DESIGN AND FABRICATIONS OF A MINI HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE

Abstract

Due to the ongoing control on emission levels and increase in fuel prices in many countries, it has become imperative for vehicle manufacturers to develop more fuel-efficient drivetrain technologies. Hybrid electric vehicles are viewed as short- or mid-term solutions for reducing emissions and fuel consumption while maintaining vehicle performance. This project aims to design and fabricate a mini hybrid electric vehicle to reduce the dependency on fossil fuel using locally sourced materials. A CAD model of the hybrid system was designed in Solidworks. Afterwards, a physical model was fabricated using mild steel in the Engineering Workshop at the University of Benin. Static and dynamic analysis of the models were then carried out in Ansys and Simulink respectively. The dynamic response of the simulated model was compared with data gotten from the experiments carried out on the physical model. The results from the static analysis showed that the model was stressed within permissible limits. The dynamic analysis showed that a 750W BLDC motor was sufficient for providing the low-speed torque for the mini hybrid system. The vehicle reached up to speeds of 17km/hr. It also showed that an IC engine rated at 3.5kW would provide sufficient power for the system to reach up to speeds of 70km/hr. The hybridization factor for the system was found to be 17.6% which makes it a mild hybrid vehicle. Finally, the physical model was taken through a test drive on the electrical propulsion system alone of which the estimated average speed was found to be 9.4km/hr