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Vehicle Adaptable Multipurpose Energy Bank

Company: University of Dayton Research Institute

Major(s):
Primary: EE
Secondary: ME
Optional: ED, EGEE

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: YES

INTRODUCTION: Modern teams operating in remote and off-grid environments—from scienti?c researchers in the ?eld to disaster response units—rely on a growing number of electronic devices. Communications gear, sensors, laptops, and diagnostic tools are essential, but their effectiveness is limited by the availability of power. In austere settings, the ability to sustainably power and recharge this diverse equipment from a single, reliable source becomes a critical logistical challenge. THE CHALLENGE: Your challenge is to design a single, portable, and versatile power station that derives its energy from a vehicle source and serves as a centralized energy hub for a small team in the ?eld. The vehicle source may be anything from a commercial vehicle to an ATV. The solution must be a "one-stop-shop" for portable power, capable of charging a wide array of electronic devices simultaneously and being recharged from multiple vehicle sources and may incorporate other renewable energy sources, such as solar. CORE PROBLEM TO SOLVE: Develop a rugged, high-capacity, portable power bank that provides sustained, quiet, and reliable electricity for a diverse suite of electronic equipment. Innovation focus should be placed on the method of extracting /transforming vehicle energy into electrical energy. The system must be easily transportable, air-travel compliant, and capable of supporting a team during multi-day operations away from any traditional power grid, with only access to a vehicle of undetermined type without requiring any permanent modifications to the vehicle, such as changing major engine parts or components. DELIVERABLES: PDR presentation, CDR Presentation, Final Presentation, Final Report, Final demonstration and associated Product Videos.