Energy-efficient Vehicle Body Design for the Shell-Eco Marathon Competition

Abstract

This article presents relevant information regarding the design process of the body of an energy-efficient vehicle used by the students of Automotive Engineering Department, Universidad del Azuay for participation in the Shell-Eco Marathon of the Americas competition. The objective was to design a single-seater vehicle that is capable of travelling several kilometers with the least possible energy consumption; thus, a computational study CFD of the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle was conducted. This study showed the need to adjust the initial design proposal, decreasing its drag coefficient from 0.43 to 0.32. The body will be built using fiberglass and acrylic for the windows as they are light materials that are easy to mold, reducing the mass of the vehicle and its manufacturing cost. The single-seater car body not only presents the necessary safety to protect the driver from external agents but also provides the visibility needed to drive on the track. In this way, a single-seater vehicle that can participate in the competition, complying with its regulations and requirements, is presented.

Keywords

• aerodynamics, drag, coefficient, energy, one-seater vehicle.