In the quest to make electric vehicles (EVs) more efficient, researchers at the International Islamic University Malaysia have made a significant stride with a novel regenerative braking system (RBS) designed specifically for electric motorcycles. This innovation, published in the International Islamic University Malaysia Engineering Journal, could revolutionize how we think about energy recovery in urban transportation.
At the heart of this research is Nurul Muthmainnah Mohd Noor, who led the study focusing on the urban drive cycle. The idea is simple yet powerful: recover energy during braking and deceleration, storing it back in the battery. This process not only extends the range of electric motorcycles but also reduces the overall energy consumption, making them more sustainable and cost-effective.
The system uses four MOSFETs (Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors) as switches, a clever engineering solution that allows for efficient energy recovery. “The concept of regenerative braking is that this system uses four MOSFETs as switches,” explains Mohd Noor. “This setup enables us to capture and store energy more effectively during braking, which is crucial for urban driving conditions.”
The researchers tested their system using two standard drive cycles: the US60 and the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC). These cycles simulate real-world driving conditions, providing a robust framework for evaluating the system’s performance. The results were impressive. At a 50% state of charge (SoC) level, the first regeneration improved performance by 12.22%, with a smaller but still significant gain of 5.96% in the second regeneration. Similarly, at an 80% SoC level, the first regeneration yielded a 12.55% increase, while the second achieved a 6.19% improvement.
These gains are not just numbers; they represent a tangible step towards more efficient and sustainable urban mobility. For the energy sector, this means reduced demand on the grid and lower operational costs for EV owners. “The rise in SoC for both levels demonstrates that energy can be recovered when implementing regenerative braking,” Mohd Noor notes. “This is a game-changer for the future of electric motorcycles and potentially other electric vehicles.”
The implications of this research are far-reaching. As cities around the world grapple with air pollution and the need for sustainable transportation, technologies like regenerative braking could play a pivotal role. Electric motorcycles, with their agility and lower energy consumption, are an ideal fit for urban environments. By enhancing their efficiency, we can make them an even more attractive option for commuters.
The study’s findings, obtained through MATLAB simulations, provide a solid foundation for future research and development. The next steps involve refining the regenerative braking control strategy and integrating it into commercial electric motorcycles. This could lead to a new generation of vehicles that are not only environmentally friendly but also economically viable.
For the energy sector, this research opens up new avenues for innovation. As electric vehicles become more prevalent, the demand for efficient energy recovery systems will grow. Companies that invest in this technology now could gain a significant competitive edge in the future.
In the words of Mohd Noor, “The results obtained from the MATLAB simulation will be used for future studies in implementing a regenerative braking control strategy.” This is not just a statement of intent; it’s a call to action for the entire industry. The future of urban mobility is electric, and regenerative braking is set to play a crucial role in shaping that future.