Analysis of detailed electric vehicle data in electrical engineering education
There is a large quantity of data available on the CAN bus of the Chevrolet Volt that can be obtained through the OBD2 connectors on both the passenger and driver side of the vehicle. Although much of this is not available on the console of the vehicle to passengers, it can be logged and collected to analyse various vehicle performance measures and behaviours as well as charging characteristics. A set of pertinent data has been collected simultaneously for approximately 40 vehicle parameters for numerous trips and charging events for the 2012 Chevrolet Volt. Some of the key parameters are battery voltage, battery current, motor currents, state of charge, engine rpm, vehicle speed, longitude, latitude, altitude, battery power, motor power, etc. This data has been used as a learning tool in the electrical engineering classroom for senior students in both advanced machine courses and in sustainable energy courses. Through analysis the students develop a better understanding of general electric vehicle operation principles and energy useage and management. They also develop problem solving skills and experience with analysing large data sets (certain trips have over 15 million data points) and using appropriate tools to perform large but repetitive tasks.
Engineering And Technology Education For Electric Vehicle Development
During 2011 electric vehicles will be mass produced for the first time in history. Current engineering students will play key roles in the development of the Smart Grid and electric vehicles. Unfortunately many of these same students already fail to see a link between what they are currently learning in the classroom and their role as a professional engineer. The energy engineering community needs to determine topics and instructional techniques that will help students connect their classroom experiences with the future opportunities they will encounter in the unfolding development of the electric vehicle and its supporting infrastructure. This paper reviews electric vehicle development as well as examples of previous learning experiences and Economic Stimulus funded initiatives for electric vehicle course and curriculum development. The paper also provides an overview of the electric vehicle drive train and corresponding engineering roles and skills, and reviews recent employment descriptions of what industry expects. Prospective curriculum items are discussed including identifying major topical areas for electric vehicle courses and a specific topical outline for an introductory electric vehicle course. Finally, the paper forecasts the need for resources including facilities, laboratory equipment and faculty development in this area.
Design And Implementation Of Virtual Hybrid Electric Vehicle Simulator For Educational Purpose
The objective of this paper is to describe the development of an educational purpose computerbased simulator for Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) technology. The tremendous capital investment, tedious and time-consuming tasks required to establish a full function of HEV laboratory are convincing evidence that the HEV curriculum is in need of a low-cost, computerbased virtual HEV simulator. An interactive, LabVIEW-based simulation software was developed for different configurations of hybrid powertrains under several driving conditions. The developed software is capable of simulating, illustrating and displaying (on the PC-based screen) the multiple energy flows in the HEV based on its configuration and driving conditions. The software integrated with actuator assembles the simulator which serves as a hands-on experience unit for multidiscipline students enrolled in the HEV technology courses. The virtual HEV simulator not only enhances the HEV training and education, but also increases students’ interest in the green movement of transportation.