Research Paper Example on Drive System

Introduction

With the advancing technology and innovations in the field of mechanical engineering, the idea of individual electric vehicles has become common. Research shows that the electric Go Kart has various advantages. For instance, it saves fuel, is energy efficient, and is environmentally friendly since it emits fewer gases (Mehrdad, Yimin, & Ali, 2010). A small one-kart Model can be selected in this project rather than using a full-size car. Simply put, the chosen model has a mounting convenience, and it is economical due to its fuel-saving and energy efficiency factors (Guru & Hiziroglu, 2001). This model is also mechanically simple and easily upgradable to the electrical system. To make the project simple, each of the rear wheels can be connected directly to the Kart to eliminate motor that could bring technicality (Leitman & Brant, 2009). In designing the drive system, it is vital to consider the parameters for selecting the electric Kart as well as the pros and cons of the various electric drive configurations.

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Parameters of the Drive System

The main parameters for selecting the drive system include the top speed, power, supply, and weight of the motor.

Supply

The source of the voltage of an electric vehicle is usually a battery. The most common cells used are lead-acid 12V because they are easily accessible and cheap (Guru & Hiziroglu, 2001). The mechanics can connect such batteries in series to attain a high voltage. However, in designing the drive system, it is appropriate to use about two batteries giving 24V/50 Ah because of the weight and size of the lead-acid batteries (Leitman & Brant, 2009). To develop the vehicle further, there is a need to install more capacity energy sources such as fuel cells.

Weight

Weight is the most fundamental parameter that must be considered while developing the drive system because it helps the system to move. The weight of the motors is the essential factor that must be measured first. This weight depends on the type of motor applied in the system (Mehrdad, Yimin, & Ali, 2010). However, it can change significantly for similar power ratings of a motor. For instance, a series Direct Current motor can be twice heavier than a permanent magnet Direct Current motor (Leitman & Brant, 2009). The table below shows a power-weight ratio of various motor types that are likely to be derived from the drive system per one mass unit.

In the table above, it is assumed that the motor weighs approximately 20kg. This gives the drive system a total weight of about 200kg.

Top Speed

As stated, the primary objective is to match the combustion engine operation of the electric Kart. The preferred speed when designing the electric kart is 60km/h. This speed is selected to show the realistic performance of the drive system.

The formula for calculating the rational speed of the motor is as follows:

n=VpD,(1)

Where n= the wheel's rational speed,

V=the top velocity of the wheel

D= the diameter of the wheel

Power

The power consumed by the motor is obtained from the factors mentioned above. Assuming that the maximum acceleration of the system is constant, then, the maximum power is determined using the formula below.

P=Wt=F.st=m.a.st, (2)

Where:

m = mass of the system

a= maximum acceleration of the Kart

s= the distance covered during to the top speed during acceleration

t= time taken by the acceleration

In most cases, the time is taken to be about six seconds.

The distance d is obtained by;

S =V.t -=a.t22 ,(3)

Therefore, Acceleration a is obtained by;

a=Vt(4)

Joining the 3rd and the 4th equations;

P=mV22t,(5)

To make the selection of the motor simple, its rated value must be the maximum power. Next, the motor should be selected with a high rating than the result obtained using the fifth equation. This will help to avoid possible inaccuracies in the parameters.

Electrical Drives

Mechanics have not found an explicit solution for the drive system. What they do to determine the electrical drives is to analyze different configurations of the drive depending on the system's performance (Guru & Hiziroglu, 2001). The evaluation involves Direct current motors with the permanent magnet and electric stimulation, AC permanent magnet synchronous motors, AC squirrel cage motors, and appropriate power electronic converters for every engine (Leitman & Brant, 2009).

Based on these electrical motors, the best one to use in the drive system is the DC motor. It is because Simple and efficient circuits can drive the motor. Also, DC motors have low voltages that are appropriate for the electric karts since the drive system can efficiently operate at low voltages (Mehrdad, Yimin, & Ali, 2010). DC motor is also simple to use than the AC machine. Considering all the parameters, the DC motor is regarded as the best in the drive system because it has a nominal voltage of 72V, has a rated power of 7Kw, has a nominal current of 114A, and is loaded with a speed of 3300rpm (Leitman & Brant, 2009).

References

Guru, S. B., & Hiziroglu, H. (2001). Electric Machinery and Transformers (third ed.). Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Leitman, S., & Brant, B. (2009). Build your electric vehicle. New York: McGraw-Hill, Inc.

Mehrdad, E., Yimin, G., & Ali, E. (2010). Modern electric, hybrid electric, and fuel cell vehicles.Fundamentals, Theory, and Design (Second ed.). Florida: CRC Press.