EthoAir - Energy Efficient vehicle
EthoAir - Energy Efficient vehicle from Barry Sunderland
EthoAir - Energy Efficient vehicle

The unstable and rising cost of fuel will eventually lead to the need for radical changes in the way we think about transportation. This project was a proof of concept of a highly efficient transport vehicle for two passengers. A highly aerodynamic faring and lightweight chassis reduces the power requirements for the engine. This would allow the vehicle to be propelled by the driver's own pedaling power. Extra power for acceleration and hill climbing would be supplied by a small, lightweight ethanol engine. This alternative fuel source is constantly reducing in cost and produces far less carbon emissions than fossil fuels.

The unstable and rising cost of fuel will eventually lead to the need for radical changes in the way we think about transportation. This project was a proof of concept of a highly efficient transport vehicle for two passengers. A highly aerodynamic faring and lightweight chassis reduces the power requirements for the engine. This would allow the vehicle to be propelled by the driver's own pedaling power. Extra power for acceleration and hill climbing would be supplied by a small, lightweight ethanol engine. This alternative fuel source is constantly reducing in cost and produces far less carbon emissions than fossil fuels.
An iterative design process was utilized to develop the optimal faring shape. 2D profiles were drawn in ProEngineer and analyzed in Star CCM+. The shapes with the best performance were then refined and tested again. The best profile was then used to create a 3D model.
Aerodynamic analysis was also carried out on the three dimensional faring shape which allowed for further refinement to achieve the final shape.
The Creo Manikin Extension was used to check the position of the seat and distance to the steering column. This was a very useful tool for improving the position of the seat and steering column, and also checked the driver's field of vision.
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EthoAir - Energy Efficient vehicle

The unstable and rising cost of fuel will eventually lead to the need for radical changes in the way we think about transportation. This project was a proof of concept of a highly efficient transport vehicle for two passengers. A highly aerodynamic faring and lightweight chassis reduces the power requirements for the engine. This would allow the vehicle to be propelled by the driver's own pedaling power. Extra power for acceleration and hill climbing would be supplied by a small, lightweight ethanol engine. This alternative fuel source is constantly reducing in cost and produces far less carbon emissions than fossil fuels.

Barry Sunderland
Mechanical Engineer actively seeking employment in the NW United States Bozeman, MT