The University Institute of Technology in Nîmes is driving green energy!
Created in 2010, the SMVE (Solutions de Motorisation pour Véhicules Electriques) platform atthe University Institute of Technology (IUT) in Nîmes promotes the Institute's expertise in the field of motorization through the design of electric vehicle prototypes. This initiative is aimed at manufacturers in the sector who are targeting the large-scale commercialization of new clean vehicles. Guided tour.
"Like society as a whole, all departments at our institute are moving towards sustainable development. Within the GEII [1] department, the promotion of clean energy and green mechanics fits perfectly with this trend," explains Jean-François Dubé, director ofthe Nîmes University Institute of Technology. At the end of 2010, Daniel Matt, head of the GEII department, initiated the creation of a practical workspace within the Institute dedicated exclusively to the development of student projects related to electric motorization." The SMVE (Solutions de Motorisation pour Véhicules Electriques) platform specializes in the design, manufacture, and testing of high-performance electric vehicles," explains Daniel Matt, head of the platform and Professor electrical power engineering.
At the heart of the Institute, in the 200-square-meter hangar that houses the platform, first- and second-year DUT and professional bachelor's degree students are learning how to design and build the various components of an electric motor chain (batteries, static converters, electromechanical converters, etc.). The atmosphere is both friendly and serious. Safety instructions must be followed, as most of the work on electric vehicles is carried out under power. "Electric karts are manufactured here, among other things. This is the SMVE platform's original activity. It has quickly diversified to meet demand from professionals, " says a student busy on his computer, surrounded by various prototypes.
[1] Electrical Engineering and Industrial Computing.
Race car, vineyard tractor...
In 2012, in partnership with theAlès School of Mines While responsible for the mechanics, GEII students were developing their first "all-electric" race car. A project that then led a dozen students from theUniversity Institute of Technology of Nîmes to School Trophy organized by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). The vehicle won awards for safety, perceived quality, and style before being presented in Paris at the Paris Motor ShowIn 2016, the prototype finally took third place at the Lépine Competition where he won the prestigious National Assembly Award. "The latest vehicle designed on the SMVE platform is an electric vineyard tractor.", says Daniel Matt.
In early November, the environmentally friendly agricultural vehicle was also a big hit at the International Exhibition of Equipment and Know-How for Vine and Wine Production (SITEVI)Designed to meet the pressing demand from certified organic winegrowers wishing to demonstrate greater consistency in their ecological approach, the prototype features an electric motor per wheel, giving it a phenomenal power output of four times sixty horsepower and a four-hour plowing range. The vehicle is now the pride and joy of the students (and former students!) at the GEII department of the University Institute of Technology in Nîmes and is eagerly awaiting its rapid commercialization for large-scale distribution to organic wine producers here and elsewhere. A word to the wise...
The IUT as seen by a student
Dylan Briant, 21, student in the G.U.E.R. professional bachelor's degree program
"I have been passionate about cars since I was very young, and I expressed my interest in automotive mechanics early on through repair, customization, and even improving the performance of motor vehicles. After completing a general science baccalaureate, this hobby led me to enroll at the UniversityInstitute ofTechnology (IUT). from Nîmes, where my two years of technical college in Electrical Engineering and Industrial IT (GEII) enabled me to pursue training professional training based on my hobby, combining business with pleasure!
This experience—and particularly the numerous practical sessions at the SMVE (Solution de Motorisation pour Véhicules Électriques) – also introduced me to environmental issues and made me more aware to the need to improve the performance of motor vehicles while maximizing respect for the environment.
Currently studying for a professional degree in GUER (management and use of renewable energies), I am currently refining my professional project career plans. In line with my two successive courses of study, I hope to soon join an automotive manufacturing company to contribute to the design of new vehicle models that are both cleaner and more efficient than those already on the market in the booming electric vehicle industry."
Key figures
- 27,700 square meters on 5 hectares
- 1,167 students of 15 nationalities
- 90 Professors teachers
- 46 administrative and technical staff
- 219 professional speakers
- 5 technical degrees and 14 professional degrees
- 219 professional speakers
- 5 departments: GC, GEII, GMP, GEA, SGM