Experimental Verification of a Regenerative Braking System with an SOC Based Energy Management System for an E-Rickshaw Motor

Abstract

E-rickshaws are relatively new additions to India’s public road transportation system, gaining pop- ularity as a convenient and cost-effective means of com- muting for fellow travelers. However, they do not come equipped with a regenerative braking system. This paper proposes a simple and cost-effective regenerative brak- ing system for e-rickshaw motors, incorporating an en- ergy management system based on the state of charge of the battery. The proposed system can function ef- fectively even when the battery is fully or nearly fully charged. Additionally, it eliminates the need for any supplementary current or voltage sensors, significantly reducing the circuit’s complexity and cost. To evalu- ate the system’s performance under various traction conditions, simulations, and tests are conducted us- ing the MATLAB/Simulink model. The results confirm the high capabilities of the proposed system. The func- tionality and effectiveness of the proposed regenerative braking system are validated through laboratory exper- iments conducted under various conditions, including different speeds and levels of braking force, on a proto- type equipped with an e-rickshaw motor. The results of the experiments demonstrate that the proposed regen- erative braking system is successful in achieving its in- tended purpose, even with the fully charged battery, and without the need for any additional current sensors or voltage sensors. The proposed regenerative braking sys- tem not only enhances the efficiency and sustainability of e-rickshaws but also contributes to reducing overall energy consumption and environmental impact. As a result, this innovative solution holds great potential for widespread adoption in India’s growing e-rickshaw in- dustry.