DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14483/22487638.24068Published:
2026-03-31Issue:
Vol. 30 No. 87 (2026): Enero - MarzoSection:
ResearchDesign and Simulation of an e-Kart for racing
Diseño y simulación de un e-Kart de Carreras
Keywords:
Computational Simulation, Driving Autonomy, Electric Kart, Powertrain Design (en).Keywords:
conducción autónoma, diseño cadena cinemática, kart eléctrico, simulación computacional (es).Downloads
Abstract (en)
Objective: To design and simulate an electric kart that maximizes energy efficiency for racing. Methodology: The project entitled “Design and simulation of an electric kart that maximizes energy efficiency for racing” was developed using a quantitative, descriptive, and experimental virtual approach based on the construction of mathematical models, computer-aided design, and simulation using specialized software. The study is part of an applied research design, as it seeks to generate a technical solution to a specific problem: increasing energy efficiency in electric racing karts. Likewise, the research is based on a deductive method, starting from theories of vehicle dynamics and energy efficiency, to arrive at the validation of an optimized model through simulations.
Results: The results validated the feasibility of the proposed design and provided invaluable insights for adjustments and enhancements. So they found that putting the electric propulsion system into the kart is okay. The kart still works well with this system. The electric propulsion system does not make the kart too heavy. This is important because the SuperKart category stays that the kart cannot weigh more than 240 kg. The electric propulsion system helps with this rule. The kart with the electric propulsion system is still under the 240 kg limit, for the SuperKart category.
Conclusions: Through numerical simulations conducted in Matlab, the eKart performance was meticulously optimized, focusing on speed, autonomy, and energy efficiency. The outcomes reveal a substantial enhancement in the maximum speed attained, selection of the optimal reduction (Ntf), and increased autonomy without compromising energy consumption. The computer simulations provided comprehensive insights into the startup and operation of the components comprising the electric kart propulsion system during races, where the vehicle achieves a speed of 248 km/h in merely 34 seconds.
Abstract (es)
Objetivo: diseñar y simular un kart eléctrico que maximice la eficiencia energética para carreras. Metodología: el proyecto se desarrolló bajo un enfoque cuantitativo, descriptivo y experimental de carácter virtual, pues se basa en la construcción de modelos matemáticos, el diseño asistido por computadora y la simulación en software especializado. Es un diseño de investigación aplicada que busca generar una solución técnica a un problema específico: el incremento de la eficiencia energética en karts eléctricos de competición. La investigación se apoya en métodos deductivos a partir de teorías de dinámica vehicular y eficiencia energética, hasta la validación de un modelo optimizado mediante simulaciones.
Resultados: los resultados validaron la viabilidad del diseño propuesto y proporcionaron información valiosa para realizar ajustes y mejoras. Se determinó que la integración del sistema de propulsión eléctrica en el kart no compromete sus características de rendimiento energético. En otras palabras, el sistema de propulsión eléctrica no aumenta el peso total del kart, lo que garantiza el cumplimiento del límite de 240 kg estipulado para la categoría SuperKart.
Conclusiones: mediante simulaciones numéricas realizadas en Matlab, se optimizó meticulosamente el rendimiento del eKart, medidos en la velocidad, la autonomía y la eficiencia energética. Los resultados revelan una mejora sustancial en la velocidad máxima alcanzada, la selección de la reducción óptima (NTF) y una mayor autonomía sin comprometer el consumo de energía. Las simulaciones por ordenador proporcionaron una visión completa del arranque y el funcionamiento de los componentes que conforman el sistema de propulsión del kart eléctrico durante las carreras, en las que el vehículo alcanza una velocidad de 248 km/h en tan solo 34 segundos.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Walter Naranjo Lourido, Kevin David Higuita Echeverry, Mariana del Pilar Herrera Roncancio, Javier Eduardo Martínez Baquero
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