For our energy analysis, our team measured the frictional drag of the wheels, along with the output of the propeller. After measuring the potential drag, and output, our team decided to use power breaking to better increase our efficiency and to reduce noise inside the cabin for passengers. By increasing efficiency, our AEV will be cheaper to ride in, while also being quieter, which will increase the ride quality.
This being said however, when our team did the Energy Analysis tests (EnergyAnalysis), they did not go as planned. For the power braking, the AEV was programmed to go 2 feet and then power brake to a stop. However, when tested, the AEV went 4 feet and then coasted to a stop 13 seconds later. This means that, while we predict that power braking will be more efficient and more precise, the energy analysis provided no information to prove this. Additional information on the AEV energy usage can be found in the Performance Tests section.