Small Engines Research Facility
CAI Tower | |
Sponsors | SmERF |
Team Name | SmERT - Small Engines Research Team |
Duration | Summer 2014 - Fall 2014 |
Faculty Advisers | |
Mentor |
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Students |
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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
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
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
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
Cart Concept
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Frame
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Wheel Assembly
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Purchase a cart:
Cart Concept
Dimensions: 60-1/2" x24" x42" Weight: 331 lbs. Ground Clearance: 1.5" Restraint: Chain and hinged ramp
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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%)
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
CAI Tower Documentation
Quick Reference Guides:
Team Bio
Team Member Photo | About |
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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 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 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. | |