After noticing problems during the previous 2 performances tests, Group C decided to use the final Advanced Research and Design section to fix the problem before the final performance test. From the results of the previous two performance tests, the issue was determined to be the battery. To ensure the number of failed test runs were minimized, all remaining tests were to be focused around the battery and how it powers the AEV.
To fix the problem, the battery was tested in two different ways. The first method of testing involved taking a fully charged battery, have the AEV travel 5 ft down the track, but at different power percentages, ranging from 30% to the max of 50%. As shown in the data table below, after a total of 10 runs down the track, the battery’s voltage did not drop below 8.20 Volts, determining that there was no error with the battery being drained faster than intended. Comparing the other statistics however, it can be concluded that the higher percent power leads to less energy (J) used and a greater top speed (m/s).
Figure 1 (above). Same distance vs different power graph.
The second method involved using a constant power of 30% however the AEV will travel different distances ranging from 0.5 meters up to 6.0 meters. Once again the battery used is considered fully charged. 30% power was chosen to due to the code used during the performance tests, as 30% power was the average power percent used during the performance runs. According to the graph, the farther the AEV traveled, more energy was consumed, and the top speed slightly increased as well.
