Passive Vibration Control for Solar-Integrated Systems in Bicycles

Proponent/s Name/s (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

• Karl Einon T. De Belen, De La Salle University, ManilaFollow
• Myles Wilsen A. Fenix, De La Salle University, ManilaFollow
• Enrique Alonso M. Pioquinto, De La Salle University, ManilaFollow
• Kingsley F. Santos, De La Salle University, ManilaFollow

Document Types

Paper Presentation

Research Theme (for Paper Presentation and Poster Presentation submissions only)

Sustainability, Environment, and Energy (SEE)

School Name

De La Salle University, Manila

Track or Strand

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

Research Advisor (Last Name, First Name, Middle Initial)

Pao, Jeanette C.

Start Date

25-6-2026 10:30 AM

End Date

25-6-2026 12:00 PM

Zoom Link/ Room Assignment

Online - https://zoom.us/j/94569671692?pwd=Fj3c3ELOebE6QbqbJOOH9wMuildoEc.1 Meeting ID: 945 6967 1692 | Passcode: research

Abstract/Executive Summary

This paper presents the design and evaluation of passive vibration control for solar-integrated systems in bicycles using a damper made from thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) filaments. The growing interest in sustainable micromobility has driven the exploration of integrating solar photovoltaic panels into bicycle systems, which holds significant potential for small-scale and mobile applications by enabling onboard energy harvesting for auxiliary devices. However, such integration introduces critical engineering challenges, as road-induced vibrations experienced during typical cycling conditions affect the solar panel’s integrity and energy conversion efficiency. To address this, the study used SolidWorks to model a damper and test the design’s effectiveness. The solar panel was mounted at approximately 35° relative to the horizontal plane to optimize sunlight incidence while maintaining structural stability. Additively manufactured components were also used to develop the solar-integrated bicycle mount made from polylactic acid (PLA) filament and the TPU-made damper, leveraging the viscoelastic properties of TPU for energy dissipation. The damper was subjected to nonlinear structural simulations to compare a rigid mounting system with a damped configuration under time-dependent dynamic loading representative of road conditions. Results showed that a damped configuration reduced the maximum von Mises stress from 4.04 kPa to 1.91 kPa, highlighting a 52.7% reduction compared to a rigid configuration. By efficiently dissipating vibrational energy via elastic isolators, the proposed system reduces mechanical fatigue and stress concentrations. This indicates that passive damping offers an effective means to improve the durability and reliability of bicycle-mounted solar modules.

Keywords

bicycle; solar; vibration; damper; control applications

Initial Consent for Publication

yes

Statement of Originality

yes