Evaluating a heart rate regulation system for human–electric hybrid vehicles

Abstract

Heart rate regulation systems for human–electric hybrid vehicles (such as electric bicycles) might help to promote physical activity and prevent overexertion. To date, there has not been a thorough evaluation that shows the benefits and limitations of such a system compared to a conventional assistance. In this article, the authors evaluated a control system that adjusts the motor torque of a four-wheeled human–electric hybrid vehicle prototype (QuadRad) to maintain the heart rate of the cyclist within user-specified limits. A randomized block design was used to validate the system. A total of 42 persons performed a 70-min test cycle with the QuadRad on a stationary test rig. Participants were equally divided into 14 blocks based on an estimate of their fitness level. Within each block, participants were randomly assigned to one of three experimental groups. The three groups compared the following: (1) regulation of subjectively perceived exertion using standard assistance, (2) regulation of heart rate using standard assistance and (3) regulation of heart rate using control system. A non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis test showed significant differences between the three groups for mean absolute deviation of the heart rate from the reference heart rate [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]. Post hoc comparison showed that [Formula: see text] was significantly lower for groups 2 [Formula: see text] and 3 [Formula: see text] compared to group 1 and similar between groups 2 and 3 [Formula: see text]. Time out of the heart rate zone [Formula: see text] was significantly different between all groups [Formula: see text]. Post hoc analysis showed that [Formula: see text] was lower for groups 2 [Formula: see text] and 3 [Formula: see text] compared to group 1 and similar between groups 2 and 3 [Formula: see text]. The results indicated that cyclists can use the system to maintain their heart rate within self-chosen limits without having to monitor their heart rate or manually change the assistance mode.

Smart Electrically Assisted Bicycles as Health Monitoring Systems: A Review

“…Based on that, several studies proposed a control model-based heart rate measurement using a preliminary test in a laboratory in order to get a better understanding of individual physiological states, using the heart rate and power outputs produced by the rider [57,68,88]; or used more basic methods such as the sliding mode controller [56].…”

“…The authors did not systematically describe the heart rate measurement process with sensor typology and location during the reviewed studies. Meyer et al [88] used a chest strap in their study (Tickr; Wahoo Fitness, LLC, Atlanta, United States) to monitor heart rate during exercise, and we imagine that other studies used the same process because the chest belt is widely considered as the gold standard to measure heart rate accurately in numerous situations [71,89]. Recently, many new technical possibilities to monitor heart rate in non-invasive ways have appeared.…”

Artificial Fish Swarm Algorithm Based Electric Hybrid Power System

“…Based on this, a new hysteretic power threshold control method is proposed that combines the control information obtained from the derived set of electromagnetic optimal solutions. For different HEV rules and different control cycles, the system can fully optimize the overall control performance [2].Tworek B designed a novel hybrid energy storage system for electric vehicles in order to improve the long range of electric vehicles and to ensure the minimization of the cost function. For its energy storage system, a control algorithm based on supercapacitor SOC for dynamic power limitation rule control of lithium-ion batteries is proposed.…”