Ahmad Kamal Mat Yamin

An Assessment of CFD Applied to Steady Flow in a Planar Diffuser Upstream of an Automotive Catalyst Monolith

Flow maldistribution across automotive exhaust catalysts significantly affects their conversion efficiency. Flow behaviour can be predicted using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). This study investigates the application of CFD to modelling flow in a 2D system consisting of a catalyst monolith downstream of a wide-angled planar diffuser presented with steady flow. Two distinct approaches, porous medium and individual channels, are used to model monoliths of length 27 mm and 100 mm. Flow predictions are compared to particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurements made in the diffuser and hot wire anemometry (HWA) data taken downstream of the monolith. Both simulations compare favourably with PIV measurements, although the models underestimate the degree of mixing in the shear layer at the periphery of the emerging jet. Tangential velocities are predicted well in the central jet region but are overestimated elsewhere, especially at the closest measured distance, 2.5 mm from the monolith. The individual channels model is found to provide a more consistently accurate velocity profile downstream of the monolith. Maximum velocities, on the centre line and at the secondary peak near to the wall, are reasonably well matched for the cases where the flow is more maldistributed. Under these conditions, a porous medium model remains attractive because of low computational demand.

Principle of generator HHO hybrid multistack type production technologies to increase HHO gas volume

Hydrogen isclassified as New Energy and also considered as the most promising transportation fuel candidate in the future. Various pilots test of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles by the worlds leading automotive industries since the last 50 years have begun to show bright spot in the utilization of hydrogen-based fuel cells as vehicle fuel. The electrolysis process of water (H2 O) would produce H2 (hydrogen) and O2 (oxygen). The conventional method resulted in inconsistent volume and quality of HHO gas. However, the current development of HHO gas production through electrolysis process varies in term of materials, production process, design of certain tools, and technical modifications to obtain optimum results. In this research, the Hybrid Multistack TypeHHO generator has been designed and developed by combining two types of dry and wet cell generators. In this study using both cell type generator (wet and dry cell) or called as a hybrid type. Through the process of electrolysis in HHO enclosure space, the HHO gas was produced. The volume of HHO gas obtained from the HHO generator as an alternative fuel is strongly influenced by the electrical current supplied and the concentration of KOH catalyst used. The test was conducted with four stages of catalyst amount from 5.6g/L; 11.2g/L; 16.8g/L; and 22.4g/L. The applied current is linearly increased, with the increasing HHO gas production. It is proven when with the amount of catalyst used at 22.4g/L, the average HHO gas produced is 230.3mL/min. The author analyzes the performance of the generator in term of current and HHO gas production at a predetermined 12V constant voltage.

Effectiveness of the Adaptive PID Controller for Traction Motor in Hybrid Electric Vehicles

This paper presents a detailed derivation of permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM), which can be used as the prime mover for simulation of hybrid electric vehicles (HEV). A torque tracking control for the motor is developed based on the adaptive proportional-integral-derivative (APID) controller .The effectiveness of the controller has been mathematically compared with the proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller using various input functions such as step, saw tooth, sine wave and square wave. The results show that the APID-based control is effective in tracking the desired torque with good response and is able to adapt with the desired input as compared to the PID controller. This finding supports the selection of the APID for the toque tracking control of hybrid electric vehicles.

Design and Development of Light Weight Engine Mounting for UTeM Formula Varsity Race Car

This manuscript provides the design of the engine mounting for Formula Varsity Race Car. Several concept designs were generated for the engine mounting and the final design was selected through in 3D modeling software namely CATIA V5 CAD software during the design phase in this project. The Aluminum Alloy 6061 T6 was selected as the lightweight engine mounting material due to high strength, light weight and versatility with many manufacturing processes. The light weight engine mounting was analyzed using finite element analysis in bending and yield strength cases. The result of the engine mounting analysis showed that the engine mounting is able to perform safely as per design requirement.

Non-Parametric Modelling and Validation of Magnetorheological Damper for Lateral Suspension of Railway Vehicle Using Interpolated Sixth Order Polynomial

Passenger ride comfort is an important factor in railway vehicle services. However, passenger ride comfort is sometimes affected by the vibrations resulting from the track irregularities. It will be critical when the track is exposed to prolonged sun’s heat and lack of track maintenance. This means that the optimization of passive suspension parameters alone could not cope with these cases. Semi-active suspension system for railway vehicles has been developed as a way to solve these problems. The technology of semi-active suspension is widely used especially in the railway vehicle application. Magnetorheological (MR) damper is one of the applications of the concept of semi-active suspension. However, there are a variety of criteria for MR dampers based on usage. To meet the requirements of railway vehicle suspension system, a MR damper have been developed. The criteria for the MR damper are obtained experimentally. Then, the model for the MR damper is developed using Interpolated Sixth Order Polynomial and validated by experimental. The MR damper model has shown improvement, especially in the railway vehicle dynamics performance.