2019 EUTV Electric Generator
Location
CSU 203
Start Date
2-4-2019 11:05 AM
End Date
2-4-2019 12:05 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
As hybrid and electric cars grow in popularity as a more environmentally friendly method of transportation than standard gasoline cars, the utility vehicle (UTV) industry, such as side-by-sides, has very little on the market for electric or hybrid vehicles. One reason why is batteries provide less range than combustion engines. To combat this a gasoline electric generator was installed on an electric UTV to extend is range beyond that of the battery packs alone. This will allow the EUTV to run on batteries most of the time but will also have the long-range capabilities of other UTVs if necessary. The generator also provides outlets for power tools while not charging the batteries. To apply this concept the requirements of the generator were determined based on the charger used, available space, and ergonomic requirements. A mathematical model was used to simulate different generator options to determine what their extended range would be. Mounts were designed and manufactured to mount the generator to the vehicle. Wiring diagrams of the current vehicle and battery management system were analyzed to determined how to wire the generator to the vehicle. The biggest challenges through this process were allocating space for the generator, charger, and related equipment. Through this process it was demonstrated that a generator could be implemented into an EUTV. This extended vehicle range by 50% while the generator was running. This could help hybrid electric utility vehicles compete with standard gasoline UTV in terms of range while battery technology continues to develop.
2019 EUTV Electric Generator
CSU 203
As hybrid and electric cars grow in popularity as a more environmentally friendly method of transportation than standard gasoline cars, the utility vehicle (UTV) industry, such as side-by-sides, has very little on the market for electric or hybrid vehicles. One reason why is batteries provide less range than combustion engines. To combat this a gasoline electric generator was installed on an electric UTV to extend is range beyond that of the battery packs alone. This will allow the EUTV to run on batteries most of the time but will also have the long-range capabilities of other UTVs if necessary. The generator also provides outlets for power tools while not charging the batteries. To apply this concept the requirements of the generator were determined based on the charger used, available space, and ergonomic requirements. A mathematical model was used to simulate different generator options to determine what their extended range would be. Mounts were designed and manufactured to mount the generator to the vehicle. Wiring diagrams of the current vehicle and battery management system were analyzed to determined how to wire the generator to the vehicle. The biggest challenges through this process were allocating space for the generator, charger, and related equipment. Through this process it was demonstrated that a generator could be implemented into an EUTV. This extended vehicle range by 50% while the generator was running. This could help hybrid electric utility vehicles compete with standard gasoline UTV in terms of range while battery technology continues to develop.
Recommended Citation
Farrell, Timothy and Owen Parker. "2019 EUTV Electric Generator." Undergraduate Research Symposium, Mankato, MN, April 2, 2019.
https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/urs/2019/oral-session-05/2
