As energy costs and concerns for the
environment rise due to the constantly increasing use of fossil
fuels, there has been a push towards alternative energy sources and
products with a low carbon footprint.
Carbon emissions and the nation's dependence on dwindling
fossil fuels can be drastically reduced by shifting towards
renewable energy sources for transportation.
Thus, the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at
This project is the first phase of
Phase I Goals:
•
Design and implement a prototype electric vehicle
test platform for testing with the following specifications:
–
Maximum speed of 30mph
–
Curb weight of 800 to 1800lbs
–
Regenerative braking capabilities
•
Research
–Create drive model
•
Determine vehicle properties
•
Select optimal components for test platform
–
–DC-Motor
–Control electronics
•Acquire and display data from the motor controller
and sensors
–Data:
•Throttle Position
•Controller Temperature
•
•Power (
•Speed
•Distance Traveled and Time
•Maximum forward and regenerative brake current
•Percent of extra distance gained from regenerative
braking
•
•Total Amp-Hours Remaining
–Analyze and evaluate drive model