KU EcoHawks Build Energy Efficient Vehicle Using Wind Power
October 8, 2010
What does a 1997 GMC Jimmy have to do with making KU a greener campus? The KU EcoHawks are converting it into a modern electric vehicle that will deliver Campus Mail, a program made possible by KU Libraries, materials using wind energy.
KU Libraries voiced an interest in obtaining a “green” vehicle and jumped at the chance to get involved in a project that would engage library staff and students. The Jimmy will replace the truck that the Libraries are currently using.
Senior design students enrolled in ME 640 and 645 have already begun work on the Jimmy under the supervision of Christopher Depcik, Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering and EcoHawks founder.
“I wanted to look at the automobile from a sustainable approach. We focus on a real-world vehicle while considering the environment and energy. Then, we relate it to education and consider its future potential,” said Depcik.
The project started with a proposal requesting funds and progressed into a series of tests to learn theory, concepts and design. Students must work together to understand the process and choose the best materials while still staying within a budget. Funds are provided by KU TRI and US Environmental Protection Agency.
The goal of this project is to look at cars and energy differently. The previous project, a Volkswagen Beetle, ran on solar energy. This time, the EcoHawks chose wind energy so they could witness another energy source interacting with the auto. The Jimmy also has heating and air conditioning—a step up from the Beetle.
Mickey Clemon, a mechanical engineering senior, is overseeing the smart grid incorporation with the Jimmy through scale modeling. Clemon’s job is to figure out what parts can run at which particular time to conserve energy. Clemon described his role by comparing the Jimmy to a cafeteria setting.
“During the day, the lights and air conditioning are running at max capacity. However, we can control other electronics, such as the dishwasher, and run them at night when energy is less in demand and therefore cheaper,” said Clemon.
The EcoHawks hope to have the Jimmy finished by the end of the school year, but will not press the deadline if the vehicle is not ready. They want to ensure a quality job is done and not rush the process. The Jimmy will remain property of the EcoHawks, so they can monitor it and record any changes it undergoes to further their research.
Projects such as this have helped the EcoHawks land awards such as the 2009-2010 Student Organization of the Year for Academic Enrichment from the Student Involvement & Leadership Center, 1st Place Senior Design Project Competition from the Engineering Student Council (2010), 1st Place Senior Design Project Poster Display from the Engineering Student Council (2010), 1st Place Engineering Expo (with ASME) from the KU School of Engineering (2010) and Academic Project Sustainability Leadership Award from the KU Center for Sustainability (2009).
Next on the EcoHawks’ agenda is to build a car from scratch for the Shell Urban Concept Vehicle Challenge. The Beetle and Jimmy will serve as references and resources for the students to draw from.
“We increased the level of sophistication and technology with each project. The goal of this project will be to create something the consumer will want to drive,” said Depcik.
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