Formula Hybrid

2013-2014

McMaster University

Project Description

The Formula Hybrid Competition takes place annually. It is regarded as the most complex and dynamic of the series of competitions hosted by the Society of Automotive Engineers for Collegiate Design. The purpose of the competition is to create the most efficient formula-style electric or plug-in hybrid race car. Each car competes in numerous events to evaluate performance and fuel efficiency. The competition emphasizes innovating new techniques to increase the performance of the vehicle.

My Role

As a part of the McMaster Formula Hybrid team, I was able to work on the software, improving the performance of the car. I was responsible for working on the algorithm, to detect and correct for the wheel slipping during acceleration, and breaking events of the vehicle. This was an excellent way to apply my knowledge of filters and real-time systems from class. Filters were used to reduce noise in the system and help compensate for the sampling frequency that was limited by the speed of the CAN network of the vehicle. Unfortunately, time constraints didn't allow for the proper testing of the software and a decision was made to not include the code during the competition to ensure the driver's safety.

Knowledge, Skills and Abillities

  • PCB Debugging
  • Low level Programming
  • C++
  • Soldering
  • Matlab/Simulink

Goals, Success Factors

  • Develop a well performing Hybrid Vehicle
  • Understand the basics of developing a hybrid vehicle

Challenges

  • This project had a very steep learning curve
  • Very large multiyear project

Reflection

This project taught me a lot about how larger teams needs to be organsied. Given the multiyear nature of the project, it was amazing to see how knowlege was transfered from year to year.