Hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) combine the internal combustion engine (ICE) of a conventional vehicle with the battery and electric motor of an electric vehicle. Hybrid electric propulsion,... Show moreHybrid electric vehicles (HEV) combine the internal combustion engine (ICE) of a conventional vehicle with the battery and electric motor of an electric vehicle. Hybrid electric propulsion, currently available in a limited selection of automobiles, improves fuel economy while enhancing torque at low speeds. Onboard computers control the utilization of the ICE and electric motor, by selecting one or both power sources to drive the vehicle. A battery delivers power to the electric motor and is recharged by a generator driven by the ICE and by regenerative braking. This IPRO will seek to obtain similar benefits for a bicycle equipped with an electric motor and rechargeable battery by substituting the cyclist in the place of the hybrid electrics ICE. Regenerative braking and downhill pedaling will be investigated to recharge the battery. The course will likely involve at least one semester for requirements gathering, a feasibility study, and a computer simulation demonstrating the findings. Subsequent semesters will be engaged in the fabrication of a prototype. Mechanical engineers will work through motor and drive gear placement as well as other logistics. Chemical engineers will assess battery technologies to maximize power and ability to recharge. Biomedical engineers will study and design the man machine interface. Electrical engineers will assess power requirements of the motor and determine generator size needed. Computer engineers are needed to determine all control requirements and develop algorithms to satisfy them. Computer scientists are needed for programming and debugging. Show less
