GUNTUR: A hybrid car designed by students of RVR & JC College of Engineering is set to compete at the “Hybrid Vehicle Challenge,’’ organized by the Imperial Society of Innovative Engineers at the Buddh International Circuit, Greater Noida.
The event, sponsored by the Government of India, is Asia’s biggest challenge for students of engineering. Students are encouraged to design vehicles run on alternative fuel to help them face future design challenges.
“It is estimated that by the year 2025, all automobiles would be of hybrid design and we have thought of designing the hybrid car with a futuristic design. The car is powered by 208cc internal combustion engine. After switching over to electric mode, the car is run by 48V battery. A 12V battery is used as an auxiliary circuit for accessories,’’ said M. Harshvardhan, a student of third year Mechanical Engineering Department.
Dedicated to classmate
The students had some emotional moments when designing the car as their classmate Siva died in a road accident. “We have dedicated the hybrid car to the memory of Siva,’’ said Mr. Harshvardhan.
Students formed into a team, Falcon Racers, to design the hybrid car, designed in the shape of Formula One race car. The design parameters include innovation, weight, design, brake test, endurance, publicity, fuel efficiency and eco-friendly nature.
The hybrid car runs on battery apart from conventional fuel. It has a double wishbone suspension, used in high-end cars, and hydraulic brakes on a par with standards of automobile industry.
The hybrid car also comes up with safety features like Alcohol Safe Ignitor, a sensor which could prevent the engine to start if the driver’s alcohol intake is beyond permissible limits.
Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering, NVVS Sudheeer, said that this was the students were competing at the Hybrid Vehicle Challenge for the second consecutive year. Earlier, the students won a prize at the competition held in Bhopal.
