Original Design

The objective of this project is to provide Power Grid Engineering with a fully convertyed electric vehicle that meets the requirements and specifications stated by them. Primary goals for the outcome of the EV are high efficiency, reliable operation and an user-friendly interface.

High Efficiency
In order to satisfy the goal of high efficiency additional sensors monitor the temperature, current and voltage output from several components within the vehicle such as the batteries, motor and microcontrollers. The total efficiency of the vehicle is improved through its intelligent control system as described in the requirements section. Furthermore the components for charging are selected to increase overall efficiency to maintain battery capacity.

Reliable Operation
By enabling additional monitoring and reporting the collected data, the user is able to feel confident on the reliability of their vehicle. Overall the vehicle is as reliable as the gas-powered vehicle. Similar to a gas meter, a battery capacity meter informs the user of how much power is left on the battery charge and therefore ensuring the capable distance to be traveled. To enhance the reliability of the vehicle solar panels are incorporated to charge the batteries during off time. This renewable source of energy from the sun convinces the user that charging is possible despite the location of stopping, as long as the sun is visible.

User Friendly Interface
The LCD touch screen display provides the user with an up to date means of displaying technical data about the car. This central location of information enables the user to pay adequate attention to the road while checking the statistics of battery capacity, RPM, speed, voltage, and current. Buttons allow the user to navigate to historical information, view more detailed statistics and further select their mode of operation. Many functions such as the “gas” pedal and braking remain consistent in the converted vehicle to maintain the same conventions many drivers are already accustomed to.

The main purpose for creating this vehicle is to supply the sponsor, Power Grid Engineering, LLC, with a fully electric vehicle that is altered to meet any additional requirements set by them. The requirements consist of the vehicle being legal to drive; therefore the department of transportation standards must be met. Furthermore a renewable power source is included, specific monitoring and an intelligent driving system. These requirements are explained in detail below.

DOT Stardard
The Department of Transportation (DOT) requires that all vehicles have functioning turning signals, wipers, brake lights and headlights to ensure adequate safety of surrounding drivers. The benefit of converting a dealership standard combustible engine vehicle ensures the fact that many of the pre-existing components required to meet this standard are still readily available. Throughout the conversion process it is necessary to allow these external elements to remain accessible and powered for the drivers use.

Solar Power
Solar panels are to assist in charging the batteries as a renewable energy source. There is no specification to how many panels must be used or how much energy must be received from them. The only limitation is the surface area susceptible to the sun’s rays and capable of generating power.

Monitoring
The user is able to view the real time RPM, speed, voltage, current and battery capacity. There is no requirement detailing the historical data to be shown to the driver, simply the real time data.

Operation Modes and Intelligent Driving System
The driver is able to select different settings depending on their driving habits. The three modes consist of performance, normal and economy mode. The normal mode is for average driving conditions with slow acceleration and low speed levels. The performance mode allows fast acceleration and higher speed ranges and finally the economy mode limits both acceleration and speed to save the maximum battery power. The vehicle is capable of automatically switching to solar-economy mode when battery capacity decreases below 15%. During this period it blocks performance and normal modes from being enabled by the user. There is no requirement detailing the specific speed ranges or acceleration ratings for each mode of operation.

 

 

 

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