [11], proposed a model that is controlled based on hand
gestures using an accelerometer sensor and RF module. The wheelchair receiver
and control unit interact without any traffic by the RF transceiver which is fixed in
both the transmitter and receiver unit making the entire process work faster.
M. Pita [12], proposed a wheelchair that is user-friendly, light, affordable, and easy
to operate and maintain. It can carry a maximum load of 155 kg and can travel at
a maximum speed of 11.25 m/min. The wheelchair can travel for 6 km continuously.
Femy John et al. [13], have included integrating tongue gestures as an alternative
control method. The wheelchair is designed to enhance user independence with
features such as obstacle detection via ultrasonic sensors, aiming for a cost-
effective and safe solution.
Nikhil Shinde et al. [14], have used mental concentration and eye blinking of the
disabled person using a BCI headset and other electronic components. But the
drawback is that the brain impulse and signals differ from person to person and it
needs to be calibrated for different users.
Mahipal Manda et al. [15], have developed a wheelchair that can be controlled
using hand gestures, catering primarily to individuals with mobility impairments.
The wheelchair employs an accelerometer as the main sensor, allowing users to
steer it by tilting their hands.
T. Saharia et al. [16], presented that Arduino receives information about the
joystick's movement and responds accordingly. However, not all physically
challenged people can operate their wheelchairs with the help of a joystick. The
persons who have difficulty in moving the right hand where the joystick is
connected, cannot use it. Also, this wheelchair is costly, so everyone cannot afford
it.
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Khyati Meena et al. [17], have proposed an automated wheelchair designed for
individuals with limited mobility. It utilizes a voice recognition module to interpret
user commands, allowing users to control the wheelchair via speech, in addition
to a joystick option.
L. Louis [18], has studied the working principle of Arduino, its hardware/software
features, and its applications as to where it is currently being used and where it
can be used. Also showed how to write sketches for Arduino in its own IDE
(software).
Syed Nazmus Sakib et al. [19], developed a solar-powered wheelchair designed to
be low-cost and effective, specifically for the rural population in Bangladesh.
They addressed two major challenges: affordability and user-friendliness.
The wheelchair is powered by solar panels, allowing it to operate independently of
the national electricity grid, which is particularly beneficial given the frequent
power shortages in Bangladesh.
M. Reddi Sankar et al. [20], have presented the integration of solar energy into
bicycle design to enhance its functionality and reduce environmental impact. The
authors describe the use of solar photovoltaic (SPV) panels to generate electricity,
which is then stored in batteries. They highlighted the potential of solar energy
in the transportation sector to promote sustainable mobility.
Arun Manohar Gurram [21], has proposed the design and fabrication of a solar-
powered wheelchair aimed at providing mobility for physically challenged
individuals at an optimal cost. It addresses the limitations of conventional
powered wheelchairs, particularly their dependency on electric outlets for
recharging, making them less accessible for many users.
By reviewing some more articles along with these, we have come to a conclusion
to make a more reliable, cheaper, and faster response wheelchair. We will be
adding some more features in a single wheelchair which will help the user to have
more comfort than the other wheelchairs.
5
2. Introduction
Physical disability is increasing due to aging, mishaps, and different sicknesses like loss of
motion. Hence, the utilization of wheelchairs is expanding. So, they need the assistance of
others to move the wheelchair from one spot to the next. [5]
In the history of a wheelchair, the first wheelchair was developed in “Stone State of China”
that was used for transporting disabled persons and heavy objects from one place to
another. In 1655, Stephon Farfel, 22 years old para pelagic watchmaker built the world’s first
self-propelling wheelchair with three wheels and it appeared as a hand bike with the cranks
mounted on the hand wheel. The rolling chair in 1887 was used for the treatment of people
by accommodating servants to push the rolling wheelchair. Further, the Atlantic City in 1993,
persons by the name Harry C and Jennings S invented the first lightweight steel folding
portable wheelchair.[11]
Human-machine control interfaces have found many useful applications, some of which
could be used to aid physically challenged people. There is a growing and rich body of
wheelchair research and development are being generated around the world. Wheelchairs
are an important modality for mobility, activity, and participation in life. No one really knows
when the first wheelchair was invented, although there are many who are willing to hazard
a guess. [12]
According to the latest global reports on disability, more than one billion individuals,
constituting nearly 14% of the world population, live with a form of disability. People with
impaired mobility and balance, including lower limb amputees, those with spinal cord
injuries, osteoarthritis, degenerative muscle, and neurologic diseases are typical users of
wheeled mobility devices. [12]
The International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health, which is the World
Health Organization (WHO) framework for measuring health and disability at both individual
and population levels, defines disability as “an umbrella term for impairments, activity
limitations, and participation restrictions”. Manufacturers of wheelchairs have been rather
conservative in introducing new ideas and have instead been content with minor product
improvements, particularly with regard to powered wheelchairs. [12]
Haidar Taleb, a 47-year-old man from the UAE, displayed a rare combination of human spirit
and willpower by building a wheelchair for himself that runs on solar power. [12]
According to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, people with
functional impairments should have the opportunity to experience personal autonomy, live
independent lives, and participate fully in all aspects of life on an equal basis with others.
Solar-powered wheelchair users may experience limitations in everyday life, leading to
social exclusion and isolation, which has a negative effect on their health and psychosocial
well-being. [12]
Several studies have shown that both children and adults benefit substantially from access
to a means of independent mobility, including power wheelchairs, manual wheelchairs,
scooters, and walkers. Independent mobility increases vocational and educational
opportunities, reduces dependence on caregivers and family members, and promotes
feelings of self-reliance. Every wheelchair consists of two engineering subsystems
assembled into one structural and functional entity, such as the transport system which
includes wheels, the drive, steering, and braking mechanisms, and the orthotic system for
6
body positioning which includes the body support system – back and side supports, seat,
footrest and other devices stabilizing selected parts of the body. There remains a vast need
for quality wheelchairs around the world. [12]
The WHO estimates that 10% of people with disabilities (around 111 million) require a
wheelchair and only about 5% – 15% have access to anyone, suggesting that the unmet
need is approximately 95 million wheelchairs. Nowadays electric wheelchairs extend the
capabilities of traditional powered by introducing navigational intelligence and control.
Physically disabled people struggle to move themselves from one place to another on a
daily basis. [12]
Manually operated wheelchairs do not fulfill their requirements. People who do not have
hands require another person to move their wheelchair, which is a serious challenge to a
physically disabled person who lives alone. The aim of this study is to design and
manufacture an affordable solar-powered wheelchair, that is manually controlled, to
overcome the above-mentioned challenge. The wheelchair uses the free energy from the
sun. This design can be used in places where there is no electricity. Electricity is expensive
and electric-powered wheelchairs require high maintenance compared to solar-powered
wheelchairs. [12]
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3. Basic Schematic and Technical Details
The solar cell is represented using an equivalent circuit [24] that includes:
Diode (D): Accounts for the p-n junction's behavior in the solar cell, where current
flows only in one direction when illuminated.
Series Resistance (Rs): Represents the internal resistances of the cell, which
cause voltage drops.
Shunt Resistance (Rsh): Represents leakage currents across the cell, which
reduces efficiency.
Key Equations:
The solar panel's output current (I) is governed by the following equation based on
the equivalent circuit:
Where:
Photocurrent (Iph):
Where:
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Diode Current (Id):
The current through the diode follows the Shockley diode equation:
Where:
• The intensity of the solar radiation (insolation) that hits the cell controls the
current (I).[25]
• The increases in the temperature of the solar cell reduces its voltage
(V).[25]
10
• When solar cell is open-circuited, i.e. not connected to any load, the current
will be at its minimum (zero) and the voltage across the cell is at its
maximum, known as the solar cells open circuit voltage, or Voc. [25]
• When the solar cell is short circuited, that is the positive and negative leads
connected together, the voltage across the cell is at its minimum (zero) but
the current flowing out of the cell reaches its maximum, known as the solar
cells short circuit current, or Isc. [25]
• The point at which the cell generates maximum electrical power, Shown at
the top right area of the green rectangle. This is the "maximum power
point" or MPP.[25]
• Photovoltaic panels can be wired or connected together in either series or
parallel combinations, or both to increase the voltage or current capacity of
the solar array. [25]
• Photovoltaic panels can be wired or connected together in either series or
parallel combinations, or both to increase the voltage or current capacity of
the solar array. [25]
Dc series motors are highly utilized in so many industrial applications due to their
high starting torque characteristic.
TORUE T = K*Φ*Ia
Where:
K = constant.
Φ = flux.
Ia = Armature Current
Where
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Ra = Armature Resistance
La = Armature Inductance
ia = Armature Current
Rf = Field Winding Resistance
Lf = Field Winding Inductance
V = Terminal Voltage
= 75 + 15
= 90kg.
= 90*9.8.
= 882kg.m/sec2
In km = 0.3×10-3m
Circumference of wheel is = 𝜋 × d.
= 𝜋 ×0.3×10-3 m.
12
Assume.
For 4km/hr in km/min which is equal to 0.6667.
For 10km/hr in km/min which is equal to 0.1667.
.
Speed in RPM for 4km = = 70.73 RPM
× . ×
.
Speed in RPM for 4km = = 176.83 RPM
× . ×
Power = 11.09×70.73× = 82.14 Watt
13
3.3 METHOD OF CONTROL:
Controlling a DC motor using two relays involves managing the motor's direction
and on/off state by switching the relays to manipulate the polarity of the voltage
applied to the motor.
Basic Idea:
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Relay 1 will control the direction of the motor by reversing the polarity of
the power applied to the motor.
Relay 2 will control the on/off state of the motor by switching the motor's
connection to the power supply.
Wiring Setup:
1. Motor Connection:
4. Control Signals:
15
3.4 CHOPPER:
Principle of Operation:
16
• By adjusting the duty cycle (the ratio of the on-time to the total period), the
average output voltage is controlled.
Where:
Vo = Output Voltage
Io = Output current
Ton = On Time
Toff = Off Time
T = Ton + Toff.
Key Components:
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1. Duty Cycle (D):
The duty cycle is the ratio of the time the switch (transistor) is ON to the total
switching period:
Where:
The inductor current changes linearly when the switch is ON and OFF. The
peak-to-peak ripple current (ΔIL) in the inductor is:
L is the inductance,
When CH is on, the current through the load would increase from I1 to I2 as shown
in Fig.9 [22]. When CH is off, the current would fall from I2 to I1.
I2 = Maximum Current.
Ton = On Time
T = Ton + Toff.
Key Components:
19
1. Inductor (L): Stores energy when a switch (like a transistor) is
closed.
2. Diode (D): Ensures current flows in one direction to prevent
backflow.
3. Capacitor (C): Smoothens the output voltage.
4. Switch (S): Controls the timing of the energy storage and release.
5. Load (R): The device or system that requires power.
Working Principle:
• ON State: When the switch is closed, current flows through the inductor,
storing energy in its magnetic field.
• OFF State: When the switch is open, the stored energy in the inductor is
released, passing through the diode to the load, boosting the output
voltage.
The duty cycle D is the ratio of the switch ON time to the total switching period.
For a step-up chopper, the duty cycle is related to the input and output voltage
by:
D = 1 − V in 3.5(d)
Vout
Where:
3. Inductor Ripple Current (ΔIL): The current ripple in the inductor is given by:
20
ΔIL = Vin⋅D 3.5(f)
L⋅fs
Where:
L is the inductance,
Iout=(1−D)⋅Iin 3.5(g)
Where:
21
3.6.1 Hardware Requirement, Table 1
22
3.6.2 Component Rating
Battery 12V
23
4. Simulation and Testing
Yet to be done.
24
5. Results and Discussions
Yet to be done
25
6. Expected Conclusion
This project will successfully develop a prototype for a smart wheelchair powered
by a solar charging system. Implementing smart technologies, such as obstacle
detection and GPS, has the potential to significantly improve the quality of life for
individuals with mobility challenges.
26
7. References
Research Papers:
[1] Ali and Sanders, "Cost Analysis", International Journal of Scientific and Research
Publications (IJSRP), Volume 14, pp.711-717, April 2024.
[2] Brown and Zhao, “Smart Wheelchairs”, International Research Journal, Volume 11,
pp.278-283, July 2024.
27
[3] Nguyen et al. "Optimizing Solar Panel Systems using Machine Learning and Ant Colony
Optimization", Journal of Electrical Systems, Volume 20, pp.524-529, 2024.
[4] Nancy Jasmine Goldena and Thangapriya, "Assistive Technology Trends, Challenges,
and Future Directions", published in the book series Advances in Data Science-Driven
Technologies, Volume 2, pp.183-210, March 2023.
[6] Ayush Pandey from St. Aloysius Institute of Technology, "Smart Electronic
Wheelchair", Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (JETIR),
Volume 9, pp.651-658, April 2022.
[8] Sabin Adhikari and colleagues, "Smart Wheelchair", Journal of Emerging Technologies
and Innovative Research (JETIR), Volume 03, pp.663-667, April 2022.
[9] Jones and Lee, "Solar Energy Utilization and Photo(electro) Catalysis for
Sustainable Environment", Volume 6, ACS EST Engineering Journal, Volume 6,
pp.712-716, 2022.
[10] Manoj R. Hans, K. Kamal Sandeep, and Varsha R. Badgujar, "Performance Analysis of
Battery for Solar based Wheelchair", International Journal of Engineering Research and
Technology (IJERT), Volume 13, pp.489-493, 2020.
[11] Bhanu Prakash H K and Dr. Gopi K R, “Design and Fabrication of RF Controlled Wheel
Chair”, International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET), Volume: 07,
pp.2667-2672, 2020.
[12] M. Pita, “Design and Manufacture of Solar-Powered Wheelchair”, International Journal
of Engineering Research and Technology, Volume 13, pp. 2153-2156, 2020.
[13] Femy John, Joshua Shaju, Melbin K Mathai, and Melby Seby, "Gesture Controlled
Wheelchair", Journal of Embedded Systems and Processing, Volume 4, pp.1-5, September
2019.
[14] Nikhil Shinde and Kiran George, "Brain-Controlled Driving Aid for Electric
Wheelchairs", Asian Journal of Applied Science and Technology (AJAST), Volume 2,
pp.618-628, April 2018.
28
[15] Mahipal Manda, B Shankar Babu, M Abhishek and J Srikanth, “Hand Gestures
Controlled Wheel Chair”, Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research
(JETIR), Volume 5, pp.88-93 September 2018.
[16] Trinayan Saharia, Jyotika Bauri, Mrs. Chayanika Bhagabati, “Joystick Controlled
Wheelchair”, International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET),
Volume 4, pp.235-237, July 2017.
[17] Khyati Meena, Shubham Gupta, Vijay Khare, “Voice Controlled Wheelchair”,
International Journal of Electronics, Electrical and Computational System (IJEECS),
pp.165-169, Volume 6, April 2017.
[18] L. Louis, “Working Principle of Arduino and using it as a tool for study and
research”, International Journal of Control, Automation, Communication and
Systems (IJCACS), Volume 1, pp.21-29, April 2016.
[19] Syed Nazmus Sakib, Syeda Puspita Mouri, Zannatul Ferdous, and M. Shamim Kaiser,
“A Study on Low-Cost Solar Powered Wheelchair for Disabled People of Bangladesh”, 18 th
International conference on computer and information technology (ICCIT), 21-23 December
2015.
[21] Arun Manohar Gurram, P.S.V Ramana Rao, Raghuveer Dontikurti, “Solar Powered
Wheel Chair: Mobility for Physically Challenged”, International Journal of Current
Engineering and Technology, Volume 2, pp.211-214, 2012.
Books:
[22] Power Electronics, Dr. P.S. BIMBHRA.
[23] Solar Energy, Fourth Edition, Dr. S P Sukhatme and J K Nayak.
Websites:
[24] www.researchgate.net/figure/The-equivalent-circuit-of-a-Pcell_fig2_342845925
[25] www.researchgate.net/figure/I-V-characteristics-curve-of-a-PV-cell_fig2_313450163
[26] www.researchgate.net/figure/Equivalent-Circuit-of-DC-Series-Motor_fig2_269484406
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8. Annexure 1: Gantt Chart
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