Alfarnanu
EV Related Studies & Industrial Design
May, 2024
Alfarnanu is a vehicle designed for parking lots, capable of mass transport and EV charging. By relocating Alfarnanu between parking lots based on charging demand, it alleviates EV users' anxiety over finding charging stations.
EV Users' Concerns
Insufficient Charging Stations
How to Design a Charging Station to Solve the Problem of EV Users’ Anxiety Caused by Not Being Able to Find a Charging Station in Time?
A Day in Life:
How EV Users Use Their EV
Field Research:
Why Are Existing Charging Station Underutilized?
If we can move charging stations from areas where they are idle to areas where they are needed, the average utilization of charging stations will go up.
If we increase the utilization rate, the net benefit of charging stations will increase, and the market will be willing to build more charging stations for profit.
Ideation
Initial Concept
Charging Gun with Retractable Cable
Replaceable Battery
In order to refine the initial concept, I started in three perspective: Charging Gun, Simple & Futuristic Appearance, and Interaction with EVs.
Final Concept
My final concept is a small, mobile charging vehicle with replaceable batteries. It has just enough power to fill an EV, while the small size makes it easy to navigate freely through parking lots. It also has recesses underneath specifically designed to allow a forklift to carry it.
Storyboard
Prototyping
Chassis with McNamee Wheels &
3D Print & Primer
Spray Metallic Paint &
Final Assemblies
Final Prototype (Movable Version)
With Programed McNamee Wheel Chassis
Final Prototype (Stationary Version)
With Main Components
RIT ID Capstone Show 2024
Future Expansion
Alfarnanu not only can be used in city parking lots, but also to address the charging needs of large events and activities, such as Chunyun, Christmas transportation, and the Super Bowl.
At the same time, Alfarnanu can be used as an energy storage station to store extra clean energy during the day time.
Designed By
Ge Wu
2023-2024
Special Thanks
Prof. Lara Goulart
Prof. Mindy Magyar
Mingyu Han (Photographer of Capstone Show)
Jiaxing Li (Vehicle Structural Consultant)
Leo Huang (Motor and Electronic Control Consultant)