Design Progress: 50 %
Build Progress: 10%

UMSAE broke new ground last year by building and entering a series hybrid into the recently created SAE Formula Hybrid competition. After a lot of hard work, and a steep learning curve, Formula Hybrid made it to competition at the New Hampshire Speedway in May 2009 to finish 13th out of a total 30 registered teams. The 2010 formula hybrid team has their goals set high, and plan to take the momentum from their premiere year into the design and fabrication of this year’s series hybrid racecar.

For their debut year, the 2009 hybrid car was allowed to use an existing frame, and one was provided by the 2006 formula car.
This year’s frame design will include some major design changes over the previous frame. This will include being smaller and lighter, with the smallest allowable wheelbase dimensions, as well as incorporating battery storage and the hybrid drivetrain into the design.

The 2009 hybrid drivetrain featured dual electric drive motors with a fixed gear ratio powering each rear axle, with differential control being provided by motor controllers. Based on the limitations of this system, and a heightened priority of efficiency within the drivetrain, the 2010 drivetrain will be featuring a drastically modified system. This system features a completely redesigned form of power transfer, and is projected to greatly increase both acceleration and efficiency, featuring independent traction control at the rear wheels.

Design work and testing continues with all electrical systems in the hybrid car. The driving system will be controlled using electronic microcontrollers, which will manage the gear ratio as well as power delivery, and monitor system vitals. This year’s power generation system will feature an engine similar to the 150 cc Honda GY6, mated to a modified permanent magnet hybrid alternator, producing DC power at 72 volts.