03-06-2013, 04:00 PM
SHELL ECO-MARATHON ASIA -2012
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Abstract
The main focus of this design project was to optimize the fuel efficiency of a prototype vehicle. Following the rules and regulations of the Shell Eco-marathon Competition, a prototype vehicle was designed from scratch. Having weight, aerodynamics, and friction as our biggest factors, three alternative concepts were analysed. Using desired criteria, a proposed design was selected. The proposed concept was structurally designed using static and dynamic force analysis. The final design was then analysed and tested using CAD simulations and system dynamics methods. Finally, a prototype was built and then tested to assure that the project objectives were achieved. The end goal of the project was to be qualified to compete at the 2012 Shell Eco-marathon Asia Competition.
Introduction
Problem Statement
The vast majority of transportation now-a-days is powered by fossil fuels. Many scientists have agreed that the use of these fossil fuels has caused global warming due to atmospheric effects. Furthermore, due to the scarcity of fossil fuels it is estimated that in the next decade, the price of oil will increase to 2-3 times per barrel. This does not include the external costs that come with the production of coil, oil and gas. These externalities include the many miners killed in the line of duty or affected by the horrible side effects such as black lung disease, as well as the ravaging of the environment with the coil mining (Clean Energy, 2010).
In response to the negative effects of fossil fuel consumption, the present generation is fighting to head in a different direction. A future is desired in which the energy used to power vehicles is renewable and clean. Therefore, as a first step, engineers are aiming to design more fuel efficient vehicles in which the least amount of energy is required to travel a certain distance. This is exactly what the Shell Eco-marathon Contest is about. It provides an arena in which fresh-minded engineers can innovative in trying to develop solutions to the efficiency problem of vehicles.
Motivation
The idea for this project was provided by Dr Vishal Sharma, Professor in Industrial and Production Engineering Department at Dr B.R Ambedkar National Institute of Technology, Jalandhar. Before selecting a project topic, a criterion was developed to judge the different project proposals available. This project matched the criterion more than any other project. First off, being able to build a prototype was an important part of the criteria list. In order to develop a prototype, funding would need to be available for the project. This project, in fact, had the funding available to build a prototype at the conclusion of the theoretical design. Additionally, this project included designing such things such as shafts, bearings, and gears which is an essential part of engineering profession. Finally, this project implemented the use of valuable tools such as SolidWorks CAD software and programming for the analysis of aerodynamics as well as structure stability and strength.
Main characteristics of Different Power Sources:-
Internal Combustion Power
This is the most common power used in the world for any kind of purpose, from vehicles to industrial applications. In this competition the main objective is to use the less amount of fuel with respect to the distance which is a great factor to take into account in order to select the adequate engine. The Organizers will allow using any engine that could be able to work within a specific list of fuels given by them. For the project, the selection of the engine has to be according to the design of the whole car, and for this kind of power train there are no more restrictions than the size and capacity of the engine.
Efficiencies in Internal Combustion Engines are not too high and it is important to remember that the vehicle must have a high efficiency for the purpose of the competition that is why this kind of power will not be analysed for the project.
Plug-In Power
This kind of power train uses a battery which can have a maximum voltage of 48 V according to the competition rules, and an electric motor. There are different types of electric motors but according to an investigation made by Abhishek Prabhakar, the induction motors have been known as the best candidate for the Electric Vehicle applications because they are robust, less costly, and mature in technology and need less maintenance.
Solar Power
The solar power can be used through solar cells which convert sunlight directly into electricity. These cells are mainly composed of semiconducting materials. When sunlight is absorbed by these materials, the solar energy knocks electrons loose from their atoms, allowing the electrons to flow through the material to produce electricity. This is the Photovoltaic effect which allows converting photons to electricity. Solar cells are typically combined into modules that hold about 40 cells mounted in Photovoltaic arrays. Several connected arrays can provide enough power for a household; for large electric utility or industrial applications, hundreds of arrays can be interconnected to form a single, large Photovoltaic system. The performance of a solar cell is measured in terms of its efficiency at turning sunlight into electricity. Only sunlight of certain energies will work efficiently to create electricity, and much of it is reflected or absorbed by the material that makes up the cell. Because of this, a typical commercial solar cell has an efficiency of 15%-about one-sixth of the sunlight striking the cell generates electricity. Low efficiencies mean that larger arrays are needed, and that means higher cost. (Renewable Energy World)
Hydrogen cell
It is known that Hydrogen is the simplest element in the nature because one atom of hydrogen just consists of only one proton and one electron. This element doesn't occur naturally as a gas on the Earth, it is always combined with other elements. It could be found also in organic compounds like the hydrocarbons. Hydrogen can be separated from hydrocarbons through the application of heat. There is also a process called electrolysis in which an electrical current is applied to separate water into its components of oxygen and hydrogen. Some algae and bacteria, using sunlight as their energy source, even give off hydrogen under certain conditions. Hydrogen is high in energy, yet an engine that burns pure hydrogen produces almost no pollution. (Renewable Energy World)