Mark Greeley: May 2016

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Highlights from the Year Two Competition

That’s a wrap for the Year Two competition. We would like to congratulate all of the teams on their hard work and accomplishments during Year Two.

Over the course of the competition, teams participated in various dynamic events including vehicle safety tech inspections, on road safety, energy consumption and delivered 9 different technical, project management and communications presentations, as well as sponsored awards, which captured a year’s worth of work in those areas.

In addition, teams were given the opportunity to attend Welcome Night in Yuma, a San Diego Bay Boat Cruise sponsored by GM and PACCAR, Youth Education School Visits in both Yuma and San Diego, a Satellite and Radio Media Tour, and a Social Networking & Recruiting Event, just to name a few.

The competition doesn’t have to come to an end just yet! Relive the Year Two competition by taking a look back at the two weeks spent at the General Motors Desert Proving Ground and San Diego, CA and the full list of winners below:

OVERALL WINNERS:

1st Place Overall
- Ohio State University
2nd Place Overall
- Virginia Tech
3rd Place Overall
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
4th Place Overall
- University of Alabama
5th Place Overall
- Mississippi State University
6th Place Overall
- Penn State

TECHNICAL DYNAMIC EVENT AWARDS

Best Overall Safety Tech Inspection
- Embry- Riddle Aeronautical University
Best Functional Vehicle Safety
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Ohio State University
Best Final Vehicle Integration
- Virginia Tech
Best Initial Vehicle Integration
- Virginia Tech

Best Skidpad Performance
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Best Charge Sustaining Energy Consumption
- Georgia Tech
Best Charge Depleting Energy Consumption
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
TRC Testing Award
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

TECHNICAL PRESENTATION AWARDS

Best Consumer Appeal Presentation
- University of Alabama
Best Mechanical Systems Presentation
- Virginia Tech
Best Control Systems Presentation
- Ohio State University
Best Electrical Systems Presentation
- Ohio State University

Best Competition Hardware in the Loop Review
- Ohio State University
Best Competition Systems Safety Presentation
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Best Vehicle Design Review
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Communications Awards

Communications Program
- 1st Place: University of Alabama
  2nd Place: Virginia Tech
  3rd Place: Ohio State University
Best Communications & Implementation Plans
- University of Alabama
Best Sponsor Collaboration Video & Blog Post
- Ohio State University
Best Social Media Report
- University of Alabama

Best Media Relations Report
- Virginia Tech
Best Communications Outreach Presentation
- Virginia Tech
Spirit of Communications
- Shawn Kim, University of Washington
Most Creative Outreach Event
- Virginia Tech

Project Management Awards

Project Management
- 1st Place: Mississippi State University
  2nd Place: Ohio State University
  3rd Place: University of Alabama
Best Project Management Plan
- Mississippi State University
Best Change Management Plan
- Mississippi State University
Best Winter Workshop Project Status Presentation
- Mississippi State University

Best Impact Report
- University of Waterloo
Best Competition Project Status Presentation
- Mississippi State University
Spirit of Project Management
- Jared Nordman, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

PRE-COMPETITION TECHNICAL DELIVERABLE AWARDS

Vehicle Design Report
- 1st Place: Ohio State University
  2nd Place: Virginia Tech
  3rd Place: University of Waterloo
Best Winter Workshop Systems Safety Presentation
- McMaster University
Best Winter Workshop Hardware-in-the-Loop Review
- Ohio State University

Best Winter Workshop Innovation Progress Review
- University of Alabama
Best Vehicle Safety Binder
- Virginia Tech
Best Final Technical Report
- University of Alabama

Organizer Awards

Dr. Don Streit Sportsmanship Award
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Ron Stence Spirit of the Challenge Award
- University of Waterloo

Excellence in Leadership Award
- Tom Gorgia, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Team to Watch Award
- West Virginia University

Friday, May 27, 2016

And the Winner of the EcoCAR 3 Year 2 Competition is…

The EcoCAR 3 Year Two competition has come to an end and it was Ohio State University who took home the award for First Place Overall. This is the third year in a row that Ohio State University has claimed the first place title. Following the first year of EcoCAR 3 which emphasized the use of math-based design tools and simulation techniques for designing a successful vehicle architecture that reduces energy consumption, well-to-wheel greenhouse gas emissions and tailpipe emissions, EcoCAR 3 teams received their Chevrolet Camaros in December of 2015 and have spent the last few months disassembling the existing powertrain and integrating the new powertrain configurations. EcoCAR 3 teams were then put to the test and traveled from all over the country to test their eco-friendly Camaro prototypes at the Year Two Competition in Yuma, AZ and San Diego, CA!

The Ohio State University EcoCAR 3 team has shown excellence and determination throughout Year 2. The team’s vehicle that arrived in Yuma was already well-built and integrated. The team was the first to complete Stage 2 of Safety Tech inspections and was also first to drive their vehicle at Competition. The team delivered a fully-integrated vehicle that was able to complete almost every single test in the inspection and demonstrated functionality from both their engine and ESS. The team’s integrated Camaro was even able to demonstrate functional emergency stops and pass all high voltage system safety checks.

In addition to receiving the award for First Place Overall, the team placed second in Project Management, and earned a third place finish in Communications. The team placed in the top 5 in 30 out of 36 scored deliverables, in which the team collected an impressive 11 first place finishes in those deliverables. The team has also set the groundwork for continued development in Year 3 by demonstrating industry grade processes for embedded controls and software development with first place finishes in the Electrical Systems Presentation, Control Systems Presentation, and Hardware in the Loop review.

We would also like to congratulate the Virginia Tech and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University teams for coming in second and third place, respectively. It’s been a great year of EcoCAR 3 and we look forward to seeing all of the incredible work each team will bring to Year Three!

For the full list of EcoCAR 3 Year Two Competition winners, check out the Year Two Competition Tab.

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Tuesday, May 24, 2016

EcoCAR 3 San Diego Bay Boat Cruise

Last night, teams and sponsors gathered aboard the magnificent Admiral Hornblower for a San Diego Bay Boat Cruise, which was sponsored by General Motors and PACCAR. They traveled along the bay, passing San Diego landmarks including the Seaport Village, ship-building and dry-docking facilities, Coronado Island, Point Loma and Cabrillo National Monument. The students were able to spend the evening viewing the beautiful sights of the San Diego bay and mingling with competition sponsors and teams.

Tonight, teams will be attending the Sponsor Social event where they will have the opportunity to network with industry professionals and sponsors who make this entire competition, a possibility.

Check out some images from the San Diego Bay Boat Cruise below:

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From Simulation to Reality: Team Vehicles are Put to the Test

Over the course of the competition, teams have been hard at work with their Hardware in the Loop (HIL) Simulators. The HIL is the virtual test bay where students can develop their controls and simulate their vehicle’s energy consumption and performance before implementing their designs in their Camaro.

Their designs were put to the test during stage one in Yuma when teams were given the opportunity to complete their integration and conduct preliminary testing of their vehicles’ capabilities.

Take a look at our latest video to see how the HIL is transformed into reality:

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Monday, May 23, 2016

Year Two Faculty Advisor Dinner in San Diego

Last night, EcoCAR 3 Faculty Advisors were invited to attend the annual Faculty Dinner held at Tom Ham’s Lighthouse and hosted by Visionary sponsor, NXP. The Faculty Dinner is an annual event allowing time to reflect on the hard work, support and immense contribution of the faculty to their teams and the overall program. The dedication of the faculty has a direct impact on the futures of the students and they are the heartbeat of AVTCs. The sponsors and organizers were delighted to take time in the midst of Competition to honor these special individuals.

In addition, the new members of the Faculty Advisory Board (FAB) were announced. The FAB is responsible for providing academic feedback on EcoCAR 3 yearly goals and objectives, competition rules and events, workshops and training, and team deliverables. The FAB meets two times each year to have the opportunity to evaluate new deliverables or major changes to the program. The new FAB members for Year Three are: Jerry Ku, Wayne State University; Andrew Nix, West Virginia University, Doug Nelson, Virginia Tech, and Randy Follett, Mississippi State University.

Thank you to all of our Faculty Advisors!

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Saturday, May 21, 2016

The Sun Sets on EcoCAR in Yuma

That’s a wrap for stage one of competition! After spending Year Two integrating their new powertrain configuration into their Chevrolet Camaros, teams have spent the past week undergoing safety and technical inspections and on road testing at the General Motors Desert Proving Ground (DPG). With final cranks of their wrenches and critical circuits completed, teams were put to the test in the final hours at the DPG garage.

But that’s not all! Teams are now on their way to San Diego to present their year two milestones to industry professionals and judges.

Check out this clip of team car completion:

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Friday, May 20, 2016

EcoCAR 3 Teams Integrate their Designs into their Camaros

Curious about what’s going on this week at the EcoCAR 3 Year 2 competition at the GM Desert Proving Grounds in Yuma, AZ? Check out this video showcasing all the hard work teams have been doing in the garage during this first week of the Year 2 Competition. From integrating hybrid powertrain components to commissioning their advanced energy storage systems, the 16 EcoCAR teams have been wrenching all week to pass stage one and two of safety and technical inspection to qualify for on-road testing.

Watch our video to see the teams bring their EcoCAR Camaros to life!

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Thursday, May 19, 2016

Youth Education Day in Yuma, Arizona

Communication Managers from the EcoCAR 3 teams spent the morning with elementary and middle school students from the local Rancho Viejo school in Yuma, AZ, talking about EcoCAR 3. The students learned about energy efficiency, alternative fuels and the teams’ vehicle designs. CMs from different teams talked about the unique architectures their team designed for their vehicles, as well as what role a communication manager plays on the team. The wrapped EcoCAR 3 vehicle was on display at the school as well, allowing the K-12 students to take a look under the hood and ask questions.

Visiting local school students is important to EcoCAR 3 and to Communication Managers during workshops and competition, and they won’t stop here. During the next leg of the competition in San Diego, the CMs will visit a local high school to encourage the students to focus on engineering and science as they enter college.

Check out the images below from the Rancho Viego Youth Education Day visit:

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Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Gas Monkey at the 100th Running of the Indianapolis 500!

Next weekend is going to be one of the fastest and loudest weekends we’ve had yet! Sage Karam will be driving the No. 24 Gas Monkey Energy Chevrolet for Dryer & Reinbold – Kingdom Racing in the 100th running of the Indy 500! Sage is already up in Indy practicing and he is definitely going to give the competition a run for their money.

sagewithcar

If you’re going to be in the area, you can meet Sage and see his Indycar on the 25th from 11-1 at the Napa Auto Parts store in North Vernon, Indiana. You can RSVP HERE.

I’ll be in Indy next weekend to cheer Sage on. Hope you will be, too!
GET YOU SOME OF THAT!

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Update from the Pits: Students Say…

It is Day 3 out at the GM Desert Proving Ground and EcoCAR 3 teams are hard at work in the garage. Some teams started making their way through the stages of Safety Tech inspections. This process is a thorough evaluation of the vehicles from the mechanical and electrical standpoint to ensure vehicle safety. Safety Technical Inspector, Kevin Stutenberg, said, “It is interesting to see the new ideas and concepts teams have come up with over the years and how their vehicles have evolved. My favorite part of safety tech is being able to help guide the students and teach them about quality and safety.”

According to UA Project Manager, Kaylie Crosby, it is quite exciting to start the safety tech process to see how their hard work will pay off. “Our team secured several new technical in-kind donations which have boosted the team’s fabrication capabilities during the vehicle build. It’s been an incredible 2 years as a first-year school in the EcoCAR 3 competition, and we’re looking forward to finishing strong. We are Built by Bama!”

The preparation and planning process began even before the vehicles were received in late 2015. The Embry-Riddle team developed a schedule in October and assigned all tasks to an individual or subteam in order to be prepared for competition. Project Manager Jared Nordman said, “We have enforced a rigorous schedule for team members and have met all of our milestones for the entire year. From management perspective I’m really proud of the team and where we are. The schedule alone kept our team on track and gave us something to fight for.”

The garage has been a hub for activity and excitement for teams. ASU team member, Dillon Hurley said, “So far, my favorite part of competition has been seeing all the teams and what they’ve accomplished. I think it’s impressive the different directions everyone has taken and it is great to see the teams working together to achieve the same goal.”

This is the second time out at the GM Desert Proving Grounds for Lucas Shoults, the Engineering Manager from Virginia Tech. “It’s great to see how our team has come together. We were bonded before coming to competition but I am excited to see that working on the car here at DPG only brought us closer,” Lucas said.

While some team members are working on their vehicles, others have gathered to prepare and work on presentations for Stage 2 of the competition in San Diego. Team Tennessee Communications Manager, Emily King, said “When a few of us are unable to work on our car, we are trying to take as much time as we can to work on presentations. The goal of our presentations are to showcase what we have done throughout the year. It is crucial for the judges to see our accomplishments and hard work.”

Be sure follow us on Facebook and Twitter and Stay tuned for more updates from the EcoCAR 3 Year Two Competition.

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An Inside Look into the EcoCAR 3 Year Two Competition

It is Day 3 out at the GM Desert Proving Grounds and EcoCAR 3 teams are hard at work in the garage. Some teams started making their way through the stages of Safety Tech inspections. This process is a thorough evaluation of the vehicles from the mechanical and electrical standpoint to ensure vehicle safety. Safety Technical Inspector, Kevin Stutenberg, said, “It is interesting to see the new ideas and concepts teams have come up with over the years and how their vehicles have evolved. My favorite part of safety tech is being able to help guide the students and teach them about quality and safety.”

This is the second time out at the GM Desert Proving Grounds for Lucas Shoults, the Engineering Manager from Virginia Tech. “It’s great to see how our team has come together. We were bonded before coming to competition but I am excited to see that working on the car here at DPG only brought us closer,” Lucas said.

While some team members are working on their vehicles, others have gathered to prepare and work on presentations for Stage 2 of the competition in San Diego. UTK Communications Manager, Emily King, said “When a few of us are unable to work on our car, we are trying to take as much time as we can to work on presentations. The goal of our presentations are to showcase what we have done throughout the year. It is crucial for the judges to see our accomplishments and hard work.”

Be sure follow us on Facebook and Twitter and Stay tuned for more updates from the EcoCAR 3 Year Two Competition.

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Classic Sawhorse I’v

Classic Sawhorse I’ve found a sturdy sawhorse that’s great even if you have limited space. When I’m done working with them I just stack them on top of each other and store them out of the way. Here’s all it takes to build one horse: One 42-in.-long 2×6 for the top board Four 28-in.-long 1×8 boards for the legs Four 9-7/8-in.-long 1×8 boards for the gussets Thirty-six 2-in.wood screws. Notch …

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Tuesday, May 17, 2016

The EcoCAR 3 Camaro on the Test Track in Yuma

Check out the exciting footage of the wrapped 2016 EcoCAR Camaro in action on the General Motors Desert Proving Grounds test track!

Follow the Green Garage Blog for updates on the teams’ vehicles and their progress throughout the week.

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Monday, May 16, 2016

Welcome to the EcoCAR 3 Year Two Competition

It’s officially Day 1 of the Year Two Competition! EcoCAR 3 teams have arrived in Yuma, AZ at the GM Desert Proving Grounds (DPG) and will undergo various safety and technical inspections to qualify for on road vehicle testing. Teams will be evaluated on their vehicle’s dynamic safety, handling, and energy consumption in various events.

Teams received their Camaros in December of 2015 and have spent the last few months disassembling the existing powertrain and integrating their hybrid-electric designs into a 2016 Chevrolet Camaro. The teams have an end goal of making the vehicle even more energy-efficient without losing high-performance and safety features Camaro buyers expect.

Now, teams will be putting their work to the test at the Year 2 competition. After a comprehensive Vehicle Design Review, teams will travel to San Diego, CA for the second stage of competition. In San Diego, teams will present over a dozen technical, communications and project management presentations about their work to judges. Stay tuned as we continue to share videos, photos and what teams are up to throughout competition on the Green Garage Blog.

For live updates, follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

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Friday, May 13, 2016

Embry-Riddle Gears Up for Final Competition

The Embry-Riddle EcoEagles are gearing up for final competition here in Daytona Beach. The EcoEagles are biting at the bit to make their way to the Yuma, Arizona to the General Motors Desert Proving Grounds this weekend. The Embry-Riddle team will complete both dynamic and static events for the final competition. These events are very similar to the tests General Motors conducts on their very own vehicles before they hit the show room. All of the work that the EcoEagles have completed will essentially boil down to this week of events. The team has spent several hours re-checking their calculations, checking the torque on their bolts, and even checking the wiring of the vehicle compulsively. But, wait! …That’s not all.

After this week of testing, the team is off to the West Coast in the sunny San Diego, California where they are notoriously known for “staying classy.” In this sunny city, the teams will have the opportunity to present their hard work to the judges in the EcoCAR 3 competition. These judges range from competition organizers to individuals directly linked to the industry, as well as many of the competition-level sponsors. This part is crucial to the competition because of the need for the engineers, project managers, and communicators to be able to talk about their work. Presentations include where theams succeeded, needed help, and most importantly – what they learned throughout the second year of the EcoCAR 3 competition.

Unfortunately, we can’t take our whole fan base with us, but keep an eye on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages as we will be posting as the competition nears. See below for our handles!

Facebook.com/ERAUEcoCAR3

Instagram: @ecoeagles

Twitter: @ecoeagles

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Monday, May 9, 2016

What Makes the Georgia Tech EcoCAR 3 Team Unique

What makes the Georgia Tech EcoCAR 3 team unique is not only our range of technical experience in various engineering fields, but a highly diverse leadership, each with a distinct background compassing all six inhabited continents and the furthest depths of engineering prowess.

Greg Chipman, our project manager, is one of the few chemical engineers in the GT EcoCAR 3 team. His background includes full fluency in Indonesian, where he served as a missionary for his church for two years.

Douglas Cox is our Lead Engineer. He brings with him not only a wealth of technical know-how, but a diverse worldview, having traveled to 11 countries during his time as a student.

Lee Sargent joined us as a graduate student from Mississippi State, bringing with him experience from Mississippi State’s own EcoCAR 2 team. Lee serves as our Electrical Engineering lead over the ESS assembly and high voltage systems.

Using enrichment funds from his Stamps Presidential Scholarship, Ben Horst is building his own personalized electric hybrid automobile from the ground up. Ben is our incoming Lead Engineer for Year 3 of the competition.

Ganesh Sriram brings an international perspective to our team, being born and raised in India and having worked professionally in Germany before joining the Georgia Tech EcoCAR 3 team. Ganesh serves as our Electrical Engineering lead over our systems and controls sub-team.

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