Primary Focus Statement
For our preliminary designs, several factors have been identified that will be greatly emphasized throughout the production of the AEV. Aerodynamic design is a primary factor in creating an efficient vehicle. By positioning the different components of the body in different ways, drag can be reduced, allotting for greater efficiency. According to one source, one way to do this is to taper the rear end of the vehicle. [1] Weight and center of mass is another focal point. The battery has to be underneath the AEV in the proper positioning otherwise the AEV will not stay straight during its run. Limiting weight also plays a similar role to an aerodynamic structure in that minimizing it produces the best results for efficiency. Therefore, great forethought must be contrived as to the positioning of all the components. Battery power is another key. There is a point of optimization that does not give too much power to the propellers but yet gives it enough for a stable speed to be created so that the AEV can travel a certain distance. Our most important focus is cost efficiency. Our goal is to make an AEV design that is cheaper and equally as efficient as other AEVs to compete in the capitalist market we have in our country.
[1] https://www.ara.bme.hu/oktatas/letolt/Vehicleaerodyn/Vehicleaerodyn.pdf
Update 1:
In order to obtain our goal of making an AEV that is cheaper, yet equally as efficient as others on the market, we have done both performance tests and materials cost tests. In R&D 1, we tested the efficiency and did energy analysis on two different designs. The graphs for these tests can be seen under “AEV MATLAB Plots”. Upon testing and settling upon the second design, which has propellers on both sides for efficient travel, we did research on the materials. The team received samples of most available materials, weighed them, and used the weights to calculate the total costs of using each material. One material, ABS, was unavailable at the time, however, the team realized that even if it weighed the most, it is the cheapest to use. We will now be moving forward using ABS material to build the second design, which can be seen in “Design Variations”. These tests have brought us closer to our ultimate goal of building an efficient and cost-effective advanced energy vehicle.
Update 2:
The team has added several components to the AEV since the last update. The goal has always been to create a cost-efficient vehicle that could be implemented to get the people of Linden, Ohio to areas with a higher access to Jobs and services. First, the team added a servo motor breaking system to the vehicle. Although the motor has a cost, it saves time which saves more money. Next, the base pieces of the advanced energy vehicle were replaced with new pieces laser-cut from ABS. The code was then perfected for the new and improved design and the team began doing the final performance testing of the vehicle.
Sales Pitch:
Team F’s AEV design has many distinguishing features that you will not be able to find in any of the other designs. It has a unique push/pull propeller configuration, offset propellers, ABS plastic laser cut base pieces, and an overall safe, stable design. Unlike many other designs, which have two propellers that push the vehicle forward, this one features a propeller on each side that work together to move the AEV. While one pushes, the other pulls, allowing efficient travel. Going along with this, the propellers are offset from each other, with one being placed higher than the other.
The Final Design
Not only does this allow a magnet to be fitted onto the front, which will be used to latch onto the caboose, but it helps makes sure the two propellers don’t counteract each other. Also, this product has been carefully constructed from the best possible material, ABS plastic. This material is both strong and durable, while still being much cheaper than all of the other available materials. Finally, here at team F of Watt’s Scientific AEV Company, we have worked hard to ensure the design is both safe and durable. The advanced energy vehicle is very well balanced, and has a servo braking system for precise stops. The base pieces are made of strong ABS material, and the code running it has been perfected to do what is intended.
By choosing this design, you are choosing a safe design with many components that make it the best it can be. The features outlined above, as well as throughout the rest of the website, ensure this advanced energy vehicle is the perfect candidate for the advancement of the Columbus Smart City Project.