Objectives
TuksBaja is team of engineering students from the University of Pretoria, dedicated to designing and building a small, single-seater off-road vehicle. In 2023, we made our first attempt at developing an electric-powered Baja (e-Baja). Implementation of an electric drive on a Baja requires a redesign of the drivetrain system since the normal Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) and gearbox arrangement is no longer suitable. Our current system's motor, gearbox, and energy source lack the necessary speed and torque for an optimal e-Baja performance.
Our aim is to develop an improved e-Baja with the potential to compete in future competitions. This project will involve a comprehensive analysis, testing, and refinement of the most effective electric drivetrain for the e-Baja. The drivetrain components include the electric motor, controller, battery, and transmission system. Additionally, we are exploring the feasibility of implementing regenerative braking to enhance energy efficiency.
Our objectives are to redesign the current e-Baja to improve its performance and efficiency. The improved e-Baja will then be tested to evaluate the performance and efficiency.
Methodology
In 2023, we made our first attempt at developing an e-Baja. However, the existing setup, which includes a 5KW motor powered by two 12V car batteries, proved inadequate results. Due to the poor performace, we decided to upgrade to a new 10kW motor and controller specifically designed for the e-Baja.
An experimental analysis was performed on the standard combustion engine Baja to establish a baseline of technical performance. This baseline will serve as a reference point to correlate the data obtained from the standard TuksBaja with the e-Baja. Furthermore, calculations were performed to determine the optimal battery size, battery life, and gear ratio for the electric drivetrain.
Products from RS
The fund will be used to purchase connectors, power supplies, and essential testing equipment such as pressure sensors, string displacement sensors, and proximity sensors, along with any additional electrical components necessary to achieve our objectives. Additionally, we will acquire a Raspberry Pi to integrate with the control system, enhancing data processing and automation capabilities.
Next Steps
The next step is to implement the selected drivetrain configuration into the e-Baja. Once the integration is complete, the e-Baja will undergo testing to evaluate its performance.
To achieve this objective, we will require several electrical components from RS Components. These components are essential for the successful implementation and testing of the upgraded electric drivetrain system.
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