School
Business, Entrepreneurship, and Professional Development
Division
Automotive Technology
Department
Automotive Technology
Academic Level
Undergraduate
Course Subject
Automotive
Course Number
260
Course Title
Alternative Automotive Propulsion Systems
Credit Hours
3.00
Instructor Contact Hours Per Semester
62.00 (for 15-week classes)
Student Contact Hours Per Semester
62.00 (for 15-week classes)
Grading Method
A-E
Pre-requisites
High School Chemistry or equivalent (recommended) High School Algebra I or equivalent (recommended)
Catalog Course Description
An intermediate-level course covering alternative automotive propulsion systems that are presently being developed for the automobile transportation industry. Includes environmental impact of internal combustion engines (ICE)I. Also includes theory of operation and service of alternative propulsion systems, with emphasis on safety issues and concerns regarding the servicing of these systems. Also covers hybrid system safety, hybrid systems in general (both series and parallel), plug-in hybrids, electric vehicles including battery types, fuel cell vehicles, hydrogen-ICE vehicles, alternative fuels and flex fuel vehicles, and supplemental assist vehicles (capacitive, hydraulic, and inertial units).
Goals, Topics, and Objectives
Core Course Topics
- Atkinson cycle four-stroke engine operation.
- Traction motor design and operation.
- Fuel Cells.
- General characteristics and applications of primary and secondary batteries.
- High voltage safety, handling and service equipment.
- Power and energy for electric, hybrid, and plug-in vehicle propulsion.
- Regenerative Braking Systems.
- Alternative Fuels and Flex Fuel.
- Ultra Capacitors.
- High pressure storage.
Core Course Learning Objectives (Separated)
- Distinguish and recognize the components of batteries, the classification for types of batteries, and the applications for determining battery usage.
- Recognize and identify safety concerns regarding high voltage systems.
- Demonstrate the proper safety equipment and service procedures required for servicing HV vehicles.
- Diagnose base engine concerns on Atkinson cycle and Hybrid ICE8.
- Test battery SOC and SOH and determine serviceability.
- Diagnose regenerative braking system concern using diagnostic trees.
- Distinguish between CNG and LNG (Natural Gas) systems
- Describe the functionality of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles
Assessment and Requirements
Assessment of Academic Achievement
Quizzes, tests and written final examination. Measurable objectives will be evaluated by the instructor based on the accuracy and proficiency of objective completion.
Approval Dates
Effective Term
Fall 2020
Review Semester
Fall 2020