Comparison of different powertrains for a 20-ton off-road machine, including simulations of vehicle dynamics, hydrostatic transmissions, series hybrid hydrostatic transmissions, electric motors, battery packs, and hydrogen fuel cells. This work was done with CNH Industrial and Prof. James Van de Ven from the University of Minnesota.

Objectives

Create Simulink models of three powertrains to study fuel consumption and efficiency of different components. 

Results

Validated a hydrogen fuel cell model with experimental testing. 

Determined the efficiency of each powertrain architecture. 

Created a novel technique to control a hydrogen fuel cell and a series hybrid hydraulic transmission.

Two journal papers are currently in preparation. 

The Variable Displacement Linkage Pump/Motor (VDLP/M) consists of multiple linkage mechanisms mounted on a single radial plane, along with an internal or external radial drive cam. The VDLM motor is the only low-speed, high-torque machine capable of adjusting its displacement continuously.  This machine architecture achieves mechanical efficiencies greater than 90% across various fractional displacements. The project was developed by a team of engineers at the Mechanical Energy and Power Systems Laboratory at the University of Minnesota. 

I was responsible for the linkage kinematics, design of the displacement adjust mechanism, electronic sensors inside the VDLM, data acquisition of some sensors,  assembly and testing.

Objectives

Design, assemble and test a multicylinder variable displacement linkage motor.

Model, design and test a displacement adjustment mechanism for a variable displacement linkage motor. 

Results

Several experimental tests were performed successfully.

We demonstrated that the mechanical efficiency remains very high across different fractional displacements.

Several conference and journal papers were produced. 

The Variable Displacement Linkage Pump/Motor (VDLP/M) consists of a single linkage mechanisms mounted along with an internal or external radial drive cam. This machine architecture achieves mechanical efficiencies greater than 90% across various fractional displacements. The project was developed by a team of engineers at the Mechanical Energy and Power Systems Laboratory at the University of Minnesota. 

I was responsible for the design of the motoring/pumping mechanism, electronic sensors, data acquisition, assembly and some tests.

Objectives

Design, assemble and test a single cylinder variable displacement linkage motor.

Results

Several experimental tests were successfully performed. We demonstrated that the machine functions properly, and the torque model closely matches the experimental results. One conference paper was produced. 

•Designed and built a coordinate measuring machine with a teammate for the graduate class ME 8283: Design of Mechatronic Products. I was responsible for the sensors, electronic circuit and graphical user interface in Python. 

Objectives

Design, assemble, and test a coordinate measuring machine with 3D capability, and develop a graphical user interface. 

Results

Multiple experimental tests were successfully conducted. The machine is capable of measuring coordinates with an accuracy of less than 0.1mm. The collected points can be utilized for reverse engineering shapes and generating CAD geometries. 

I participated in the design, construction, and testing of the first Formula SAE electric vehicle developed in Ecuador. As the faculty advisor, I mentored a team of 25 undergraduate students over two years to bring this prototype to life. I initiated the project, obtained funding, and provided guidance on the design and development of critical assemblies, overseeing the entire process from concept to completion. 

Objectives

Design, build, and test Ecuador's first Formula SAE electric vehicle and participate in the Formula Student UK competition. 

Results

Designed, built, and tested the Formula SAE electric vehicle.

Participated in the Formula Student competition in the UK.

Gained expertise in the development of electric vehicles.

Trained 25 students in vehicle design and development.

Supervised 10 undergraduate and graduate engineering theses.

Developed an innovative bus body frame design methodology, optimizing weight and safety through structural analysis and impact simulations using the finite element method. 

Objectives

• Propose a design methodology for bus body frames using topology and size optimization.

• Develop a method for evaluating rollover protection of bus body frames using nonlinear explicit finite element analysis.

Results

Developed an innovative bus body frame design methodology that optimized weight and enhanced safety.

Applied structural analysis and impact simulations using the finite element method.

Successfully implemented topology and size optimization techniques to improve bus body frame design.

Established a reliable method for assessing rollover protection through nonlinear explicit finite element analysis.