Running experiments of electric wheelchair powered by natural energies

We have developed an intelligent electric wheelchair using a photovoltaic cell and a fuel cell. The purpose of developing this wheelchair is to provide longer travel distance for users with the assistance of natural solar energy. The photovoltaic cell uses solar energy directly, while the fuel cell uses hydrogen gas produced by water electrolysis using photovoltaic generated electricity. A metal hydride tank is used to safely store the hydrogen. In order to keep costs low, the wheelchair uses relatively low powered photovoltaic cell and fuel cell of 84W and 100W, respectively. Addition of the photovoltaic cell and the fuel cell with 10L hydrogen increased operating distance of our commercially obtained wheelchair by 200%. This paper will explain the mechanical and control systems of the wheelchair, and the running experiments.