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Preparation and Testing of an Electric Competition Vehicle
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English
Abstract
A Dodge Omni electric car was prepared for competition in an electric “stock car” 2-hour endurance event: the inaugural Solar and Electric 500 Race, April 7, 1991. This entry utilized a series-wound, direct-current 21-hp electric motor controlled by an SCR frequency and pulse width modulator. Two types of lead-acid batteries were evaluated and the final configuration was a set of 16 (6-volt each) deep-cycle units.
Preparation involved weight and friction reduction; suspension modification; load, charge and temperature instrumentaltion; and electrical interlock and collision safety systems. Vehicle testing totalled 15 hours of operation. Ranges observed in testing with the final configuration were from 30 to 52 miles for loads of 175 to 90 amperes. These were nearly constant, continuous discharge cycles. The track qualifying speed (64mph) was near the 68 mph record set by the DEMI Honda at the event on the one-mile track.
Based on test data, a strategy was developed for the event to allow 2 hours of continuous operation, while maximizing distance traveled. This resulted in a plan of 90 amperes at approximately 30mph.
Improvements are necessary in transmission gear ratios, motor controls and battery energy density to improve overall performance. Other plans for development include possible conversion to hybrid operation (with a range extender I. C. engine) and supplemental power supplies such as a thermoelectric waste heat generator.
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Citation
Bass, E., Mabrito, B., and Atkins, L., "Preparation and Testing of an Electric Competition Vehicle," SAE Technical Paper 911684, 1991, https://doi.org/10.4271/911684.Also In
References
- Solar and Electric Racing Association Electric Stock Car Rules and Specifications 1991
- Society of Automotive Engineers Electric Vehicle Technology SP-817 February 1990
- Gereth, Reinhard K. VARTA Batterie AG, Research Center “Batteries for the Electric Vehicle,” April 24 1991 Battery Council International, World ‘Technology Panel - Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
- Barber, K.F. U.S. Department of Energy “An Overview of the Electric and Hybrid Vehicles R&D Program at the U.S. Department of Energy,” April 24 1091 Battery Council International, World Technology Panel - Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
- Takahashi, Katsuhiro Japan Storage Battery Co., Ltd. “Trends; arid Problems in the Development of Electric Vehicle Batteries in Japan,” April 24 1991 Battery Council International, World Technology Panel - Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
- Hull, Roy W. Southwest Research Institutte “Electric and Hybrid Vehicle Test and Evaluation Program: Final Report,” July 31 1985
- Hietbrink, E.H. Boak, R.W. Atkins, L.P. General Motors Corp “Electric Vehicle Road Tests of Ni-Zn Batteries,” February 28 1983 SAE Paper # 830110