Shape optimization with computer fluid dynamic (CFD) analysis of micro electric vehicle

Abstract

Car drag reduction activities are parts of exterior body improvement which related to energy consumption, wind noise and stability of overall vehicle. Micro Electric Vehicle (MEV) has emerged as one of human mobility that aligned with the concept of low energy consumption. The concept has gained popularity due to its simplicity in design and manufacturing capability which in overall, leads to less energy consumption for both vehicle owner and manufacturer. The aim of this work is to design an MEV where the passenger’s anthropometry of 95th percentile male and 5th percentile female have been considered as a main factor. 3D data of MEV has been developed based on scaled down conceptual design from clay model. Computer Fluid Dynamic (CFD) analysis were used on actual size of MEV to determine the effect of the vehicle height. Maximum speed of 30m/s has been introduced in the analysis. The speed is a simulation from real world condition of mobility which will be the limit speed of the vehicle. As a result the 128mm increase in streamline height has significant impact on the drag force where the drag coefficient increase approximately 31% to the initial height. As a conclusion CFD approach can be used to successfully determine an optimal height of MEV based on streamline design. The finding significantly assist in future improvement of streamline design of the MEV.