Eric Thompson

The central project of our mechanical engineering program, my class was the first at Rowan University to tackle to the hybrid power train. In one project, we got to apply machine design, thermal-fluid sciences, system controls, and classic fabrication techniques.  

 

Over the last two years of university, my mechanical engineering class, in groups of 4, constructed a hybrid powertrain in stages. We designed fabricated a steam/air motor based on calculations for maximum torque and rpm. Subsequently we designed and installed a PID controller to control speed of the motor under different loads. Finally, we installed a planetary gearset and an electric motor into the system. We expanded the program to apply the PID to activate compensatory power from the electric motor based on the load seen on the air motor, all to maintain the desired output RPMs of the hybrid system.