Motorcycle Modification for Dual Energy Systems

Abstract

Motorcycles have become an integral part of many people's daily lives due to its convenience and the speed of travel. This is especially true when compared to cars, which often get caught in traffic congestion. However, motorcycles still rely on fuel for propulsion. In heavy traffic, motorcycles typically move at low speeds, often not exceeding 50 kilometers per hour, which leads to higher fuel consumption. Due to the continuously rising fuel prices, which greatly impact vehicle users, the researchers conceived the idea of modifying motorcycles to operate on a dual-energy system. The objectives of this research were to: 1) modify motorcycle for dual energy system and 2) compare the energy consumption rates of the traditional motorcycle with the developed dual energy system. The research findings indicated that the dual-energy motorcycle modified to operate with both an electric motor and a fuel engine could practically operate in actual situation.  Tests conducted using the electric motor system showed that the motorcycle could travel 50 kilometers at a speed of 60 kilometers per hour on a 100% full battery charge, costing 10.108 Baht. In contrast, when using the fuel engine system for the same distance of 50 kilometers at the speed of 60 kilometers per hour, the motorcycle consumed 1.9 liters of fuel costing 69.012 Baht. This clearly demonstrates that the electric propulsion saves 59.012 Baht compared to that of the fuel engine. Therefore, this research unequivocally confirms that driving with an electric motor significantly reduces cost compared to that of using fuel engine.