In the bustling streets of Dhaka, a revolution is brewing, one that could reshape the future of transportation and energy. Md. Ariful Islam, a researcher from the Department of Robotics and Mechatronics Engineering at the University of Dhaka, has been working on a groundbreaking solution to tackle the city’s notorious air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. His latest study, published in the International Journal of Sustainable Engineering, proposes a solar-based hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) that promises to significantly reduce CO2 emissions and pave the way for a cleaner, more sustainable future.
The heart of Islam’s innovation lies in a sophisticated hybrid energy storage system (HESS) that combines batteries with ultra-capacitors, fuel cells, flywheels, and regenerative braking. This intricate blend of electric, mechanical, chemical, and electronics engineering is designed to optimize fuel economy, driving range, performance, and cost-efficiency. “The propulsion system is a key challenge,” Islam explains, “but by integrating these technologies, we can create a vehicle that is not only environmentally friendly but also commercially viable.”
One of the standout features of this solar-based HEV is its automatic solar power system, equipped with real-time maximum power point tracking (MPPT). This technology optimizes solar energy generation by considering factors like sunrise and sunset times, panel size, charging duration, load profiling, and power loss. The result is a vehicle that can operate solely on solar power for up to 3.4 hours or 204 kilometers, making it an attractive option for both urban commuting and long-distance travel.
The potential commercial impacts of this research are immense. With Bangladesh’s transportation sector being a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, the adoption of solar-based HEVs could lead to a substantial reduction in CO2 output. According to Islam’s findings, these vehicles could emit approximately 17,775,012.2 grams and 13,825,009.5 grams less CO2 than petrol and diesel vehicles, respectively. This not only aligns with global efforts to combat climate change but also presents a unique opportunity for the energy sector to diversify and innovate.
The study also highlights the importance of an equivalent consumption minimization strategy (ECMS) in optimizing the vehicle’s performance. By carefully managing the energy flow between the different components of the HESS, the solar-based HEV can achieve a balance between fuel economy and driving range, making it a practical choice for consumers.
As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and energy sustainability, Islam’s research offers a glimmer of hope. By harnessing the power of the sun and integrating it with advanced energy storage technologies, we can create a future where transportation is not only efficient and cost-effective but also environmentally responsible. The adoption of solar-based HEVs could revolutionize the energy sector, fostering innovation and creating new opportunities for growth.
The journey towards a sustainable future is fraught with challenges, but with pioneering research like Islam’s, we are one step closer to achieving our goals. As the world watches, Bangladesh stands at the cusp of a transportation revolution, one that could redefine the way we think about energy and the environment. The International Journal of Sustainable Engineering, known in English as the Journal of Sustainable Engineering, has published this research, marking a significant milestone in the quest for a greener planet. The future of transportation is here, and it’s powered by the sun.