The team behind the invention - Standing (left to right): Lok , Yong
Han, Daniel, Dr Chew, Teik Khoon, Chee Wei. Below (from left) :
Ee Jen, Chee Kang, Mun Keong
The UTAR Centre for Vehicular Technology (CVT) has been actively researching
on technology for electric vehicles (EV). EVs are powered by battery energy
instead of the conventional internal combustion engines (ICE) which run on
fossil fuel. The batteries used are rechargeable. CVT Chairperson Dr Chew
Kuew Wai and his team of postgraduate and undergraduate students have
recently converted an ICE vehicle successfully into a fully electric one
which runs on a 144V DC motor.
The UTAR EV research team is supervised by Dr Chew who is also an Associate
Professor in the UTAR Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering of
the Faculty of Engineering and Science. Team members are current
postgraduate students, Daniel Yong Yew Rong and Ng Yong Han, while
undergraduate students are Ng Teik Khoon, Hemalatha a/p Ganesan, Ng Mun
Keong, Tan Chee Wei, Tan Chee Kang, Lok Kok Wei, and Tan Ee Jen.
This project started about two years ago and although some of the original
team members have graduated and left the university, the project was
continued by Dr Chew with new members. The team had a limited budget and
they had to be very resourceful to work within the budget. This meant that
decisions made had to be thoroughly thought through before purchasing any
items to prevent wastage. Each member of the team worked on different parts
of the vehicle, coming together regularly on decision making for the
electric vehicle. The students in the team had to work on the initial
design, concept, controls, power input and identify the different components
for assignment of tasks.
The team was researching on the methods of utilising the high energy
efficiency of the electric motor (about 60%) compared to the conventional
engine which has an efficiency of only about 20%. Running on twelve 12-volt
rechargeable batteries, the UTAR team’s EV was converted from a normal sedan
running on an ICE system. Akin to other EVs, this EV is environmentally
friendly and does not produce tailpipe emissions. Therefore, the exhaust
pipe and petrol tank have been removed from the vehicle.
“Carrying these 12 batteries in the car is not only bulky but also heavy at
the same time. We are hoping to use lithium batteries in the future as they
are much lighter. However, they cost three to four times the price of the
lead batteries currently used”, explained Dr Chew on some of the
improvements the team would like to work on. Talking about the calculations,
Dr Chew and the team remarked that a full charge could take the EV to about
80 kilometres in distance which would cost around RM7.00 of electricity to
recharge the batteries. This brings the cost to less than RM0.10 per
kilometre which is an excellent cost to mileage ratio.
“When we started on this project, it was quite tough for us as we studied
electrical and electronic engineering and had very little knowledge in
automotive engineering. However, that did not prevent us from achieving our
goals and our passion in the project. It was a once in a lifetime learning
experience and I learnt a lot from working on this project. Our team had to
do a lot of reading and research and our teamwork certainly played a major
role in our success.” said Daniel.
Meanwhile, Teik Khoon, a final year student who was instrumental in
assembling the parts of the vehicle together, explained that the team had to
work under harsh conditions such as under the hot sun, and there were times
when the team had to stay up to two consecutive days on campus to do
troubleshooting. “The main task is the coupling issue for the electric
vehicle. Because of the intricate wiring in the conversion of the engine, I
have to ensure that connections are done with precision and take into
consideration the issue of safety and protection to prevent electrical
shocks. Many times, I had to go on my motorbike and ride out to source for
the many small and intricate parts for the electric vehicle, such as the
small screws and nuts. We used our ingenuity to find solutions when
troubleshooting and went out to source and purchase the many different
components of the vehicle. It wasn’t easy but I was determined to make this
work.” said Teik Khoon.
Yong Han, who is in charge of data logging, said, “If given another chance,
I would do this all over again. To learn something new is exciting. I am
fascinated by the control system and physical behavior of the electric
vehicle. I monitor the energy consumption of the vehicle and analyse the
data for future improvements.”
This UTAR prototype electric vehicle serves as a research platform for
future research studies and improvements. The simulation results are not
convincing without the evidence of real field test results and hence this
electric vehicle is an important research tool. It provides an opportunity
for students to explore and utilize their ingenuity for innovation and
creativity in the field of technology. This vehicle also provides an
excellent tool for hands-on learning.
The team will be showcasing the prototype electric vehicle in Chong Hwa
Secondary School, Jalan Gombak, at the end of this month.
Dr Chew and the team in discussion
“We are hoping to use lithium batteries in the future” says Dr Chew. Next to
him is Yong Han.
The UTAR EV in motion
The team inspects the EV. With them is UTAR Corporate Communication & PR
Director Ong Soo Weon
Some of the 12-volt Trojan batteries used to power the car
A power socket replaces the obsolete fuel hose
The modified engine of the vehicle with the wirings and the charger
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