Case studies
- Environmental responsibility
|
 |
|
Pedal in the right direction
Electric bicycles are fast becoming accepted as a capable and reliable form of transportation for people around the world. Also known as e-bikes, these two-wheel vehicles are powered by an electric motor and offer significant environmental benefits over traditional gas-powered vehicles.
Most e-bikes are classified as “zero-emission vehicles” because they emit no combustion byproducts, similar to the traditional human-powered bicycle. E-bikes can also travel as fast as 20 miles per hour and are an affordable alternative to cars, making them a viable transportation solution for people living in densely populated urban areas and emerging countries.
TI began looking at the electric vehicle market space in 2006 and developed several e-bike applications using its existing technologies. Today, we continue to develop key technologies to improve e-bike performance and reliability.
“This is a relatively new market space that is gaining a lot of momentum,” said Seema Deshpande, manager of TI Motor Labs. “We see this as a huge opportunity for TI to be a good corporate citizen while satisfying consumer and business needs at the same time.”
Growing market demands
In its 2010 Motor Control and Semiconductor Analysis World Report, IMS Research estimated that 40 million e-bikes exist worldwide today. That number is expected to climb to 50 million by 2013.
According to the report, China is the largest e-bike market, with India and Southeast Asia projected as the market’s growth drivers. E-bike popularity in these two regions is expected to expand significantly in the coming years as national incomes increase and mobility becomes more important to a broader consumer base.
E-bikes are also becoming more popular in developed countries like Japan, North America and Western Europe. As a result, worldwide e-bike sales are expected to increase to almost 10 percent from 2012 to 2013.
Improving existing technologies
As a developer of the technologies that control e-bike motors, TI is focused on providing technologies that consume less electricity.
One approach under development is to improve motor efficiency in e-bikes using regenerative braking technology. With regenerative braking, the e-bike motor will take on the role of an energy generator when the vehicle’s brakes are engaged.
“With this technology, the motor charges the battery instead of consuming energy from it,” Deshpande explained. “This stored energy ultimately extends the battery charge and reduces the amount of time the e-bike needs to be plugged into a power source.”
In another energy-conserving endeavor, TI provided technology solutions to enable a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM). This smaller, more efficient motor relies on a magnetic field to produce torque.
“This technology is a lot more accurate and energy-efficient,” Deshpande said. “It’s also an environmentally conscious option because it allows the motor to function for a longer period of time compared to the other motor types currently available.”
Developing battery solutions
In addition to energy-saving motor solutions, TI is also looking at different technologies to extend battery life.
The lead acid battery is currently the most common battery type used in electric vehicles. In an effort to increase battery life and reduce the number of batteries discarded in landfills, TI is investigating technology solutions that will enable e-bike manufacturers to more broadly use rechargeable lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries as an alternative to lead acid.
“Although the initial cost for Li-ion batteries is greater, the battery is significantly more energy-efficient and will reduce the total cost of ownership over time,” Deshpande said. “We strongly believe this is a viable, long-term solution that will reduce impact to the environment and bring e-bike owners added benefit over time.”
A bright future
With worldwide e-bike sales expected to increase substantially over the next 10 years, TI will continue its quest to make electric vehicles as reliable, safe and energy-efficient as possible.
By continuing to develop new technologies that enhance motor control, improve battery life, and lower the total cost of ownership for consumers, e-bikes will give an even greater number of people (especially in emerging countries) the opportunity to travel more efficiently and improve their overall quality of life.
|
|
Citizenship Report Summary
See also
|
Cart |
