Understand how coasting and power braking are implemented into the AEV design and code
| Coasting Trials | |||
| Trial | Total Distance (in) | Engine Cut Off (in) | Stopping Distance (in) |
| 1 | 232 | 63 | 169 |
| 2 | 221 | 63 | 158 |
| 3 | 235 | 63 | 172 |
| 4 | 219 | 63 | 156 |
| 5 | 224 | 63 | 161 |
| 6 | 227 | 63 | 164 |
| 7 | 231 | 63 | 168 |
| 8 | 219 | 63 | 156 |
| Power Braking Trials | |||
| Trial | Total Distance (in) | Engine Cut Off (in) | Stopping Distance (in) |
| 1 | 60 | 56 | 4 |
| 2 | 59 | 56 | 3 |
| 3 | 59 | 56 | 3 |
| 4 | 61 | 56 | 5 |
| 5 | 63 | 56 | 7 |
| 6 | 58 | 56 | 2 |
| 7 | 58 | 56 | 2 |
| 8 | 59 | 56 | 3 |
Coasting and power braking both have pros and cons that make them viable choices for different situations. Coasting is a great choice for moving long distances once the AEV is at full speed while using little power. Since coasting has a long stopping distance and uses no energy once the motors turn off, it is a great choice to let the AEV coast over a long distance without using additional power. However, the long stopping distance associated with coasting makes it too inaccurate to use for precise braking.
Power braking is a great method to use for stopping in a short distance. Although power braking allows the AEV to brake far quicker, it also uses significantly more power than coasting. This means that power braking is only practical when the AEV has to stop quickly, since using power braking over a longer time interval will consume too much power.
The team has decided to use the power braking method for most applications, but also the coasting method after the initial acceleration period. Since the AEV uses no power once the motors are turned off, coasting is great method to use once the AEV is at full speed. The average stopping distance of 186 inches from 50% speed allows the AEV to coast a long distance with only using about 22 Watts of power. Power braking will also be utilized for stopping at stations, as it provides a quick and accurate stop. Since power braking requires more power, about 50 Watts for the whole sequence, it is only viable in short bursts. An average stopping distance of 3.6 inches makes it the preferred option for stopping at stations, where precise stopping is required. Utilizing both coasting and power braking will allow the AEV to travel more efficiently and safely, allowing the AEV to better complete the goals of the project.