It may not turn heads or set the roads on fire, but it promises to revolutionise inner city commuting. A group of students of the Mary Matha College of Engineering, Paliyode have developed a three-wheeler that harnesses solar energy to power its wheels. Named Taurus, the solar-powered vehicle is driven by an electric motor. The three-wheeler has a revolving driver's seat that can be turned 180 degrees. Titto B.S., Ajith C.G., Unnikrishnan M.A., Rahul S.L., Aristotle Ashok and Saji M.P developed the vehicle with the help of their lab instructor S. Shyamkumar. Taurus uses a 500 watt hub motor for propulsion. The accelerator, reverse switch and battery protection are controlled by a microcontroller in the control unit. Mounted on an acrylic sheet, the solar panel does double duty, as a roof providing protection from the sun and charging the battery. The vehicle is built on a steel chassis. Two tapered roller bearings are used to rotate the seat assembly by 180 degrees. Cables control the brake and steering system. "The students have succeeded in developing a model that promises an eco-friendly mode of urban transport. Taurus is a zero-pollution, noiseless, highly manoeuvrable vehicle using simple technology. It can be parked even in crowded places," says Mr. Shyamkumar.The students claim that Taurus is ideal for daily commuting up to a distance of 10 km. "It can also transport employees across a factory floor or be used and in forest areas for viewing wild animals without disturbing them. With a little modification, the vehicle can also be used by the physically challenged," Mr. Shyamkumar said.
The Hindu, 12th September 2008
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