A Novel Design and Tracking for Kick Scooter based on Solar Flower

Abstract This article introduces a novel topology and design methodology for a solar kick scooter equipped with a solar sunflower panel. The proposed topology introduces a sunflower-shaped solar panel to increase the effective panel area by employing dynamic expansion mechanism. The panel remains folded while the scooter is in use and expands like a sunflower when at rest, allowing efficient solar energy harvesting. This approach improves the scooter's energy efficiency by maximizing solar exposure while reducing power losses associated with conventional fixed panels. The mathematical analysis highlights the significance of dynamic panel expansion and its impact on energy harvesting throughout the day. Furthermore, the role of real-time sunlight intensity detection in optimizing panel positioning is emphasized. A systematic methodology for integrating the solar panel expansion mechanism with the scooter’s power management unit is proposed. To verify the proposed topology, MATLAB/Simulink simulations are conducted, followed by experimental validation using a prototype. The proposed system achieves a solar tracking efficiency improvement of 23%, a power output gain of 18%, and a reduction in battery charging time compared to conventional fixed-panel configurations. Keywords: Battery charging, dynamic panel expansion, energy efficiency, solar-powered kick scooter, sunflower-shaped solar panel.