Use of New Technology in the Challenge X Competition 2006-01-0518

Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology is one of 17 universities competing in Challenge X - Crossover to Sustainable Mobility, an international competition where teams are challenged to design, build, and test a hybrid vehicle architecture utilizing alternative fuels to reduce the energy consumption and emissions production of a 2005 Chevrolet Equinox while maintaining stock performance, utility and safety. During the first year of competition, our team has capitalized on numerous new technologies in both modeling software and physical components. PSAT was employed for preliminary architecture screening and component sizing while The Mathworks Simulink, SimDriveline, and Stateflow provided the environment for modeling our selected architecture and powertrain components. Our modeling progressed to real-time verification via multiple NI PXI chassis and a local CAN network. The physical components selected and modeled, representing the newst in available technology, include the VM Motori 2.5L CDI diesel engine using B-20 biodeisel, the Light Engineering Series 30 amorphous metal electric machines, the Cobasys 336V NiMH battery pack, the Allison-Electric EP40/50 planetary gear set, and the Cummins Fleetguard emissions treatment system. Over the upcoming year we will be integrating the physical components into a functional powertrain and improving the models and control strategy.