KLK320a: Optimal Design of Hybrid Electric-Human Powered Lightweight Transportation

Principal Investigators:

Edwin Odom

Project Objectives:

The objectives of this project are to

• Develop algorithms for designing structures with least weight,
• Develop genetic algorithm-based laminate analysis software ,
• Apply design philosophy and software to the design of a hybrid electric-human powered bicycle,
• Incorporate a fuel-cell power source into the hybrid bicycle design, and
• Develop an integrated design approach for general application to lightweight efficient transportation.

Task Descriptions:

• Task 1: Design first generation prototype of hybrid human-electric bicycle.
• Task 2: Present design at the UI Engineering Expo.
• Task 3: Model and verify performance of first generation prototype bicycle
• Task 4: Develop genetic algorithm based laminate analysis software.
• Task 5: Develop algorithms for designing structures with least weight.
• Task 6: Apply design philosophy and software to the design of a hybrid electric-human powered bicycle
• Task 7: Incorporate a fuel-cell power source into the hybrid bicycle design.
• Task 8: Develop an integrated design approach for general application to lightweight efficient transportation.
• Task 9: Write one to two proposals to potential sponsors.

Milestones:

• Project start date: July 1, 1999
• Design first generation prototype of hybrid human-electric bicycle: May 1999
• Present design at the UI Engineering Expo: May 1999
• Model and verify performance of first generation prototype bicycle: December 1999
• Develop genetic algorithm based laminate analysis software: May 1999
• Develop algorithms for designing structures with least weight: March 2000
• Apply design philosophy and software to the design of a hybrid electric-human powered bicycle: May 2000
• Incorporate a fuel-cell power source into the hybrid bicycle design: May 2000
• Develop an integrated design approach for general application to lightweight efficient transportation: May 2000
• Submit one to two proposals: May 2000
• Project end date: June 30, 2000

Budget Information:

UTC funds dedicated to this project are $39,793.

Student Involvement:

Relationship to the NIATT Strategic Plan and to Other Research Projects:

Over the last eight years the University of Idaho researchers have performed research in materials characterization of composite materials. Additionally, a continuous effort in the area of analysis of composite materials and efficient structures has been ongoing. During this time we have also become efficient at product realization, i.e., the design, fabrication, and testing, of products as well as manufacturing processes. Present day graduate students working on many of the other CCVT projects received their background training during these efforts. This expertise will now be applied directly to transportation issues in the form of designing a hybrid human-electric bicycle.

Technology Transfer Activities:

The first technology to be transferred from this research will be the genetic algorithm-based composite material analysis program. This design tool will allow the designer to design structures for such transportation applications as composite material drive lines, pressure vessels for fuels, and composite over-wrap of columns for earthquake protection. The result of the study of structures of least weight will be used directly in the hybrid human-electric bicycle. It should be noted that during the UI Design Expo an offer was extended for startup capital for the prototype bicycle being displayed. When the next generation design is completed, the issue of transfer to the public for production will be addressed.

Potential Benefits of the Project:

The potential benefit from this research not only includes the end product, a hybrid human-electric bicycle but also the development of design algorithms for use in designing any transportation platform. For example, the hybrid human-electric bicycle design will be studied for possible production. During this study we will ascertain the important design parameters for application of fuel cells to other types of vehicles. The bicycle is ideally suited for this since the design can be managed in such a manner that the problems of scale can be studied. For example, in the application of fuel cells to full-sized vehicles, the problems of scale include range, speed, and weight. In the application to a bicycle, each of these can be manipulated to study its effects on the final design. This information will be useful for future applications of fuel cells. Also, the genetic algorithm approach can be applied to other transportation design problems such as flywheel design, traffic control, and power management.

Project status:

Complete

Final Report:

N01-12 (pdf)