Design of a bio-hybrid solar quadricycle for sustainable urban delivery service

The current study intends to provide a sustainable substitute for conventional motorbike-based delivery systems in Sydney, Australia, by designing a novel bio-hybrid solar quadricycle powered by plug-in, pedal, and solar energy. The current study exclusively integrates structural material analysis through ANSYS with powertrain simulation in Simulink to ascertain performance and feasibility. Among the tested materials, the low alloy steel AISI 4140 exhibits exceptional structural integrity with a minimal total deformation of 0.56116 mm, low equivalent strain (0.00073098 mm/mm), and the highest safety factor (4.3469). Modal analysis identifies aluminum 6061-T6 as effective in vibration damping, enhancing rider comfort, but other static structural results are not satisfactory. Simulink results confirm that a 1.8 kW DC motor coupled with a 3 kW lithium ion battery (LIB) permits effective operation over the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) drive cycle, covering 3.3 km at a peak speed of 34 km/h, with only less than 1.5% drop in battery state of charge (SOC). Although the AISI 4140 shows the most effective results, it possesses higher hardness and lower ductility and is therefore less appropriate for parts that undergo exposure to cyclic loads, making it unsuitable for the whole chassis. AISI 4130 offers the best overall balance of strength, fatigue resistance, and ease of manufacturing. AISI 4130 also provides a superior blend of resilience, resistance to fatigue, and weldability. The outcomes portray AISI 4130 as the optimal frame material, offering a promising solution for eco-friendly and ergonomic urban delivery transport in Sydney, Australia.