Design of a Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicle in the Capstone Design Course

Abstract

The capstone course in Mechanical engineering at North Carolina A&T State University (NCA&TSU) is divided into two semesters. Team design projects begin in the fall semester and continued during the following spring semester. North Carolina State University, we, like virtually all other engineering programs, require a capstone course involving a major design project. This year a team of four mechanical engineering students and two electrical engineering students has decided to design and build a fuel efficient hydrogen fuel cell vehicle to compete in the 2009 Shell Eco-Marathon. The competition is designed to provide engineering students with a real life design experience. The objective of the competition is to encourage innovation and foster the development of sustainable mobility. Participants can design a vehicle for the Prototype Group or the Urban Concept Group. The Prototype Group allows maximum technical creativity, while imposing minimum design restrictions. The Urban Concept Group is closer to actual road going vehicles and addresses current transportation requirements. Both groups must meet the design criteria and meet safety standards provided by the 2009 Shell Eco-Marathon Official Rules. Participants must also select from a list of Shell approved energy sources to power their vehicles. The list includes both traditional fuels and alternative fuels. The main objective of the competition is maximum fuel efficiency. This year NCA&T Shell Eco-Marathon team has decided to enter the Prototype Group and has selected Hydrogen as the energy source. Our team placed in the third place in the hydrogen fuel cell prototype group. The completion of the Shell Eco-Marathon design project will serves as a valuable learning experience, while demonstrating the technical abilities of the students.