College - Author 1

College of Engineering

Department - Author 1

Mechanical Engineering Department

Degree Name - Author 1

BS in Mechanical Engineering

College - Author 2

College of Engineering

Department - Author 2

Mechanical Engineering Department

Degree - Author 2

BS in Mechanical Engineering

College - Author 3

College of Engineering

Department - Author 3

Mechanical Engineering Department

Degree - Author 3

BS in Mechanical Engineering

Date

3-2020

Primary Advisor

Joseph Mello, College of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Department

Abstract/Summary

Our senior project involves designing a chassis dynamometer capable of simulating variable loads for the Cal Poly Supermileage Vehicle (SMV) team. The chassis dynamometer we are developing uses an alternator to develop additional resistance that the vehicle will have to overcome while testing. To implement a control system for the variable load, we use an Arduino Nano paired with multiple sensors and drivers. This control system allows the user to select different levels of resistance that correlate with different road grades. We designed a custom Printed Circuit Board (PCB) that will contain all the electrical components needed for the control system. We designed a mechanical system that makes use of belt drive pulleys to link the resistance provided by the alternator to the rotating drum and shaft assembly. Our final design also includes a software system with a Graphical User Interface (GUI) that allows for users of the SMV team to easily select various road grades and see the results of their dynamometer testing. Our design will allow the SMV team to make more efficient upgrades to the powertrain of both their gas and electric vehicles.

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