ASEE Zone 2 Conference 2017

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An Experimental Study on the Efficiency of Bicycle Transmissions

Final Paper
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TThe objective of this project is to measure the efficiencies of bicycle drive systems. Previous efficiency studies tested several planetary hubs, belt drives and derailleur chain drives. This study will evaluate the efficiency of Pinion® internally geared transmission models P1.12 and P1.18. A new apparatus provides improved accuracy, reduced measurement noise and increased functionality for testing efficiency over a range of speeds and power levels. Each drivetrain gear is tested for five minutes at fourteen different speed and power combinations, spanning a range of output torques. Efficiency is then modelled as an exponential function of output torque and is fitted to the data with a non-linear regression. Results to date indicate the Pinion® P1.12 transmission is comparable to higher quality hub gears, with efficiencies ranging from 90.41% to 98.82%, depending on the gear. The Pinion® P1.18 transmission will be tested after further repeatability studies are performed on the P1.12 model.

Author(s):

Rachel Bolen    
Mechanical Engineering
Grove City College
United States

Mark Archibald    
Mechanical Engineering
Grove City College
United States

 

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