Summary Page for Individual Wiki Report
| Date Completed: 30 November 2006 |
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Table of Contents |
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| Author: Jon Evans | Team: Solar Car |
Problem Statement
The University of Utah Solar Vehicle requires ventilation for the driver, battery boxes and electrical components. In order to meet the rules set by the American Solar Challenge, a ventilation system needed to be designed to bring outside air into the vehicle. This will allow the vehicle to run more efficiently and safely.
Requirements
The requirements for the ventilation system came from two sources: American Solar Challenge and the University of Utah Solar Vehicle Design Team. These requirements are:
American Solar Challenge Requirements:
- Batteries must be ventilated at a minimum of 280 L/min
- Must be active whenever battery system is electrically connected to the rest of the car.
- Outside air must be provided for the driver.
Additional Team Requirements:
- Shell interface must not significantly compromise aerodynamics.
- Shell interface must be lightweight.
- Shell interface must be easy to manufacture and include Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) parts.
- Shell interface must connect with COTS ducting equipment.
- Shell interface must not be overly expensive.
Concept Generation
Many different concepts were explored during the design process. These concepts were generated by brainstorming ideas, both alone and as a group, and by benchmarking what other solar car teams were using. A mind map was generated, and a few of the most promising concepts were further explored using hand sketches.
Design Refinement
From the many possibile concepts and materials, a Quality Function Deployment (QFD) matrix was used to narrow down the concepts to several key design options. Of these, two were chosen to model using Pro/Engineer® design software.
Final Selection and Specifications
After examining the models created using Pro/E, the final design for the ventilation shell interface was chosen using another QFD decision matrix with refined parameters. The design chosen was one where the interface mounted directly to an opening in the shell. This design was completed in Pro/E, and an assembly drawing was made.
Lessons Learned
Many lessons were learned as this project went through the design process. These included:
- The usefulness of brainstorming
- The help that a fresh perspective brings
- How much can be learned from a CAD model
- The importance of COTS parts
- The importance of proper documentation
References & Acknowledgements
- I would like to thank Ryan Jamison, Joseph Alston and David Anderson for helping guide the creation of this page.