Event Title

Smart Car Hybrid Conversion

Presenter Information

Samuel Yoder, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Jeremy Rupp, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Phillip Wencel, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Location

CSU 201

Start Date

5-4-2010 1:00 PM

End Date

5-4-2010 3:00 PM

Student's Major

Automotive and Manufacturing Engineering Technology

Student's College

Science, Engineering and Technology

Mentor's Name

Bruce Jones

Mentor's Department

Automotive and Manufacturing Engineering Technology

Mentor's College

Science, Engineering and Technology

Description

The Smart ForTwo CDI is a two passenger vehicle currently produced by Mercedes Benz in Europe and is powered by a small internal combustion engine. The main goal of this project consisted of the implementation of a custom electric drive system to accompany the existing engine to increase overall fuel mileage, while also reducing overall pollution outputs. The system was combined in a through the road hybrid system with the rear wheels being powered by the 3 cylinder diesel combustion engine, and the front wheels powered by the electric system. The combination of the efficient diesel engine and electric hybrid system gave us an overall vehicle that is not only fuel efficient, but environmentally friendly. Components were carefully selected to maximize the vehicles overall efficiency, therefore decreasing the amount of wasted energy. The development of this vehicle helped us learn about new technologies of the future that will help reduce our country’s dependence of foreign oil, and help keep our planet environmentally safe to live in.