The purpose of this lab was to practice recording data that is automatically collected by the Arduino. This data corresponded to a code that followed a given scenario. The group was also tasked with analyzing this data. The recorded data included time elapsed, current, voltage, and marks. Once this raw, or EEPROM data, was collected the group then had to be implement a MATLAB program which converted the data into an excel spreadsheet. Once available, the data to be converted listed physical parameters with given conversion rates. The first data conversion was from the EEPROM into physical parameters of time (seconds), voltage (volts), and current (amps). Following those calculations, the group had to calculate power (watts), incremental energy (joules), and total energy (joules).
The results of the lab helped aid in the team’s programming strategy and design by giving us accurate, quantitative information that can be utilized to improve coding in the future. This will be useful in comparing different models of the AEV as well. Having the option of using MATLAB to quickly collect our calculations of our AEV is definitely a useful tool for the group. It provides the group with a simpler way to gather data and to quickly calculate everything that affects efficiency and operations of the AEV.