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The student-organization is split between technical, admin, and capstone teams. Technical teams are responsible for the hands-on work with the truck while admin helps the organization function outside of the technical aspect. Alongside the registered student organization of E-Truck are the Capstone teams.
The Controls team specializes in modeling the control systems of the truck, using the modeling tool Simulink. Every component within the truck is constantly inputting and outputting some sort of data to be used elsewhere, including battery temperature and wheel rotation speeds. This is where the Controls come in. They spend most of their time modeling what the many controllers inside the truck will communicate to one another.
The Structures Team is responsible for the 3D modeling and structural analysis of all existing and future additions to the truck. They help inform structural decisions by creating designs and testing them through simulation to ensure that our solutions are feasible, optimal, and safe.
Our Systems team is the backbone of our projects, connecting all teams for smooth development and management. Using model-based systems engineering (MBSE) and SysML, they analyze and represent the truck's intricate systems, from electrical to mechanical. Their goal? Transforming visions into practical blueprints with various diagrams, guiding our technical teams forward.
The Electrical Team is responsible for designing and building the wiring for each component of the truck. They work with the other subteams to connect each of their components together and to figure out how power is distributed from the battery or charger.
The Human Resources (HR) team creates a harmonious and efficient environment for E-Truck members. The team resolves internal disputes by acting as a mediator and finding amicable solutions. When leadership changes occur, leadership transition documentation is updated as necessary to provide clarity on roles and responsibilities to incoming leaders. Ultimately, HR represents the student body, amplifies student voices, and contributes to a vibrant and inclusive community within E-Truck.
The Safety team plays a critical role in maintaining a secure work environment. They ensure that members have access to the necessary tools and protective gear to perform tasks safely by disseminating information such as training resources, Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) documentation, and up-to-date Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS).
The Resource Management team focuses on optimizing the use of finances, technology, and physical space within E-Truck. They oversee the inventory of materials, tools, and equipment within the RSO and replenish supplies as needed or purchase new supplies as requested by other teams. The team also performs in-house maintenance activities, files environmental, health, and safety (EH&S) paperwork for safety compliance and streamlines operations by creating Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
The Sponsorship team fosters connections and secures support from companies supplying components and financial backing for the E-Truck RSO. Team members engage in communication with a wide range of companies, gaining valuable experience to a diverse industry. Sponsorship also works closely with Public Relations to create custom deliverables for each company and ensure fulfillment of all a sponsor’s needs.
The Information Technology (IT) team is responsible for managing E-Truck's technology infrastructure, which is crucial for ensuring smooth operations. The team manages the club's computer lab by maintaining hardware and performing software updates. They also are in charge of the licensing server to give members uninterrupted access to essential software tools, and promptly resolve any IT tickets submitted by members.
The Public Relations (PR) team plays a vital role in shaping and enhancing E-Truck's public image. They achieve this through thoughtful management of E-Truck's presence on social media platforms, our website, and organizing public outreach events. PR ensures that our valued sponsors receive due recognition by promoting their association with the club across various channels including media coverage, events, and even printed materials. Members on the PR team handle photography, videography, writing, and design, and constantly work hard to foster positive relationships with the public.
The Year 1 Systems Definition and Modeling capstone team is dedicated to defining realistic performance parameters for the converted truck that would be accepted by the marketplace. They aim to define the requirements and specifications for the conversion by drawing upon insights from all other capstone teams and conducting extensive research into electric vehicles. In the end, they will construct a comprehensive SysML model to express the core functionalities of the electric truck that will guide subsequent phases of the project.
The Year 1 Retrofit and Packaging Optimization Capstone team's contribution constitutes the research and selection of components that fit the needs of the project requirements as defined by all the teams. In addition to meeting the electrical needs, they have also been tasked with fitting these components to the existing truck chassis and performing a structural analysis of this fitment through a careful analysis of the chassis structure to ensure that the added weight is distributed safely. Additionally, the structural analysis will be confirmed in 3D CAD modeling, ensuring that the components fit where the structure is most sound.
The Year 1 Electrical Architecture Capstone team aims to understand and model the electrical systems that are needed in order for a battery-electric vehicle (BEV) conversion of the truck to occur. They will first model the existing systems and then research and identify how the current system needs to be changed to allow for a BEV platform. Market research areas include battery systems, power controls, and all other things electrical that will let the truck run.
The Year 1 Controls Architecture Capstone team is modifying the existing Electronic Control Units (ECUs) and integrating them with the new components via the Controller Area Network (CAN) bus system. They work with Simulink to build a detailed model needed for an electric drivetrain. This involves mapping inputs and outputs for critical systems like the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Thermal Management System (TMS), Vehicle Electronic Control Unit (VECU), Battery Management System (BMS), and Chassis Electronic Control Unit (CECU)
