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5/2/11 Team Semi Electric This week the team has focused on getting the semi running. Everything is complete but we are still awaiting the bearing for the parallel drive component, and also a small amount of machining still needs to be completed on the front suspension and for the engine. We have also been working on the poster for the upcoming presentation Friday. The body team finished up the body this week and now in the painting phase. The body will be tested in the wind tunnel in the near future. The suspension team mount the front suspension and will be adding the front steering servo in the near future. The engine still needs to be fully mounted and the throttle servo applied. The upcoming week will be finishing the semi and the poster, as well as getting our research slides in order.
Team H2O KU This week the driveline team worked to mount the engine. Chassis team worked on assembling the car. The SS&T team also worked on mounting and got the servo running. All three teams attempted to run the car over the weekend. The body team used the vacuum forming table to create the shell, worked on mounting the shell, and is preparing to conduct a wind tunnel test later today. The smart grid is currently doing data analysis. All members have also been working on creating a poster.
Team JimmE-V This week Team JimmE-V got together and signed the motor mounting plate that was installed onto the Jimmy, shortly thereafter followed by the motor. The team also installed the carrier bearing and drive-shafts and got the body mounting kit parts onto the Jimmy’s chassis. The body was then added on to the chassis and a problem was encountered. The issue is that some old body bolts are still stuck into the Jimmy body. In order to remove these bolts, the team had to cut into the other side of the body to remove the bolts from the top. This happened because of rust and bad condition of the body mounts on the Jimmy. After holes were cut it was found that a lot of the threaded mounting nuts were completely dislodged from the Jimmy’s body. The team plans on cleaning these threaded parts and welding them back onto the body in order for the entire body to be securely mounted onto the chassis.
4/25/11 Team Semi Electric This week the team spent a good amount of time machining the chassis in preparation for the upcoming completion date. Most of the chassis has been machined with the exception of some driveline components. The body team has completed wind tunnel testing and is now sculpting the final truck design out of clay. The suspension team has completed the rear suspension and the front suspension is ready to be bolted on with the newly drilled front suspension holes. The driveline team has is awaiting components for the parallel part and will complete the entire driveline machining once those parts have arrived. Attention for the team next week will include completing the entire semi and then focusing on the poster.
Team H2O KU This week the chassis team finished manufacturing. The body team created a resin mold, tested the resin mold in the wind tunnel, and altered the clay model. The SS&T team is still working on manufacturing. Driveline team bought new gears for rear differential, constructed a driveshaft, and assisted chassis team in machining.
Team JimmE-V Team JimmE-V this week will be receiving back the motor mounting plate from the powder coaters and will be installing it plus mounting the motor into the Jimmy. Once the motor is properly mounted, the team will then re-install the drive shafts and complete the drive train system. Then, the team will work to mount the body back onto the chassis using the body mounting kit purchased last week. When checking body alignment with the new chassis it was noticed that the body mounting screw holes did not line up correctly. Hopefully the team will be able to torque the body into alignment this week and get the body properly mounted onto the Jimmy’s chassis. Once this is complete the team will then look at finishing the power steering and HVAC systems, as well as, installing any other components for the motor and brake systems. 4/18/11 Team JimmE-V This week team JimmE-V has purchased a body mounting kit in order to mount the body onto the jimmy, the driveline system is in and assembled, and we have run into a few issues with getting the brake lines onto the front brakes but those issues were overcome by using our engineering knowledge and problem solving. Next the team plans on powder coating the motor mounting plate (same green color as the chassis) and replacing it back onto the Jimmy. Once the mounting plate is back on, then the motor can officially be mounted and the drivetrain can be attached and completed. After that the team will work on mounting the body back onto the chassis using the body mounting kit.
Team H2O KU This week the Chassis team finished the ladder chassis machining and is working to thread the spacers. The SS&T team finished making the front A-Arms, and finished manufacturing the A-Arms mounts. The body team got the pieces for mounting the body shell, they practiced creating the plastic mold using the vacuum forming table, decided the upgrades they will be making to the vacuum forming table, created a plaster shell of the current design and filled that plaster shell with resin.
Team Semi Electric This week the team overall has been manufacturing. The motor team manufactured a solid mounting block for the motor to connect to the parallel drive. Testing also continues with the engine team. The parallel component that was machined is also getting new bearings. The suspension team has successfully mounted the rear suspension with the chassis team and is completing the front suspension currently. This week the team will be mounting engine and motor components to the semi, taking steps closer to completion of the semi. The team is also working on their last set of research slides and the team's poster is also a high priority.
4/11/11 Team Semi Electric This week the team has been manufacturing in preparation for getting the semi constructed. The driveline team has manufactured the parts for the parallel component of the semi. The engine is also being tuned and mounting blocks have been made for the engine. The batteries have also arrived and will be assembled within the next week. The suspension team has machined the rear suspension and the front suspension is getting ready for machining. The body team installed a new plug on the plastic sheeting oven and is preparing for a wind tunnel test. Altogether the team is focused on getting the semi fully constructed at this point.
Team H2O KU This week, the chassis team continued manufacturing the chassis and added all needed holes. The SS&T team finished manufacturing the rear A-Arms and will begin working on the front A-Arms this week. The body team practiced making a vacuum formed shell, and has decided to make some improvements to the current vacuum forming table. The hydrogen fueling station has built the side walls to the stations box, and has performed heat transfer analysis to determine re-design of the base.
Team JimmE-V The Jimmy is finally rolling! This week the team was successful in getting the shocks, suspension, rear differential, power steering column, tire rods, and brakes put onto the Jimmy. After this was done, the wheels and tires were added and the chassis was taken off the jacks. The team was able to push the Jimmy around the lot one time to see it in action. Next, team JimmE-V plans on replacing the wheels once the new ones come in, finishing up on fixing the body in order to add it to the chassis, once the body is added the brake lines can be run and the HVAC system can be implemented.
3/14/11 Team Semi Electric This week the team has spent most of the time adding finishing touches to our research slides. Along with this we have been working on our individual portions of the upcoming presentation next week. The body team shaped the foam into the basic shape of the truck and has started to add clay. The engine team has the engine issue resolved and has the engine broke in. The motor team ordered a Y connector to mount that will allow the controller to input the engine servo and speed controller as one. Machining has began on the suspension and will continue in weeks to come. Next week our primary focus will be the presentation. The weeks to come after that will again focus on getting all components ready to be mounted to the chassis.
Team H2O KU During this week the chassis team began the analysis of the new chassis and began manufacturing. The SS&T team started manufacturing their A-Arm. The driveline team broke in the engine and created a new fuel line for the hydrogen. The body team created the foam core of their model and covered it with clay. The hydrogen fueling station is getting materials together and working with the machine shop to get steel. The smart grid finished and submitted the report for EPA. All group members worked together to get final dimensions and mounting decisions made.
Team JimmE-V This week the team was busy finishing up our research books, trying to touch up the Jimmy’s body before it is sent out, and made sure to finalize purchase orders. Hopefully, by next week, the entire brake and suspension system orders will be received. Then the team will be able to start adding them onto the chassis while sending the body away to be repaired. After the brake and suspension system is added to the chassis, the next step will be putting on the drive-train including the modified transfer case. Once this system is in place, the motor can be mounted. A coupler is to be made in order to attach the keyed output shaft of the motor onto the splined input shaft of the transfer case. The coupler is to be drawn up and submitted to a machine shop during spring break.
3/7/11 Team Semi Electric This week we scheduled a meeting to have our presentation the week before spring break. The team is also making headway towards getting the car built. The body team has started to create a core for the body. The suspension team also finished creating the CAD for suspension and is continuing basic assembly of the rear suspension. The powertrain team has all electrical components off the car from last year and is ready to mount these components as the chassis gets ready. The engine we are using is having problems starting and seems to be locking up. We will be calling Traxxas this week and try to get a solution for this problem. The team is also working on updating their research slides and also working on the presentation for next week. We will also continue work on the getting the car together.
Team H2O KU During this week the body team began carving their foam car, they also finalized their wind tunnel data. The driveline team is getting another coupling tested, made a new stand for the new engine, and began breaking the engine in. The hydrogen fueling station got quotes on materials and made a basic system schematic. The team as a whole will be working on connecting their pieces during the next week.
Team JimmE-V With the help from other group members in EcoHawks, team JimmE-V was able to have a very productive workweek. All the electronics, seat belts, interior carpet and plastic, and everything else we were able to get out came out of the Jimmy’s body. The team plans on having the body sent away and painted white in about two weeks. The rear axle was sent away to be media blasted and powder-coated a glossy black. The rear axle should be back within the week. All the dents and dings in the doors and rear hatch were bonded and smoothed out. Finally the team was able to tidy up the barn a bit by getting rid of unnecessary old parts from the Jimmy. Next, the team plans on receiving the shocks, leaf springs, brakes, and wheels sometime in the near future and plans on applying them onto the chassis. The goal has been set to have a rolling chassis by April.
2/28/11 Team Semi Electric The team participated in Engineering Expo this week, doing activities such as setting up, painting, and helping with EcoHawk events during Friday and Saturday. This week the team continued working on the chassis and getting other components ready to be mounted to it. The body team is ready to start building the body from clay. The powertrain team is making progress, a Matlab code is being implemented to help determine gear ratios for the best performance out of the engine and motor. Last years cars were also disassembled to help us understand the drivetrain that was used last year for the parallel set-up. The suspension team has started to assembly some of the rear suspension and has completed the engineering drawings. Fin efficiency codes were also made this week our the heat sinks. The team also watched our presentation video and will be editing this. The near future has us working more on the chassis and presentation as a group.
Team H2O KU This week the chassis team used CAD to design the final chassis, making it 25% larger than the experimental chassis. SS&T is currently looking at last years cars for possible salvage parts. The body team met a student who is willing to help EcoHawks with creating our body models. Body team has also set a time to meet with the other body teams to go over wind tunnel data. The smart grid rewired the switch board and fried an inverter. This week was also Engineering week. The team competed in the scavenger hunt and most members helped during expo.
Team JimmE-V The entire EcoHawk team attended a very successful engineering expo on campus and we all had a great time talking with young engineers. The Jimmy’s chassis has not yet arrived, so the team is still on standby. Once the chassis does come in, the plan is to place the body back onto the chassis and begin dimensioning out space as to where the motor, controller, transfer case, and other items will be placed. The team plans on placing the motor where the old transmission used to be, using the transmission mount to secure it. Meanwhile, the team will also try to remove and replace the windshield, add wheels and tires, and add brakes to the Jimmy.
2/21/11 Team Semi Electric This week the team spent most of the time getting the chassis ready for components to be applied to it. The chassis team has purchased components and is continuing to work on the CAD for the suspension on the chassis. The suspension team is also looking into smaller components like spindles on the chassis. The body team is looking at different ways to fix and prepare the vacuum forming table and has purchased more material for building. The body team has also started the clay working process. The powertrain team has started disassembling components that will be used from prior years projects and will start to fit them to our chassis. Future work plans are to keep making progress on the chassis and to work on the upcoming presentation. Other items like updating the proposal and research books are also in mind.
Team H2O KU Driveline team discovered that the engine they ordered would not work in our car. They sent it back and ordered another one. With their free time they went and helped the Jimmy team move the Jimmy's body. The chassis team has gotten the final dimensions needed and will start creating the final chassis design in CAD. The SS&T team worked on their budget. The body team looked into problems last years team had with the vacuum forming table and met with the other small scale body team at the barn to look at the table and plan what needs to be done. In the next week the team will be working on updating the budget and helping out in expo.
Team JimmE-V With the Jimmy’s chassis away at the paint shop to be painted “John Deere green”, the team is turning its focus to the body. This week, all 4 doors and the hatch were removed from the body in order to further inspect each individual part. This week, team members will be contacting companies and ordering brakes, wheels, and tires in hopes that when the Jimmy’s chassis returns on Thursday, there will be a rolling chassis by Friday night. At the end of this week the entire Ecohawk team will be attending the engineering expo held on campus. We will be displaying previous as well as current projects in order to spark an interest in young students to seek out further interests in engineering.
2/14/11 Team H2O KU This week the body team attempted to redo the wind tunnel data, but had to reschedule for next week. The driveline team received teflon tube for fuel line. They will begin testing the new engine within the week. The chassis team ordered their parts and plan to start building within the week. Smart grid team finished wiring wind turbine/anemometer, finished locating all components on cart, and made planet forward video. Members are also creating decorations and plans for the up coming expo.
Team Semi Electric This week the team focused on laying out components for the chassis, putting forth most of our focus on this section of the project now. The battery team is focusing on the control system aspect of the BMS. The chassis team has determined dimensions that are going to be used and is purchasing a chassis for testing. The body team is using an excel program to help determine the drag that is produced on the body that we are using. The suspension team is working on the CAD and is laying out and initial component schematic of the suspension. The powertrain team is working on modifying the hybrid connection from a car that was used last year. The team will continue to update their respective items and focus on getting components to the chassis to further progress on the build.
Team JimmE-V This week, as the team was taking everything off the chassis, we noticed a large crack around the front right wheel well. Although it is a nice sized fracture, it looks to be an easy fix. Luckily for us, the company who is doing the sandblasting and powder-coating also does welding jobs. So all we need to do is add that to our bill. Meanwhile, each team member plans to double checking their individual systems itinerary in order to make sure that everything will fit into the plan once the chassis returns, allowing for a smooth assembly process. The team just hopes that no more unforeseen major road blocks such as this arise in the near future.
2/7/11 Team Semi Electric This week the team continued to update their research books and their respective parts of the proposal. The engine team worked on getting components together for connecting the hybrid drive train. The suspension team is working on CAD drawing that will be incorporated on the chassis. The body team made a design in CAD to fit the chassis that is going to be used. Next week the main focus will getting the chassis ready for building so that other components can start to be built into it.
Team H2O KU This week we met and watched last semesters presentation and took notes over it. The chassis team is has decided to use a unpolished surface aluminum on the frame, and is waiting on mounting decisions form suspension and driveline teams so that they can finalize the dimensions. Suspension is making the final mounting decisions and looking into the small scale material they will be using. Body team is working some problems out with the wind tunnel data, and is helping Mickey with the expo. Smart grid has determined and built amplifier for pyrometer, is continuing testing of components, and has acquired materials for switchboard.
Team JimmE-V Team JimmE-V plans on picking up where we left off. Due to inclement winter weather last week, the team was unable to get into the barn to remove all material off the new chassis and have it sent away to be sandblasted and powder coated. This week the team plans on picking up where we left off and having that done by the end of the week. Other than the chassis getting worked on, the team plans on ordering any major components this week. The next step is to wait for the chassis to be sent back in, and to start adding parts.
1/31/11 Team Semi Electric This week the team set new meeting times to fit everyone's new schedule for the semester. We all are going to steadily work on updating our research books and proposals in preparation for the next due date. The chassis team is working with the body team on getting a model ready to start incorporating all components in an organized manner. The power train team has met to get a starting device ready for the semi engine. The power train has also thought of a design to get both power sources to the rear drive axle. The smart grid has started researching " dumb " chargers. The chassis team is working on the cad for the design. Next week high priority will be getting the chassis design started and the minor power train components listed.
Team H2O KU This week the team met together and read through all the comments made about our final proposal paper and our research slides for last year. We set new guidelines for the new semester. The body team redid the wind tunnel testing and is working to contact the industrial design team. The smart grid completed the solar panel. The chassis team will be ordering parts in the next week.
Team JimmE-V A new semester is at hand and the rebuilding process begins! Over winter break, the team stripped the chassis clean, preparing it for frame straightening. When the shop that was going to fix our chassis was contacted, it was found that they could not fix our chassis due to reliability and insurance purposes. Luckily we were able to find a relatively cheap replacement chassis that was ordered and received. By the end of this week the new chassis will be sent off to be sand blasted and powder coated. The color the team has chosen is neon green. It is uncertain if the facility will be able to give us this color, if they are unable, a like color will be chosen. This marks the beginning of the rebuilding process. Meanwhile, each member of the team will be compiling a part order list for the Jimmy which will be submitted by the end of this week. The team is hoping that we will be able to stay within our budget and are able to acquire everything that is necessary.
12/06/10 Team Semi Electric This past week most of us had the 708 test and other tests. We have been working on getting our presentation ready for Tuesday and getting all research slides ready for Monday's deadline. We all have met twice this past weekend to go over slides and the presentation. The engine team completed thermo testing and the motor team has been looking into possible solutions for idling issue. The body team completed wind tunnel testing. The chassis team completed FEA analysis and smart grid is still working on matlab. Next week ,we will work on the proposal to meet next Monday's deadline.
Team H2O KU All members have been contacting sponsors and completing research slides. Driveline members ordered all need testing equipment and started an in depth thermodynamic analysis. The body team finished creating resin model and is preparing for wind tunnel testing. They also met with the industrial design team and saw the 3-D design of the car. Chassis members worked on redesigning the chassis with the information they gained during testing and calculated the center of gravity of the chassis. Smart grid members researched additional charge controller for wind turbine and did a great deal of publicity and sponsorship.
11/22/10 Team Semi Electric This week was mostly spent on studying because all of us had at least one test. The body team started patchwork and also talked to Wes about setting up the wind tunnel. The body will be worked on more in the following week also. The energy team bought batteries and also tested the 400 W inverter. They also made code and a set up for the TEG. The suspension team worked on CAD and will working on the design in the near future. The power train team research more ways of idling solutions and will be incorporating this. The team overall will be meeting to make sure everyone is on track with what needs to be done in the near future.
Team JimmE-V The Jimmy is down to bare metal and parts. Last week the entire team took part in lifting and removing the body off of the frame. As of now, the chassis is being picked bone dry in order to prepare it to be sent away to a body shop to be straightened. There are a few cracks and bends in the frame that the team would like to fix. After that we plan on strengthening weak points, sand-blasting, and then powder-coating the chassis. The team plans on painting the chassis a light/neon green color to go along with the concept of going green. The team decided this week that a transmission will not be necessary. Instead, the motor will be connected directly into the transfer case, enabling the Jimmy to be in constant 4-wheel drive. This will reduce the range of the vehicle, but during the winter months, it will benefit the driving stability on the icy hills of KU’s campus. Meanwhile, the transmission is being dismantled so that the team can learn more about how it works. The next few weeks will be full of proposal writing, presentation practicing, and sponsor contacting in order to finish up the semester. Team JimmE-V’s plan is that over winter break the team will send the chassis away to be worked on, and use the time off to work out the kinks in order to get the project up and running strong in the second semester.
Team H2O KU The chassis team worked with the full scale chassis team about a testing problem. They feel that they have found the problem. Body team is working on finishing the resin model and plans on having it done by the end of Thanksgiving break. SS&T worked on the gravity car with the chassis team and spent the rest of the week studying. Driveline team finished measuring the engine parts, tested motor for voltage output, got the coupler made for the motor, and created the battery powered car.
11/15/10 Team Semi Electric A large focus for the team this week was getting the ISE/presentation slides complete which are being submitted early this week. We also have the gravity car complete and the battery powered car is in the works. We have the body out of the mold and will continue to improve performance with wind tunnel testing. The smart grid had a meeting and has began a search for a deep cycle lead acid battery. They also ordered a generator and are calling around for discounts for the deep cycle batteries. The suspension team is continuing research on rolling friction. The chassis team is continuing work in modeling the test chassis in SolidWorks and will begin testing next week if time permits. The engine team has figured out how to test engine performance and will be doing this next week.
Team H2O KU This week the team reviewed the comments made to our paper and decided on some changes everyone needs to make. We also set new deadlines for all upcoming projects. The chassis team completed the stress analysis, repeated the yield experiment, finished the torsional experiment, and found the center of gravity using Inventor software. SS&T is working on integrating the suspension to the chassis, is preparing to do rolling testing, and got dimensions to the industrial design team. Body team is waiting for more micro sphere to complete their resin model, they are also working on the the final proposal. The smart grid team worked on solar panel materials and testing equipment for the smart grid. No update was available for the hydrogen fueling station or driveline at this time.
Team JimmE-V The team has successfully prepared the Jimmy for complete dismantling. The transmission, dashboard, steering wheel, and all body bolts have been removed from the Jimmy and the team is ready to take the body off of the chassis. The team took a field trip last Friday to Topeka to speak with the guys there at Topeka Electric. Topeka Electric has been working on EV’s for a couple years now and they have a running Chevy S-10 EV that gets approx. 95 miles before recharge. We discussed with them our ideas for converting our Jimmy and they gave us very helpful tips as well as showed us what themselves and other people were working on in the EV world. After we returned from Topeka, we were very excited to use the information we learned to implement it into the Jimmy. Thanks to Topeka Electric and our team further brainstorming the idea, the team will now be using the automatic transmission that was in the Jimmy to run the vehicle. This will be a challenge but once we are able to get it to work, it will be completely worth it. Team JimmE-V plans on having the body and chassis separated by next week to prepare the chassis for repair, sandblasting, and powder coating.
11/08/10 Team Semi Electric A good part of the last weekend was finishing up our proposal as a group. We also made some changes on Monday to our proposal when the Smart Grid submitted their proposal to us. The engine team is going to decide soon what engine is going to be used for the actually semi we are building. Friction testing is complete so we can now decide what tires we are going to use. The chassis that is going to be used in testing is being modeled in Solid works right now. Equalization methods for batteries are being researched and BMS issues are being addressed. Next week we plan on getting rough drafts of our presentation complete and work on the battery/gravity powered cars on Tuesday.
Team H2O KU This week the drive-line team began work on comparing fuels in the engines and talked with Charles about making a coupler for our engine and a small motor. Both the chassis and SS&T team met with the industrial design team to find out what dimensions are still needing and is now working on estimating those dimensions. The body team began applying resin to car model. Smart grid members is researching solar panel construction.
11/01/10 Team Semi Electric This week everyone basically worked on the proposal. Derek did do some tire analysis and some sponsors were contacted again. Everyone met Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday in order to get the proposal completed.
Team H2O KU The group as a whole has focused on the pre-proposal this week. The suspension team will be working on integrating the chassis with the suspension. The chassis team did some analysis on inventor and will be beginning the torsional analysis. Hydrogen station is looking into getting shredded tires from the local hazardous waste site for use in design. Body team is going to begin filling models with resin for wind tunnel testing. The group will be meeting with the industrial design students this week.
Team JimmE-V The engine is finally out of the Jimmy! The team were able to finally put the engine out and document us doing so. We placed pictures and videos on our website so that others could watch us as we did it. There were a couple problems we ran into while we were trying to yank the engine out such as the fuel lines hindering us from pulling the engine off the mounts. But we were persistent, and now the engine lies in the barn waiting to be placed on an engine mount. We were very popular the last week being in 2 newspaper articles (Lawrence Journal World, and The University Daily Kansan) and getting a spot on NBC Action News in Kansas City. The team is hoping that this new media interest brings more EcoHawk followers and others interested in helping out our project. EcoHawks also presented to the ME Advisory Board and received very positive feedback. The advisory board invited us to present at the upcoming Kansas City Engineers Club meeting in downtown Kansas City. We plan on continuing our talks with more people about our project and looking at finishing up our K-12 battery/gravity powered cars.
10/25/10 Team Semi Electric This week was largely spent on getting our research slides completed and formatted altogether. Research was also among a list of things completed this week and friction testing is getting underway for tires and a PO was sent out for resin for the bodies. Upon arrival testing of our chassis will get underway and different fuel testing for our engine will get started. Work on the life-cycle of the TEG is proceeding and will be finished. Some of us also met with the LJW for support of the large scale team as they were doing a interview. Next week will also be largely focused on our proposal as the team has decided to meet extra days.
Team H2O KU The driveline team met with Dr. Nguyen about having the hydrogen tank filled, they also worked on hydrogen protocols. Suspension team is preparing for friction test. Chassis team created a ProE design for the industrial design team. Body team met with industrial design students and is preparing to do wind tunnel testing. Energy team has begun calculations for program intermediate steps and sizing grid generator. All team members finished creating research slides and are currently putting finishing touches on our report.
Team JimmE-V The large scale team has been very busy with contacting sponsors, creating research book slides, and preparing for the upcoming pre-proposal. The team has been able to focus a lot more time on researching and theorizing their topics and have made great bounds as to coming up with the designs we are going to need and use in the EV Jimmy. The team constructed barn ramps this week to make vehicle transfer in/out of the barn easier and to prevent the Beetle from bottoming out. Next the team plans on forming a pre-proposal, removing the engine out of the Jimmy while the Lawrence Journal World takes pictures, and collectively we are going to try to finalize our system theories.
10/18/10 Team H2O KU Chassis team assembled the MFM chassis to prepare for experiments, and performed a yield displacement experiment. Suspension team is going to start friction test, they will be working with the other small scale team. Body team set meeting times with ID students and began assembling the research book. Energy team began drafting interface for labview program. Mickey worked on setting up things for the expo and all team members worked on getting sponsors.
Team Semi Electric This week was fall break so everyone was hit and miss pertaining on how much was getting done. For the most part the group worked on getting the proposal ready for this weekends team meeting. We also are focused on updating our sponsor list since it is due the 18th. The team is busy reviewing each others parts for the proposal. We will meet on Thursday to review these as a team and hopefully compose them. Additional testing is about to get underway pertaining to the body and engines of our project. We also plan on contacting more sponsors because we do not have enough that have contributed yet. Next week will be dedicated to research books and the proposal.
10/11/10 Team H2O KU Energy team worked on solar panel substrates and full budget for senate. Suspension attempted to start testing, but is missing some equipment and is now looking into getting that equipment. They also began getting general dimensions made. Chassis team also began dimensioning parts and created a decision table for materials. They are planning on using carbon fiber. Driveline team broke in the engine. Body team met with ID students and is getting drawings in 2 weeks, they are also helping find a new way to create models. All members created a budget for senate and began working on rough drafts for the proposal.
Team Semi Electric This week the team has been working on the proposal since it is quickly arriving. We tested the brushless motors and are doing comparisons between the brushed and brushless. The Energy team has been working on designs and equations to use for TEG and exhaust. We also tested different mass spring systems that could possibly work for our design. We determined dimensions for the body design and presented them to the ID students. They have presented us with sketches and we are choosing the best one we like and will also start body testing in the wind tunnel. Next week will be team dedicated to getting the proposal and research books completed.
Team JimmE-V It is still midterm time and everyone on the team has been very busy with academics. We have met together and discussed what needs to get done and plan on jumping right back into the project during the next week. Although everyone is stressed out with other school work, it is everyone’s responsibility to keep contributing towards EcoHawks and we have taken steps as a team to keep this in mind. Each individual team member is responsible for completing a “to-do” list by the end of this week. Everyone is going to contact 10 sponsors to add to the overall sponsor list, create 5 out of 10 research book slides, and create a system’s budget list to compile for an accurate team budget. Hopefully, if everyone accomplishes their tasks, we will be back on track and able to have more time to work on getting the Jimmy ready for conversion.
10/04/10 Team Semi Electric This week the group overall made advancements to get a jump on the proposals. Proposals are due in the near future so everyone is working hard on completing their portions and also assigned portions so that we can start piecing the work altogether. Motor and engine testing was done early in the week. The engine now runs on bio. A PO was sent to Dr. D for a traxxas chassis for testing. We have found a body that we would like to do aero testing on. A matlab code was made for the TEG, along with other thermo equations being developed. Springs will be purchased soon along with tires for testing suspension components. The team next week will continue working on the proposal and hopefully be hearing back from sponsors.
Team JimmE-V Everyone on the team has been busy with midterms, but the large scale EV project hasn’t been completely neglected. We have met as a team and discussed what needs to be completed in the following weeks in terms of research, theory, and communication. Each individual team member will be contacting sponsors, theorizing their topics, and delivering a budget about their sections in order to prepare for finalizing the overall project. Ecohawks will be featuring a setup on Watson Library lawn in order to gain attention to people who have yet to hear about our project and to update those who haven’t checked in with our progress in awhile. The team has stayed “energized” about our EV conversion and we look forward to improving this venture further.
Team H2O KU Energy team worked on research, welding skills and made some contacts. Body team looked into mold for test car. Driveline team is still working on breaking in engine. Chassis team ordered a ladder chassis to do testing on. Suspension team choose the type of springs they want to use. Overall the team spent most of the week studying for exams.
09/27/10 Team Semi Electric Batteries from A123 were ordered and will be here soon. Testing is going well with both the IC engine and the motors. Success of the IC engine running on biodiesel was accomplished today. Spring testing procedures are being reviewed and hopefully we will be able to actually get some hands on experience with a actual truck. The team as a whole has some good ideas for a gravity powered car. We will continue on those projects to come. Everyone is working on their individual aspects of the pre-proposal as it is fast approaching. Sponsors are also being contacted. The team is also compiling specific senate bill information for Mickey.
Team H2O KU Energy team laid out project schedule, did a circuit analysis for parallel solar wind setup, and tested last years solar panel. Driveline Team obtained building codes for fueling station, and is going to start analysis on engine. Suspension team has begun auto CAD designs. Chassis Team is looking into testing methods and has begun working on the expo car. Body team has created hand drawings of car designs and has decided on model material. Fuel station team is contacting other majors for assistants on projects. All members are working on a rough draft for proposal and budgets for the Senate.
Team JimmE-V With the Jimmy almost stripped bare, we are starting to get a good idea on how the Jimmy is going to become an EV. Throughout this teardown, we were able to see firsthand how many different things go into putting together a vehicle. None of us really understood how many different pieces and bolts actually were involved in a vehicle. We had to overcome a lot of speed bumps in taking the Jimmy apart, such as the engine not having a second hoist point so that we had to fabricate our own. It has been a great experience for the entire team to be able to take a vehicle apart because we had to learn how to do it as we go along. Research has continued to come along. It is only a couple weeks away from selecting an A/C motor and batteries we want to put into the EV. It has been brought to our attention that the LiFePO4 batteries that we wanted to use are going to cost far more than we first thought. This meaning that the team is going to have to dig in and research batteries hard, and that a tough decision will have to be made, but whatever we decide, it will be what the team thinks is best for the Jimmy. Everyone on the team has begun discussing how each part of the vehicle will be theorized. We have put together a budget to send to student senate and other financial suppliers in order to receive the funds to do what we would like to do with the EV Jimmy.
09/20/10 Team Semi Electric The team as a whole is performing research and making way towards the testing phase of our different components. We have also decided to split up some sections of the team proposal and start making headway on it. An outline for each individual person in team will have an outline started for this upcoming Thursday’s meeting. The motor team broke in a engine earlier this week and is working towards different mixtures of fuel for better efficiency. The glow plugs are also being researched to use with biodiesel. We have contacted the ID students for sketches and are awaiting a response from them. Wind tunnel testing is also being researched. We have researched different factors of components like suspension and tires to do high amounts of weight that semi trucks have. A chassis will be purchased in the near future to run analysis and modeling. The energy team has been doing testing with the TEG and have came to a conclusion of A123 26650m1 cells for a battery. TEG testing will also continue this week along with motor and engine testing. Clay modeling will get underway also this upcoming week. Outlines for proposals will be reviewed by the team on Thursday. More sponsors will need to be contacted along with getting updates from ones already contacted.
Team JimmE-V Our 1997 V6 4WD JimmE-V arrived and the team has started taking it apart. So far we have collaborated to remove everything except for the engine, brakes, fuel tank, exhaust, transmission, and electrical wiring. We have made sure to organize and label every part including bolts we take off the Jimmy in order to know how to put it back together. This group tear down has allow us to be able to come together as a team more. We all now have a pretty good basic understanding about how to take apart a full scale vehicle and in the process learned a lot about cars. We are still in the process of researching for the new pieces we are going to be putting into the Jimmy. As a group, we have done away with the continuous variable transmission idea and have been leaning on the automatic transmission with it set at third gear. This should give us close to a 1:1 ratio between engine and drive. During the next couple days, we plan on stripping the rest of the Jimmy apart to its bare frame and beginning the cleaning and diagnosing part of the body. While body work is being done, the rest of the team will continue research on their individual parts and hope to have a collaboration of what we will be needing for the final product.
Team H2O KU The team met and decided everyone needed two new sponsors contacted by next week. All team members also need an outline of their part of the proposal. Body team picked parts of car design that are most important and began sketching possible ideas, plans on choosing molding materiel and dimensions in the next week. The driveline team attempted to break in RC engine, but could not get to the extra fuel. They created a list of steps for the testing of RC engine. Plans on breaking in engine and contacting professor about getting metal hydride tank filled. Energy team temperature tested popcorn maker and contacted SmartStar program about possible collaboration. Suspension team continue to research and has met with other RC team members. Chassis team set plans on test needed to be done for chassis, and began hand sketches for design.
09/13/10 Team H2O KU Team is still in research phase, but parts are moving into testing and design phase. The body team has picked three cars (Mazda 2, Honda cr-z, and Mansory Chopster) to base body design on. They are also still trying to get in contact with ID students. The driveline team has decided to work with a ICE engine over a hydrogen engine and is beginning to look at price options. Chassis team has researched how the center of gravity and load path effect the cars movement and has begun sketching possible designs. Suspension team is looking at sport suspensions vs. normal car suspensions, they have also decided to focus on the parts that needed improvement last year. The chassis and suspension teams are working to incorporate their parts together. Energy team is working on getting a smart meter and other possible collaborations. They also tested the popcorn maker temperature range during operation and found a max temperature of 188 F. The hydrogen team is looking into environmental implications of products, and is beginning to design layout of fueling station. They are going to try and contact professional references in chemistry and civil engineering. Several team members have contact sponsors and will hear from them within the next week. The official contest rules were not posted in time for the team meeting. Chris Billinger was added to the team to work on marketing of our fueling station.
Team JimmE-V We met as a team for the first time out of class this week and began researching collaboratively. We brainstormed a way to create a user friendly battery pack and everyone researched their individual systems. Most of the research that was accomplished was on AC motors and LiFePO4 batteries. Through research we were able to find 5 motors that suited what we are looking for. We began to compare their input voltages, power, peak torque, max power output, max current, max speed, weight, and min/max operating temperatures. Using those motors we were able to calculate a basis on what kind of battery power we needed. We will continue collecting data on motors and batteries throughout the week and hope to have a final decision soon. The Jimmy has yet to arrive but we plan on having it in the barn by the end of this week. Once it comes in, the team plans on getting together to do a group walkthrough of the entire vehicle. Once we get acquainted, we will begin the disassembling process, making sure to remember where everything goes. This will allow those of us who aren’t too familiar with cars to get “hands on” experience.
Team Semi Electric This week our team continued research and contacting sponsors. Throughout the entire team we have seen that our potential sponsors are not being very quick with getting back to us so we have been contacting them back throughout the week. Engine testing was done on Sunday, where a few problems with glow plugs occurred but the team will be testing early this upcoming week. Test motors and a test heat sink have been ordered. When they arrive the team will test them with consistent batteries. Batteries are being researched along with a proper charging method. Other solutions to efficiency like thermal generators are also being considered. The chassis we are going to use is still getting researched. An aluminum chassis is one of our better primary choices but others like carbon fiber are being researched. Different methods of suspension design are being researched. A double rear axle will be installed. We have contacted the ID students to provide initial sketches of efficient body designs. A proper team name is also being generated. Next week testing again will be a large focus, getting the IC engines running on biofuels is going to be underway. Once proper parts arrive the motors will also be tested. Further research to the chassis and suspension is still underway. A basic stamp program is going to be used to charge our batteries. More sponsors will be contacted along with more attempts at ones that have already been contacted.
09/07/10 Team H2O KU Picked team name to be H2O KU (Hail to old KU). We have begun research for all parts of the project and are trying to figure out how each part will integrate with the fueling station. Body team is reviewing notes from last year and looking at current car models to find a design that will be both aerodynamic and futuristic looking. The chassis team is looking into both space frame and stretched skin designs. They have even looked at the formula one chassis. Suspension team has researched the hydrogen station and is taking an active part in the contest. Energy team preformed initial test on popcorn maker, and have plans to borrow a pyranometer from Epply labs. Drive line team looked into how the fuel cell will integrate with the motor and determined the identities of the connector included (pressure regulator and Swagelok valve with tubing. Fueling team came up to speed with lab books, contest, and other basic class things (due to late joining of team). All parts have read over all/some of the Cellmates papers and presentations for last year. Two members have made contact with sponsors and the rest have begun looking for sponsors.
Team Semi Electric This week the team continued research and also started contacting sponsors. We have received a reply back from a select few sponsors, but have nothing definite from our sponsors yet. We all decided research should get more intense so we can get into the testing phase. We all plan on getting into our testing after research is done in our respectable departments. We are also going to use the discussion board for announcements and for other team communication.
Team JimmE-V It is only the beginning of the semester and so far we are moving forward at a steady pace. Last week a majority of the team members took some time to familiarize themselves with their respective research topics. Each team member has had the chance to see the barn and acquaint themselves where we will be spending a lot of our time over the next year. So far, everyone on the team seems to be trying to get in the habit of communicating constantly which is going to be vital down the road. This past week, a data collecting device had been installed on one of the KU library vehicles in order to gather necessary information about the vehicles specific work environment, stresses, and work-loads as it goes through its daily routine. This data is going to be used as a set of specifications that our EV needs to strive to achieve. Next week we will be taking another step forward by looking to establish a team meeting time as where we can all get together to research as one. This will greatly improve productivity and give each team member the ability to ask questions and share information with the entire team instantly. It has been emphasized to us to start early and jump into the project, we intend to do just that. We wait eagerly for the arrival of the JimmE-V and hope to see its arrival by the week’s end.
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EcoHawks Weekly Blog (2010-2011) |
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The University of Kansas School of Engineering Design Project A Sustainable Approach to Automobiles and Energy Infrastructure |
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Scale Vehicles |
Energy Infrastructure |