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Sample Project: Formula Racing Hybrid IC Controls and Simulation

Overview

The engine of a hybrid vehicle differs from an ordinary vehicle in that it is not directly controlled by the driver. In a series hybrid drivetrain, the driver's input directly controls the electric motor, and the engine responds to the power demands of the drivetrain. This requires the implementation of an engine controller. The engine can be run in a variety of different modes. In order to determine the best mode of operation, the performance of the car must be analyzed in simulation so that the performance of each mode of operation can be determined. In addition, the engine requires a controller that is capable of maintaining proper engine operation under various load conditions.

This will be a very challenging project, given the complexity of the system and the relatively young age of the project. The simulation must be validated through testing, requiring a final product well in advance of the mid-March due date. It is expected that the system will allow the car to run in EV-only or IC-only mode. Furthermore, the car should be able to perform quite well in either mode.

Goals

This team will work closely with the energy storage team, generator team, and data acquisition team to develop a MATLAB simulation of the car. This code will be based on code developed last year. The results of these simulations will be used to compare energy accumulators as well as the optimum mode of operation for the engine. This team will then seek to develop an engine controller that is capable of maintaining proper engine operation under various loads. This controller may be constructed from scratch or from a modification to an existing off-the-shelf generator controller. This team will additionally be responsible for the design of any addition controller modules required to manage the power flow between blocks of the car.

Deliverables

By the first progress report, we expect the team to have an initial simulation of car performance. Based on these simulations, we expect this team to have chosen an optimum mode of operation for the engine which is well supported with decision matrices and simulation. By the end of the first term, we expect the team to have built a working throttle controller which is capable of maintaining proper engine operation under varying load conditions. The second term will be used for additional controller design, system redesign, data collection, and refinement. By the end of the second term, we expect a working control system for the vehicle which is not only able to maintain proper operation, but is able to shut down the vehicle under overstress or dangerous conditions. We expect full documentation on data collection, algorithm development, and controller implementation. Construction must be robust and professional; signals need to be provided to other systems in the car.

Required Facilities

CAD - Cadence, SIMetrix, MATLAB
Electrical - Standard lab facilities
Mechanical - Solder station, assembly area

Knowledge Areas Needed for Project

Machine design
Control systems
Analog electronics
Digital electronics
Signal processing
Computer engineering
Product design
Engineering graphics (CAD/CAM)
Project management

Proprietary Information and Confidentiality Requirements

None