Research and Education With a Hydraulic Hybrid Vehicle Laboratory

Abstract

This paper presents the development of a hydraulic hybrid vehicle (HHV) based laboratory course for the Mechanical, Industrial, and Manufacturing Engineering Department at the University of Toledo. The objective of the laboratory course is to serve as both an educative tool as well as a tool in advancing the research of HHV technologies. The laboratory consists of a HHV test stand that approximates the workings of a series type HHV and an accompanying simulation model of the system. The course is based on a problem-solving learning approach that will aid students in gaining a fuller understanding of the fundamentals from core mechanical engineering curriculum including: Fluid Dynamics, Energy Systems, Vibrations, Mechatronics and Control. This course is unique in that the instructor serves a guide or manager for the students and does not evaluate the student based on exams rather, the student is evaluated based on his/her ability to apply engineering principles. After learning some basics of research and performing a literature review of the subject, the students will be asked to solve a problem and report their findings in a technical publication format. The students are evaluated based on their performance in applying engineering principles towards the solution of a relevant engineering problem and effectively communicating that via a conference publication candidate. In this way, a better index for evaluating student mastery of engineering principles is achieved and a gaping hole in the Mechanical Engineering curriculum is filled while at the same time offering an efficient means of advancing HHV technology.