Shell Eco-Marathon Urban Concept Vehicle – Powertrain and Electronics (Team 2)

Overview

The Shell Eco-Marathon Urban Concept Vehicle capstone is a project that spans various semesters to design and manufacture a car that competes for maximum fuel efficiency at the Shell Eco-Marathon competition. The body team, powertrain/electronics team, and frame team all worked together to finalize the manufacturing of the vehicle for it to compete at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Objectives

– Complete the manufacturing of the fiberglass body panels
– Finalize the manufacturing of the frame
– Debug the engine
– Rework the electronics
– Install various systems like the steering mechanism, brakes, and firewall
– Assemble the whole vehicle
– Ensure that the vehicle complies with all the competition requirements to pass inspection and compete at the race

Approach

– Understand the status of the project and pick up the progress that the past team did on the car.
– Understand the competition rules and requirements and make sure the car complies with them.
– Learn how to work with fiberglass molding and manufacture the panels.
– Debug the engine by doing troubleshooting of its electrical systems.
– Install the remaining systems (wheels, steering, firewall, brakes, electronics, etc).
– Work on the ergonomics and aesthetics of the car.
– Revise design specifications with competition rules and requirements.
– Modify vehicle to meet design requirements.
– Test vehicle at test track.
– Fix any mechanical, structural, or electrical problems.
– Take vehicle to Indianapolis Motor Speedway and compete.

Outcomes

– Urban concept vehicle passed inspection
– Urban concept vehicle competed at the event
– The vehicle achieved ~ 65 mpg
– Current design will be optimized by future teams