EE 400/401 Project Proposal

Project Title: U of A EcoCar; Matlab Power Simulation and Control Optimization

Background The University of Alberta EcoCar team is aiming to compete in the Urban Concept category of the 2013 Shell Eco Marathon. The vehicle will be a zero emission car powered by a hydrogen fuel cell.

Objective Simulate the power electronic components in the 2012 Shell Eco Marathon vehicle and design a systems level power control strategy to optimize the efficiency of the 2nd generation, 2013 Shell Eco-Marathon vehicle.

Scope of Work The project will have two main stages:

1) Systems Level Simulation. The power electronics of the vehicle consists of a 1 kW hydrogen fuel cell, a buck-boost DC/DC converter to keep the output voltage of the fuel cell at 48 V, an ultracapacitor to both protect the fuel cell from transients and provide instantaneous power for acceleration, DC/DC converters for auxiliary components, and a pair of brushless DC hub motors. These components should be modeled using Matlab toolboxes under varying load conditions. The goal will be to form an accurate model of the system and calculate the system efficiency at several different operating points. Some laboratory testing of these components may be required to provide the best model possible.

2) Power Systems Management Optimization. The current design for the 2012 vehicle includes very little in the way of power regulation, and thus there is significant room to improve upon the power electronics design in the 2013 vehicle. Balancing efficiency and performance is a crucial part of the design. Altering the fuel cell and ultracapacitor management strategy, motor control, and possibly even driving style might accomplish this goal. These changes can then be implemented into the power systems simulation to determine their effect on efficiency.

Should the proposed management strategy prove realizable, the EcoCar team will use this information to design the power electronics for the 2nd generation vehicle. The Matlab program will also be useful to model future vehicles as the design evolves into further generations.

Hazards: Significant shock hazards exist if the testing of power electronic components is required. DC and 3-phase power of up to 1 kW at 48 V may be drawn in testing situations, generating a potentially lethal shock hazard. Ultracapacitors are also capable of

discharging very large amounts of energy almost instantaneously; as such, the appropriate safety protocol should be followed diligently.

Prototype Resources - The University of Alberta EcoCar team will provide access to its facilities as

required. - Dr. Andy Knight has graciously offered his lab (upon availability) for the testing of

electronic components, should this be necessary. - The EcoCar team will provide direction and guidance for the project throughout

the term.

Project Sponsor Name: Jared Geisinger Title/Position: Electrical Engineering Lead Company: University of Alberta EcoCar Address: University of Alberta, Electrical and Computer Engineering Research Facility (ECERF) Telephone #: (780) 982-4042 Email address: jared.geisinger@ualberta-ecocar.ca U of A EcoCar Website: www.uAlberta-EcoCar.ca

Available Meeting Time There will be weekly meetings with the EcoCar design team. A mutually convenient time will be agreed upon. Email inquiries can be sent at any time and extra meetings scheduled if required.

Maximum Number of Design Groups The maximum number of groups: 2

Maximum Number of Implementation Groups The maximum number of groups: 2

Intellectual Property Ownership All intellectual property belongs to the University of Alberta EcoCar team.

Images

All Images are the intellectual property of the University of Alberta EcoCar team.