MINDANAO UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

CITY BASED ELECTRIC VEHICLE FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION:

INTEGRATION OF SOLAR POWER, MONITORING AND SWITCHING
MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE.

Presented in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the

Degree of Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering

by

Cimacio, Eugene S.
Damasco, Liezl Rose M.
Hernane, Val Guiller B.
Lumacad, Rey Ryan E.
Solijon, Ronell B.

ABSTRACT

Renewable source of energy is a challenge to every individual in the world. In the past years,
people engaged in different non-renewable source of energy and at the present times; because of
the increasing demands in power consumptions, the renewable source of energy came to be an
ideal source of power.
Moving to the context of transportation, internal engine combustion is the basic part of a vehicle.
It needs a fuel for the operation of vehicles engine. With the increasing demands of power and
the increase of developments in science and technology, researchers have made to offer the said
renewable source of energy which is the solar power as another source for vehicle.
Data logging is the collection of data over a period of time, and is something often used in
scientific experiments. It typically monitors processes using sensors linked to the computer. Due
to the existence of science and technology today, it is convenient now to humanity to have this
system which is done automatically under computer control.
Switching Management System is basically involved in managing power sources of the Electric
Tricycle. It is somehow the best way to have as more efficient E Tricycle as a Hybrid one with
monitoring and switching system.

CHAPTER I
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INTRODUCTION

1.1

Background of the Study

With increasing efficiency by adding other sources of energy, ETricycle can no longer mind the
shortage of energy to fulfill the needed power of ETricycle and use it throughout the day without
getting few stops to charge it again. When this happens, certain factors improved significantly
like more passengers can be accommodated thus, more profit in return, and maximum capability
of Etricycle can now be exhibited. Optimization and management of power from different energy
sources is the main focus of this study. After power management process, the resources can be
designed to feed directly its energy generated to the motor or instead straight to the battery, it can
also be the other way around to charge the battery first before it is fed back to the motor.
1.2

Theoretical/Conceptual Background

Switching management system is the answer for an innovative ETricycle in managing different
energy sources; it can be design to operate automatically or manually depending on its
application and in certain situations. Its main function is to manage energy resources and
simultaneously optimize its use. It is either connected directly or not from solar panels and
batterries. Sometimes, all these resources are not available like when ETricycle is used at night,
it forces to switch to another energy source since no solar energy is generated by the solar panel
and so once it automatically detects that one energy is absent it acts automatically or can be
manually switch to seek another energy according to what program parameters it is set. The user
can manually manipulate the switching system if ever accidents may occur or any inevitable
problems may encounter. It is considerably flexible, it is possible to define which master source
will be used by default, when two energy sources are present simultaneously, it can automatically
switch between two different energy sources and possible to program two different currents of
the two ac or dc sources and presence of a mechanical interlock module that ensures in all cases
that no short circuit may happen on the sources. This switching system composed of relays and
combination of other components as well. However, the efficiency of the system is not
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theoretically hundred percent, its implementation is still on process and its design is still
improving. Assuring that it will greatly help the power management part and act as a bridge for
the power to flow into the load.

1.3 Statement of the Problem

In an Electric Vehicle, batteries are typically used to store electricity to power the electric motors
in the vehicle. Batteries store as much energy within its capacity, but it can be depleted as the EV
is consuming a lot of its storage. That is why EVs needs other sources of energy to charge the
battery and to help power the entire system of the vehicle.
However having multiple sources of energy are difficult to manage. It is a challenge now on
what system design is going to use in the switching management system in this kind of EV. It is a
question on how to determine the power rate of the stored energy in the battery while it is
running or charging; how to acquire a rotation from different energy source in charging the
battery and what are the kind of switches that are going to be used in the system.

1.4 Objectives of the Study

The study aims to integrate switching management system in electric vehicle and to achieve the
following three main objectives:
To design a circuit to be used in Switching Management System.
To determine the power rate of the stored energy in the battery while it is running or
charging.
To install the solar powered energy on the ETricycle.

1.5 Significance of the Study

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This study is deemed important to the following individuals and institutions:

Vehicle owner. Electric Tricycles are gaining importance due to the energy crisis. The result of
this study will provide an alternative vehicle prime mover for the community.
Electronics and Electrical Professionals. The findings of this study will help them increase
their level of awareness and interest on the environment. Its system design and application of the
Electric Vehicle could influence future electronics and electrical professions, students and
government.
Future Researchers. The study will add to the much needed related literature review and study
to strengthen conceptual and theoretical framework of the proposed study. They will take the
challenge to innovate or improve more the study for the greater good and benefit of the society.

#########################################tentative
1.6 Scope and Limit
When two energy sources are present; the solar power and electric charging through outlet, the
switching circuit will execute its main function that is to allow any of the energy sources to
charge the battery while the others are prevented from entering the switching circuit. Then it
automatically seeks other sources in case this energy source is absent.
#########################################tentative
1.7 Definition of terms

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The key terms and concepts that will be used in the study will be operationally and technically
defined as follows:
Alternating Current. An electric current in which the flow of electric charge periodically
reverses direction.
Brushless DC motor. Also known as electronically commutated motors (ECMs, EC motors)
are synchronous motors that are powered by a DC electric source via an integrated
inverter/switching power supply, which produces AC electric signal to drive the motor.
Direct Current. The flow of electric charge is only in one direction
Electric Braking. Braking of a vehicle, a locomotive or a mass in motion by converting the
kinetic energy in to electricity and dissipating it through resistive loads as heat.
Photovoltaic. Method of converting solar energy into direct current electricity using
semiconducting materials that exhibit the photovoltaic effect, a phenomenon commonly studied
in physics, photochemistry and electrochemistry.
Pulse Width Modulation (PWM). The control over the switching cycle averaged value of the
output voltages achieved by adjusting or varying the on period of a pulse. (Mohan N., 2002).
Solar Cells. An electrical device that converts the energy of light directly into electricity by the
photovoltaic effect, which is a physical and chemical phenomenon.
Solar Energy. The radiant light and heat from the Sun harnessed using a range of ever-evolving
technologies such as solar heating, photovoltaics, solar thermal energy, solararchitecture and
artificial photosynthesis.
Solar Panel. Refers to a panel designed to absorb the sun's rays as a source of energy for
generating electricity or heating.

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CHAPTER II
REVIEW RELATED LITERATURE

In realization and development of the project of the researchers, it is important and valuable to
consider and to ponder on the information and data related to the study. The chapter will discuss
about the studies and past developments relevant to the implementation of the said project.

2.1 Electric Vehicle

Electric vehicles have briefly emerged throughout history several times only to return back to
relative obscurity. Low expectations for range combined with the lack of reliability
accompanying early steam and gasoline powered vehicles helped electric vehicles gain
popularity during the early 1900s [1]. Later improvements in gasoline vehicle performance along
with increased reliability resulted in a sharp decline of electric vehicle popularity. Much later, in
the 1960s, interest in electric vehicles re-emerged due to rising oil prices and concerns about the
output of harmful emissions from gasoline powered vehicles. Later regulations required
percentages of vehicle sales to include zero-emission vehicles. Once again low performance,
particularly range, resulted in the failure of the electric vehicle to grab a legitimate market share.
In recent years battery technology has advanced to a point where electric vehicles have
respectable ranges and low charging times [2]. Emergence of new battery technology along with
the commercially successful Tesla model S have shown that electric vehicle technology may
have finally reached a point where it can become a commercially viable alternative to gasoline
powered automobiles. (University of Kansas, Intelligent Systems and Automation Lab)
An electric vehicle is powered by an electric motor while there is petrol/diesel engines used in
gasoline vehicle. They have only half the initial cost of a gasoline vehicle. The power of electric
vehicle is less than gasoline vehicle. But it is impossible to find out the difference among them
while driving. While gasoline vehicle have a heavy noise and pollute the air, electric vehicle are
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smooth and silent and also have on pollution emits while driving. The idea of electric vehicle is
new. The components of an electric vehicle are DC electric motors, Electric controller, Battery
tray, 12V Lead acid batteries, Battery Charger and many motors for driving smaller parts.

2.2 HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle)

A type of hybrid vehicle and electric vehicle that combines a conventional internal combustion
engine (ICE) propulsion system with an electric propulsion system (hybrid vehicle drivetrain).
The presence of the electric powertrain is intended to achieve either better fuel economy than
a conventional vehicle or better performance. There are a variety of HEV types, and the degree
to which they function as EVs varies as well. The most common form of HEV is the hybrid
electric car, although hybrid electric trucks (pickups and tractors) and buses also exist.
Modern HEVs make use of efficiency-improving technologies such as regenerative brakes,
which converts the vehicle's kinetic energy into electric energy to charge the battery, rather than
wasting it as heat energy as conventional brakes do. Some varieties of HEVs use their internal
combustion engine to generate electricity by spinning an electrical generator (this combination is
known as a motorgenerator), to either recharge their batteries or to directly power the electric
drive motors. Many HEVs reduce idle emissions by shutting down the ICE at idle and restarting
it when needed; this is known as a start-stop system. A hybrid-electric produces less emissions
from its ICE than a comparably sized gasoline car, since an HEV's gasoline engine is usually
smaller than a comparably sized pure gasoline-burning vehicle (natural gas and propane fuels
produce lower emissions) and if not used to directly drive the car, can be geared to run at
maximum efficiency, further improving fuel economy.

2.3 Solar Powered Vehicle

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A solar vehicle is an electric vehicle powered completely or significantly by direct solar energy.
Usually, photovoltaic (PV) cells contained in solar panels convert the sun's energy directly
into electric energy. The term solar vehicle usually implies that solar energy is used to power all
or part of a vehicle's propulsion. Solar power may be also used to provide power for
communications or controls or other auxiliary functions.

2.4 Energy Management System for Powered Vehicle

The EMS controls all of the energy sources that have different tasks in delivering power to the
load . The battery is the main energy source of the vehicle. Once the start button is triggered,
processors determine the battery capacity and the pedal acceleration. Then, based on the control
algorithm, the EMS determines which energy sources should be activated. The battery also
functions as a storage device that receives charges from the FC or through plug-in. The FC is the
secondary energy source of the vehicle. It starts supplying energy to the load and, at the same
time, recharges the battery when the battery capacity is below 50%. Since FC need few minutes
for start-time to be full operation, amount of energy from the battery must be reserved. The
battery capacity 50% is considered as enough until FC can overtake the battery. Besides, charge
and discharge a battery far below 50% its capacity can reduce its life-cycle tremendously. If the
battery reaches full capacity, the FC supply is cut off. Any excess energy from the FC is stored in
the battery. The SC supports energy sources when both the battery and FC still not adequate to
support high power demands. After the EMS has been triggered, it recharges and waits for the
next request. (International Journal of Smart Grid and Clean Energy, Farid Arafat Azidin)

2.5 Photovoltaic (PV) Technology Applications

Photovoltaic Panel have many application as power source. The following embodies the concept
of solar energy as power source [15].

Lighting: The availability of low power DC lighting, such as low pressure sodium and
fluorescent lights, makes PV an ideal source for meeting remote or mobile lighting needs.

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Communications: Radio, television, and phone signals over long distances need to be PV
also is used on travelers information transmitters, portable computer systems, cellular

telephones, mobile radio systems, and emergency call boxes.

Remote Site Electrification: Many residences and other structures are simply too far from
the utility distribution network to establish a grid connection. Also, power is needed at
construction sites before the connection has been installed. PV systems are an attractive
way to provide electricity in these areas. Conventional generators or other renewable
energy sources, such as wind or microhydroelectric generators, may be used in

conjunction with the PV system to ensure uninterrupted power availability.

Remote Monitoring: Often monitoring for scientific research or other purposes must take
place at temporary sites far from conventional power sources. PV systems can be
effectively used as a power source to monitor meteorological information,
highway/traffic conditions, structural conditions, seismic recording, irrigation control,

and scientific research in remote locations.

Signs and Signals: Devices such as navigational beacons, audible warning signs such as
sirens, highway warning signs, railroad signals, and aircraft warning beacons, buoys and
lighthouses are generally remote or even impossible to connect to the utility grid. PV

systems provide reliable power for these critical applications.

Water Pumping and Control: PV is an ideal candidate for water pumping applications.
Many water pumping needs, such as livestock watering, are greatest during the sunniest
hours of the day. These systems may be either direct system, operating the pump only
when the sunlight is sufficient, or they may pump water to an elevated storage tower
during sunny hours to provide available water at any time. Either system avoids the use
of batteries, resulting in a decrease in initial cost and reducing maintenance needs. PV
powered water pumping is used to provide water for campgrounds, irrigation, remote

village water supplies, and livestock watering.

Charging Vehicle Batteries: PV systems may be used to directly charge vehicle batteries,
or to provide a trickle charge for maintaining a high battery state of charge on littleused vehicles, such as fire-fighting and snow removal equipment and agricultural
machines such as tractors or harvesters. Direct charging is useful for boats and
recreational vehicles. Solar stations may be dedicated to charging electric vehicles also.

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Photovoltaics (PV) offer consumers the ability to generate electricity in a clean, quiet and
reliable way. Photovoltaic systems are comprised of photovoltaic cells, devices that convert light
energy directly into electricity. Because the source of light is usually the sun, they are often
called solar cells. The word photovoltaic comes from photo, meaning light, and voltaic,
which refers to producing electricity. Therefore, the photovoltaic process is producing
electricity directly from sunlight. Photovoltaics are often referred to as PV [11].
PV cells convert sunlight directly into electricity without creating any air or water pollution. PV
cells are made of at least two layers of semiconductor material. One layer has a positive charge,
the other negative. When light enters the cell, some of the photons from the light are absorbed by
the semiconductor atoms, freeing electrons from the cells negative layer to flow through an
external circuit and back into the positive layer. This flow of electrons produces electric current.

Figure 2.6: Basic Solar Cell Construction.

To increase their utility, dozens of individual PV cells are interconnected together in a sealed,
weatherproof package called a module. When two modules are wired together in series, their
voltage is doubled while the current stays constant. When two modules are wired in parallel,
their current is doubled while the voltage stays constant. To achieve the desired voltage and
current, modules are wired in series and parallel into what is called a PV array. The flexibility of

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the modular PV system allows designers to create solar power systems that can meet a wide
variety of electrical needs, no matter how large or small.

Figure 2.7: Photovoltaic Cells, & Arrays.

Millions of systems have been installed worldwide, in sizes ranging from a fraction of a watt to
multi-megawatts. For many applications, solar electric systems are not only cost effective; they
may also be the least expensive option.
Photovoltaic cells, by their very nature, convert radiation to electricity. This phenomenon has
been known for well over half a century, but until recently the amounts of electricity generated
were good for little more than measuring radiation intensity. Most of the photovoltaic cells on the
market today operate at an efficiency of less than 15% [12]; that is, of all the radiation that falls
upon them, less than 15% of it is converted to electricity. The maximum theoretical efficiency for
a photovoltaic cell is only 32.3% [13], but at this efficiency, solar electricity is very economical.
Most of our other forms of electricity generation are at a lower efficiency than this.
Unfortunately, reality still lags behind theory and 15% efficiency is not usually considered
economical by most power companies, even if it is fine for toys and pocket calculators. Hope for
bulk solar electricity should not be abandoned, however, for recent scientific advances have
created a solar cell with an efficiency of 28.2% efficiency in the laboratory. This type of cell has
yet to be field tested. If it maintains its efficiency in the uncontrolled environment of the outside
world, and if it does not have a tendency to break down, it will be economical for power
companies to build solar power facilities after all.
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Of all the energy sources available, solar has perhaps the most promise. Numerically, it is
capable of producing the raw power required to satisfy the entire planet's energy needs.
Environmentally, it is one of the least destructive of all the sources of energy. Practically, it can
be adjusted to power nearly everything except transportation with very little adjustment, and
even transportation with some modest modifications to the current general system of travel.
Clearly, solar energy is a resource of the future
Several panels electrically connected in series constitute an array and several arrays, electrically
connected in parallel to generate the required power, constitute the generator or photovoltaic
field.

Figure 2.8: Connections of PV Configurations.

The PV cells in the modules are not exactly alike due to the unavoidable manufacturing
deviations; as a consequence, two blocks of cells connected in parallel between them can have
not the same voltage. As a consequence, a flowing current is created from the block of cells at
higher voltage towards the block at lower voltage. Therefore a part of the power generated by the
module is lost within the module itself (mismatch losses). The inequality of the cells can be
determined also by a different solar irradiance, for example when a part of cells are shaded or
when they are deteriorated. These cells behave as a diode, blocking the current generated by the
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other cells. The diode is subject to the voltage of the other cells and it may cause the perforation
of the junction with local overheating and damages to the module.

2.6 Types of Solar Energy

There are three types of solar energy namely Solar Thermal, Photovoltaic Solar Power and
Concentrating Solar Power.

2.6.1 Solar Thermal

Solar heating systems take advantage of some basic principles about how solar energy is
converted into solar thermal energy and the physical behavior of heat. The basic idea is that
the solar energy passes through a layer of glazed glass where it is absorbed by the underlying
material. The solar energy excites the molecules in the underlying material resulting in heat.
The glazing of the glass prevents the heat from escaping, thereby effectively capturing the
heat. Once that heat is captured we can put it to good use.

2.6.2 Photovoltaic Solar Power

Photovoltaic solar power is the electricity generated with solar cells. A solar cell converts
sunlight directly into solar power electricity using a process known as the photovoltaic
effect. Power is the product of voltage and current that is produced and is measured in Watts.
Now, if a load is placed on the circuit, it can use the electricity generated by the PV solar
energy.

2.6.3 Concentrating Solar Power

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Concentrated solar power is actually a utility-scale solar solution that can provide hundreds
of megawatts of electricity to the grid. But CSP is still an important solar technology for
homeowners to be aware of because it has the potential to provide significant amounts
of clean, renewable energy that could be provided to you by your utility.

2.7 Microcontroller
A microcontroller is a self-contained system with peripherals, memory and a processor that can
be used as an embedded system. Most programmable microcontrollers that are used today are
embedded in other consumer products or machinery including phones, peripherals, automobiles
and household appliances for computer systems. Due to that, another name for a microcontroller
is "embedded controller." Some embedded systems are more sophisticated, while others have
minimal requirements for memory and programming length and a low software complexity.
Input and output devices include solenoids, LCD displays, relays, switches and sensors for data
like

humidity,

temperature

or

light

level,

amongst

others.

(https://www.futureelectronics.com/en/Microcontrollers/microcontrollers.aspx)
The microcontroller used in the automatic switching circuit is an AVR gizDuino Mini
ATmega328. Some of its function is to control, monitor and display gathered data from the input.
Despite of its useful functions, the MCU possess certain limitations, one regarding with shortage
of pins if various purposes are desired.
2.8 Data Logger
A data logger, often referred to as a HOBO, is an electronic instrument that records
measurements at set intervals over a period of time. Depending on the particular data logger,
such measurements can include: air temperature, relative humidity, AC/DC current and voltage,
differential pressure, time-of-use (lights, motors, etc.), light intensity, water temperature, water
level, dissolved oxygen, soil moisture, rainfall, wind speed and direction, leaf wetness, pulse
signals, room occupancy, plug load, and many more. (http://www.onsetcomp.com/what-is-adata-logger)

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Data loggers are typically compact, battery-powered devices equipped with an internal
microprocessor, data storage, and one or more sensors. They can be deployed indoors, outdoors,
and underwater, and can record data for up to months at a time, unattended. A data logger may be
a single-unit, stand-alone device with internal sensors, which fits in the palm of a hand, or it may
be a multi-channel data collection instrument equipped with one or more external sensors.
Data logging is the collection of data over a period of time, and is something often used in
scientific experiments. Data logging systems typically monitor a process using sensors linked to
a computer. Most data logging can be done automatically under computer control.
(http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/ict/measurecontrol/3dataloggingrev1.shtml)
There are four types of data loggers: Stand-alone data loggers, Web-based data logging systems,
Wireless data nodes, and Bluetooth Smart data loggers.
2.8.1 Stand-alone Data Loggers
Stand-alone USB data loggers are compact, reusable, and portable, and offer low cost and
easy setup and deployment. Internal-sensor models are used for monitoring at the logger
location, while external-sensor models (with flexible input channels for a range of external
sensors) can be used for monitoring at some distance from the logger. Most stand-alone loggers
communicate with a computer via a USB interface. For greater convenience, a data shuttle
device can be used to offload data from the logger for transport back to a computer.
(http://www.onsetcomp.com/what-is-a-data-logger)
2.8.2 Web-Based Data Logging System
Web-based data logging systems enable remote, around-the-clock Internet-based access
to data via GSM cellular, WI-FI, or Ethernet communications. These systems can be configured
with a variety of external plug-in sensors and transmit collected data to a secure web server for
accessing the data. (http://www.onsetcomp.com/what-is-a-data-logger)

2.8.3 Wireless Data Nodes

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Wireless data nodes transmit real-time data from dozens of points to a central computer,
eliminating the need to manually retrieve and offload data from individual data loggers.
(http://www.onsetcomp.com/what-is-a-data-logger)
2.8.4 Bluetooth Smart Enabled Data Loggers
Bluetooth Smart enabled data loggers measure and transmit temperature and relative
humidity

data

wirelessly

to

mobile

devices

over

100-foot

range.

(http://www.onsetcomp.com/what-is-a-data-logger)
Due to its efficiency, the data logger used by the researchers is the Web-based Data Logging
System. The researchers find it easier and more convenient to use.
2.9 Relay
Relay is an electrical switch that uses an electromagnet to control the position of a mechanical
power contactor. When a relay contact is normally open (NO), there is an open contact when the
relay is not energized. When a relay contact is Normally Closed (NC), there is a closed contact
when the relay is not energized. In either case, applying electrical current to the contacts will
change their state. It takes a relatively small amount of power to turn on a relay and can drive
something that draws much more power.( http://www.galco.com/comp/prod/relay.htm)
An iron core is surrounded by a control coil. A signal is given to the electromagnet through a
control switch and through contacts to the load. When current starts flowing through the control
coil, the electromagnet starts energizing and thus intensifies the magnetic field. Thus the upper
contact arm starts to be attracted to the lower fixed arm and thus closes the contacts causing a
short circuit for the power to the load. On the other hand, if the relay was already de-energized
when the contacts were closed, then the contact move oppositely and make an open circuit. As
soon as the coil current is off, the movable armature will be returned by a force back to its initial
position. This force will be almost equal to half the strength of the magnetic force. This force is
mainly provided by two factors. They are the spring and also gravity.
Relays are mainly made for two basic operations. One is low voltage application and the other is
high voltage. For low voltage applications, more preference will be given to reduce the noise of

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the whole circuit. For high voltage applications, they are mainly designed to reduce a
phenomenon called arcing.( http://www.circuitstoday.com/working-of-relays)

CHAPTER III
METHODOLOGY

E Tricycle is a past study made by the students of Mindanao University of Science and
Technology which aims to promote environmentally friendly kind of transport basing the study
in a city proper or in a highly urbanized place and to promote the use of renewable kind of
energy. The research is a continuous study on how can effectively enhance or optimize the power
or the efficiency of an E Tricycle as a form of transport. To figuratively answer the problem of
the past study, the researchers made the E Tricycle not just a solar powered but basically an E
Tricycle with dedicated charger and alternative switching management system for batteries.
The researchers cite on two different forms of energy to harness such as through solar and
through AC source with dedicated charger built-in in the E Tricycle. On this study, the
researchers are focusing on the Switching Management System of the E Tricycle.

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Switching Management System is a methodical way of managing the power from the solar panel
and the AC source which also data logs the output of the batteries and interface individually with
respect to the parameters and conditions made by the researchers to attain an efficient and
working E Tricycle. The study being conducted is evaluative and experimental. The researchers
evaluate the physical characteristics of the E Tricycle and so with its parts. It is an experimental
set-up of the solar panel and controller for the AC source. The researchers implement the circuit
designed on how the solar panel will be connected to the charge controller, how the direct AC
source can be converted into DC and store power to the battery. Switching Management System
will determine the remaining power left in the battery and it is designed to switch for another
source to continuously give a certain or particular amount of power to sustain or to withstand the
functionality of the E Tricycle.

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3.1 Research Design

Start

Installation of Power
Data Gathering
Sources

Testing
Data analysis
and
Evaluation

Construct
Methodology

Data Results and

Comparison

Conclusion

End

This research entitled switching management system is classified to be experimental, since this
study introduced a new switching circuit system that is designed to function automatically and
possible to manipulate it manually. This device is proposed in purpose to treat the known
problem happening prior to switching procedure. In order for the E-tricycle to utilize its sources
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of energy more efficiently, this device is intended to be inserted between the two power sources
and battery as shown in the flow chart above. During multiple tests, results of the device are
observed, monitored and then evaluated.
Evaluating the data obtained is the next step making the study to be evaluative, after gathering
data from the conducted experiments mentioned earlier, the data is analyzed thoroughly before a
conclusion and make a judgment whether there is a need for improvements or modifications.

3.2 Variables

A variable is defined as anything that has a quantity or quality that varies. The researcher has
control over independent variables and can choose to alter or change them. Dependent
variables change or react to the state of the independent variable.
In harnessing solar energy, independent variable is the sun. Dependent variables are the energy
generated by the sun and the solar panel used to obtain solar energy. Weather condition and time
of the day are intervening variables in obtaining solar energy from the sun.
Plug-in system have also independent and dependent variables. Independent variable in plug-in
is an AC electric source. And dependent variable for all the system is the battery.

3.3 Instrumentation

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In this research, the information of independent variable of E-tric is obtained from the tables and
graphs recorded. As for dependent, different combination of electronic circuits and a
programmable device are used in this study to design a switching circuit.
Two sources are inputs to the switching management system. The switching system will
automatically allow any of the sources to store its energy to the battery depending on what
situation it is used.

3.4 Procedure

The researchers have undergone different procedures to attain the expected objectives of the
research. The procedures conducted have to deal with the processes in accordance with the
different implementations of major systems designated to the researchers. Once the procedures
are implemented thoroughly and exactly, the research will come up to the groups desired output.
The researchers has provided an ordinary vehicle specified with 3 wheels and a driving control
unit in it (but not yet controllable). The group has decided to create an innovative ETric
generated from the two power sources stored to the battery. The two power sources are
composed of solar power source and a power source allowing the vehicle to recharge through
connecting a plug directly to an ac source.
The researchers install the solar photo voltaic at the roof of the vehicle. There are 3 solar
photovoltaics utilized with a 5 by 7 in size. The solar PVs provides consumers the ability to
generate electricity in a clean, quiet and reliable way. Photovoltaic systems are comprised of
photovoltaic cells, devices that convert light energy directly into electricity. Because the source
of light is usually the sun, they are often called solar cells. The word photovoltaic comes from
photo, meaning light, and voltaic, which refers to producing electricity. Therefore, the
photovoltaic process is producing electricity directly from sunlight.
The second system utilized by the group is the ability to recharge the ETric once its battery is
dead. It is through connecting a plug directly to an ac source. The energy produced will then be
converted from ac to that will generate the ETric for a span of time. The researchers create this
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system for emergency purpose that when there is no sun available, the Etric can be directed to
recharge to produce enough power.
All two power sources are installed and are ready to utilize in order to generate the ETric. The
researchers then produce an idea of managing the power sources either any of the two will be
used. The researchers have created a switching management system in order to provide a more
effective way of implementations of the power sources. The switching mechanism is directed to
the data logger. Data logger is an Arduino based program that controls the current and voltage
present in the power produced either by the three. It is connected to the battery that shows the
situation of the power still present in the battery if either it has to be recharged or switched to
another power source to generate power.
The group also implemented charge controller. The charge controller is designed to basically
control the charging of the power from the power sources. It will be the basis of the battery to
determine the level of the current and voltage to automatically stop the charging or to recharge
the battery when it has low load.
The group has installed the four 12 volts of batteries connected to the charge controller. It is
connected in parallel producing 46 volts in total. The battery serves as the core of the ETric,
since it is the component that generates everything in the vehicle. It stores and generates the
electrical power with enough power to release to enable the vehicle to run or perform.
The components of the research has installed thoroughly for the researchers to have a great
output to produce. It is the groups goal to providing an innovative environmental transportation
to all the people in the vicinity. An innovation that harms no one.

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