Professor William Koffke

Current Research

Relevant Electric Vehicle Experience:

1989-90 Mechanical Engineering advisor to Team SolarCat - Villanova's first solar electric car project. Guided students in the thermal, aerodynamic and structural analysis, design and construction of the vehicle's chassis, body, and mechanical drive systems. Also assisted in frabricating the composite body shell and mechanical assembly.

1990-92 Co-Principal Investigator on a Pennsylvania Energy Office funded project to design and build a solar charged, electric commuter car. Supervised design and construction of mechanical systems. Developed FORTRAN program to simulate electric vehicle operations. Supervise and assisted in overhaul of 12v electrical system and budy midifications to improved aerodynamic.

1993-94 Co-Principal Investigator on a Pennsylvania Energy Office funded project to design and build a hybrid - electric vehicle. Supervised design and construction of electricl, propane hybrid engine/generator and mechanical drive systems.

1993 - 1997 Ben Franklin Center of Exellence(at Villanova) on Alternative Fuel Vehicle Researcher. Conducting research and design of propane alternative fuel systems and components, hybrid vehicle systems and components, and electric vehicle system and components. Also working on further development of simulation tool for electric, hybrid and other alternative fueled vehicles.

1993- present  Mechanical Engineering advisor to Team SolarCat - Guided students in the simulation of electric and hybrid vehicles; in the analysis and design of thermal, aerodynamic and structural systems and construction of the vehicle's chassis, body, and mechanical drive systems. Also assisted in frabricating and competition team management..

Copyright 1999 Villanova University Department of Mechanical Engineering

Last updated 12/12/99 CHM