Small Engines Research Facility

Description

Design Task
Improve University infrastructure by providing professional vehicle emissions testing capability to:
 * Graduate Students
 * Formula Hybrid Team
 * Clean Snowmobile Team
 * Other Research Teams

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Goals
CAI Emissions Analyzer
 * Mobile storage solution for calibration gasses
 * Recalibrate CO Analyzer
 * Set up the Zero Air Generator
 * Identify and install necessary hardware
 * Create documentation for future students
 * Verify system functionality

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Cart Design Specifications

 * Secure Gas Bottles Valve end up
 * Have locking casters
 * Accept a range of different bottle sizes
 * Accept 8 to 10 Gas Bottles
 * Sturdy Design/Wont tip
 * Able to support ~1000 lb

Full Cart Specifications List

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Design
Four options were considered when deciding what kind of cart would work best. The first option explored was to build a cart from scratch. Next we considered building a stand for the cylinders that could be moved with a pallet jack. Third we considered buying a stationary cart and using a pallet jack. Our final option was to purchase an existing cart.

Build a rolling cart:
 * Pros:
 * -holds 10 cylinders
 * -can add additional options to cart
 * Cons:
 * -Time consuming to build
 * -Cost is similar to purchasing existing cart

Purchase a cart:

Cart Design Decision Matrix

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CO Analyzer
Purpose- uses NDIR (non-dispersive infrared) technology to measure dual low an high level CO Problem- Does not measure a high enough concentration of CO for our current needs Solution- Sent to CAI for recalibration (CO Low: 0-100, 0-1000ppm, CO High: 0-0.5%, 0-5.0%)

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Zero Air Generator
Purpose- Used to purge gasses from the analyzers after testing Zero air- Ambient air purified to contain less than 0.1 ppm total hydrocarbons Requirements- must be mounted vertically, and needs compressed air free of particles larger than 0.1 micron

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CAI Tower Documentation
System Diagram

Quick reference guides

How to take a measurement

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Team Bio
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Document Archive
SmERT Meeting Minutes

Timeline

Gas Cylinders List

Design Review July 31

Decision Matrix

Cart Specifications

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