Abstract
This thesis investigates and demonstrates the application of a design methodology for prototyping in the field of integrated system engineering. The design and implementation of two hybrid-electric vehicles, for the entry into an endurance race, is used to illustrate the application of the proposed design methodology. Through the design process the design considerations for hybrid-electric endurance vehicles is deconstructed and addressed on a component level.
The problem with designing complex systems is the co-dependency of the sub-systems and components that form the complete system. The proposed design methodology involves parallel paths of action; a virtual path consisting of modelling and simulation, and a physical path consisting of component selection and a controlled testing environment. The virtual path is used to create specification requirements for specific sub-systems. The process is validated in comparing simulated results against real world results over the same input parameters.
Preceding work has been presented in the IEEE Africon Conference 2011 [1], and work pertaining to the project as a method of engineering education was presented in Global Engineering Education Conference (EDUCON), 2012 IEEE [2]. Furthermore, the work pertaining directly to the project was presented in IEEE Africon Conference 2013 in the journal article: Interchangeable Energy Sources for Hybrid Vehicles [3].
M.Ing. (Electrical and Electronic Engineering)