Digitized Honors Theses (2002-2017)

Date of Award

5-2016

Document Type

Undergraduate Thesis

Degree Name

BS

Department

Mechanical Engineering

Faculty Mentor

Carlos Montalvo, Ph.D.

Advisor(s)

David Nelson, Ph.D., Doug Haywick, Ph.D.

Abstract

The performance of a single-cylinder internal combustion engine vehicle is evaluated using autonomous speed control in an effort to improve fuel economy. By controlling vehicle throttle, the amount of fuel that is consumed can be minimized, resulting in reduced emissions and increased fuel economy. A non-linear one degree of freedom simulation was developed to model the vehicle using engine power output, specific fuel consumption and terrain data. Relay and proportional controls were then used to regulate velocity and simulate the vehicle to obtain fuel economy results based on throttle. It was found that driving techniques with lower throttle settings were the most efficient. Thus, compared to relay control, the proportional controller resulted in higher fuel economy since it commands using lower throttle settings. The simulation was tested using the SMV parameters and a fuel economy comparable to the results of physical testing was achieved, validating the results of the simulation. In addition, numerous parameters were varied to determine their effect on the overall performance. It was found that mass and bearing friction coefficient were the most sensitive. Future application of the simulation includes the testing of more advanced control methods, such as model predictive control, and the addition of an integrated display that indicates to the driver the optimal driving method based on real-time data of how the vehicle is performing. Furthermore, it was found that engine data highly dictated the output of the simulation; thus, more rigorous testing of the engine such as dynamometer testing is recommended.

Comments

© 2016 Lisa M. Schibelius ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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