Needs Assessment and Project Scope

Senior Design I

Electric Motorcycle

January 26, 2010

Broderick Epperson
Michael Franck
Michael Grgas
Ryan Thor
Contents

I. Needs Assessment 3
II. Project Scope 3
i. Problem Statement 3
ii. Justification/Background 3
iii. Objective 3
iv. Methodology 3
v. Expected Results 4
vi. Constraints 4
I. Needs Assessment
Electric motorcycles are a fun and environmentally friendly means of transportation. The advent of
more efficient power supplies are making them capable of everyday commuting. They are at the
forefront of the fight against high gasoline prices as well as reducing our carbon impact on the
environment. Two wheeled transport offers an excellent medium for electric powered transportation.
Due to it's light weight and aerodynamic efficiency, the electric motorcycle has witnessed an uptick in
popularity recently that should be permanent.
Currently the vehicle is in nonworking condition and will require a complete overhaul. Operating range
needs to be extended, as well as recharge time. The motorcycle will have to be geared differently, as the
current setup does not allow for the necessary top speed. The final deliverables for this project will
include a working electric motorcycle that meets the criteria above, and a report that will describe the
entire design process.

II. Project Scope

i. Problem Statement
This project calls for a re-engineering of an existing electric motorcycle. Currently in disrepair, the
team will remove the current propulsion system and replace it with a higher power, more efficient, and
lighter one. Upon completion of the project, the motorcycle must be able to achieve a top speed of
twenty-five miles per hour, travel a distance of five miles before recharging, and must recharge its
batteries in less than eight hours. Secondary objectives include weatherproofing the new components, a
battery charge monitoring system, lighting system, a motor controller capable of regenerative braking
and elimination of side-loading the drive gear by the chain.

ii. Justification and Background

As established by our technical adviser for the project, Bruce Thigpen; the motorcycle is in need of a
mechanical and electrical overhaul. The motorcycle started life as a recreational vehicle. It was
originally powered by a small IC engine; the re-engineering will result in a comparable vehicle that has
an electric power supply. There are a few excellent examples of current production electric motorcycles
and numerous privately built ones that will be used as benchmarks for this project. In order to complete
the project effectively and below budget, a full understanding of current electric vehicle propulsion
systems must be attained. Before moving ahead with a fresh design and build, the motorcycle will
need to be stripped of its current propulsion system. A new motor, motor controller, battery stack and
charger are necessary for the project to be deemed complete. The bike also has a slew of secondary
needs that will greatly increase reliability and enjoyment.

iii. Objectives
The main goal of this project is to provide a safe and enjoyable electric motorcycle to the customer. To
achieve this goal, a combined knowledge of the operating characteristics of electric vehicle's must be
amassed by the entire team. The vehicle must meet all the requirements listed in the Needs Assessment
(Section I) and Problem Statement (Subsection i), prior to being designated a success. Due to budget
constraints and the probable high cost of many of the necessary components, a good deal of fund
raising will need to be done. Weekly meetings will be held to ensure that the design and build stay on
schedule. The project must be completed by the end of the fall semester of this year.

iv. Methodology
Before, any design work can be done, the team must amass a working knowledge of electric vehicles.
Through a collaborative effort, the group will brainstorm ideas, analyze them, select the best choice
through quantitative methods, design, and finally build the motorcycle.
v. Constraints
The most prominent limiting factor of the project is available funding. Given the extended amount of
time afforded by the summer, the team should be able to complete the project on schedule. This extra
time will allow the team to become proficient in knowledge of electric drive systems, as well as amass
any 'hands on' experience that may be necessary. Weight is the largest limiting factor when one is
looking to increase the efficiency of an electric vehicle. Lighter components generally cost more than
their bulky counterparts, this is one obstacle the team must overcome.
A group member has been elected Sponsorship Chair, and it is there responsibility to keep the rest of
the team abreast of any attainable sponsorships. A sponsor(s) for the battery stack and/or motor will be
of the greatest importance, but all avenues will be explored.

vi. Expected Results

For the project to be deemed a success upon completion, three main criteria must be met.
1. The motorcycle must be able to attain a speed of twenty-five miles per hour. The previous
iteration could only travel at maximum, fifteen miles per hour.
2. Travel five miles before needing to be recharged. The motorcycle was never tested for range in
its previous form.
3. It must recharge from a drained state to full power in less than eight hours. Previously, each
battery needed to be recharged individually. This resulted in a recharge time of approximately
twenty hours.