Re-designing the Current Regenerative Hydraulic Braking System in a Bike for Wheelchair Application

Abstract

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is researching hydraulic hybrid transportation systems in an effort to diminish the pollutants released from emissions and reduce the demand for fossil fuels. One method of achieving this is to use hydraulic regenerative braking systems to store energy in pressurized fluids. This stored energy can then be released to assist in vehicle acceleration. For several years, the EPA has teamed with University of Michigan students to develop designs for the hydraulic regenerative braking system to be utilized in bicycles. The objective of this term’s project is to refine previous generations of the hydraulic system in a bicycle while re-designing the system for it to be applicable for wheelchairs.