Approach
Each member of the team designed their own AEV. After analysis of the fours different designs, the team all worked to together to design the best possible AEV from the little information we had about AEV performance at the time. The team then researched different aspects of the AEV such as motor configuration, Servo use, and braking mechanics. This was done by designing tests to collect data on each topic and analyzing the data to determine what set up would allow the AEV to perform the best. The final step was run the AEV through several performance test to make sure the AEV was able to perform the necessary tasks.
Our daily tasks to stay on track with this approach can found on the MEETING MINUTES page.
The research and data can be found on the ADVANCED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT page.
Key Goals
Our goal is to construct an AEV that is power efficient and simple. Efficiency is the utmost priority for our AEV because it is important to conserve valuable resources and save consumer money on powering the vehicle. Simplicity is also important because if the user runs into an issue with the AEV, it is straightforward to troubleshoot and fix the error.
Initial Research on AEV designs
In order to maximize the efficiency of the AEV, a healthy balance must be found between the amount of weight the AEV is and the power required to run the vehicle. In an article published by the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, is it stated that “A 10% reduction in vehicle weight can result in a 6%-8% fuel economy improvement.” Keeping this statistic in mind, the final AEV design will be much lighter than all of the initial designs (Pre R&D Labs). Through testing, the best design will be determined in order to minimize the power required to run the vehicle for the duration of the AEV’s tasks.
References
“Lightweight Materials for Cars and Trucks.” Department of Energy, www.energy.gov/eere/vehicles/lightweight-materials-cars-and-trucks.