Electronic Continuous Variable Transmission for Baja Race Car

Abstract

The goal of the project was to design and build a functioning prototype of an electronic continuously variable transmission, or E-CVT, to replace the current mechanical CVT on the Baja SAE race vehicle. The E-CVT design consists of two pulleys that connect the engine and gearbox and which change their diameter based on data collected from a telemetry system in the engine. The E-CVT uses electric motors in conjunction with sensors and microcontrollers to algorithmically change the gear ratio between the engine and gearbox. The E-CVT system also monitors and stores all relevant data including but not limited to: actuator position, line pressure of the pulleys, box temperature, and engine RPM on an SD card for post-race analysis, with the possibility of integrating xBees for real-time radio communication.