Small Engines Research Facility

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CAI Tower
Sponsors SmERF
Team Name SmERT - Small Engines Research Team
Duration Summer 2014 - Fall 2014
Faculty Advisers
Mentor
  • Phillip Petersen
Students
  • Joe Gillilan
  • Jake Johnson
  • Kyle Polito

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
IsoCart.png
Cart Concept
  • Steel construction
  • Side walls double as loading ramps
  • Low ground clearance to reduce tipping
  • Straps secure gas bottles to cart


SideCart.png
Frame
  • Caster extended past bottle rack to allow a lower center of gravity
  • Ground Clearance of 3 inches
  • Hinged side walls double as loading ramps
TopCart.png
Wheel Assembly


  • Straps will secure bottles to center divider
  • A hook underneath the handle will hold all of the hoses
  • Shelves will hold regulators when not in use



Purchase a cart:

Cartmeco.jpg
Cart Concept
  • Cost $714
  • Cart Capacity: 1-8 Cylinders
  • Weight Capacity:1,500 lbs.
  • Max Cylinder Size: 9.25"

Dimensions: 60-1/2" x24" x42" Weight: 331 lbs. Ground Clearance: 1.5" Restraint: Chain and hinged ramp





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

Quick Reference Guides:

System Diagram

How to take a measurement

CAI Tower Turn on procedure

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Team Bio

Team Member Photo About
Joe Gillilan
Joe is a senior at the University of Idaho. He will be graduating with his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering with a minor in mathematics in December of 2014. Joe’s main interests include thermal energy systems design and 3-D computer aided modeling. After graduation, he is excited to work in either the aerospace, automotive, or thermo-power industries.

Outside of Joe’s educational life he is happily married and the proud father of a baby girl. Joe enjoys spending time with his family and working on personal projects. They love to go on walks, play games, and enjoy the outdoors. His hobbies include basketball, snowboarding, and hiking.

Jake Johnson
Jake is currently pursuing mechanical engineering degree. He is active on campus as a member of his fraternity, Alpha Kappa Lambda, and as the President of the IFC Judicial Board. He also works as a Manufacturing Engineering Intern for Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories. Jake enjoys riding motorcycles, boating, and spending time with friends and family.
Kyle Polito
Kyle Polito is a senior mechanical engineering student at the University of Idaho. Kyle’s work experience includes a summer internship with FlSmidth, where he created a spreadsheet to calculate shaft diameters for apron feeders to be used in the mining industry. Kyle enjoys hiking, mountain biking,golfing, and playing tennis. He is excited to begin working as an engineer when he graduates in December 2014.

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Document Archive

SmERT Meeting Minutes

Timeline

Gas Cylinders List

Design Review July 31

Decision Matrix

Cart Specifications

Technical Presentation

System Diagram

How to take a measurement

CAI Tower Turn on procedure

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