Observations – One Motor
In our first trial with one motor, the AEV was moved along the track at a very slow pace and only travelled a few marks. For this initial trial, the AEV was also unbalanced.
Power vs Distance
Power vs Time
Our second trial with one motor resulted in another slow moving AEV, but in this trial the AEV moved a slightly longer distance than in the first.
Power vs Distance
Power vs Time
Our third trial moved about the same distance as the second trial, but it took a half-second longer to accelerate.
Power vs Distance
Power vs Time
The fourth trial traveled at about the same pace as the second and third trials, but the AEV in this trial travelled the longest of any of the first four trials.
Power vs Distance
Power vs Time
The fifth and final trial with one motor was almost identical to the fourth trial in both speed and distance.
Power vs Distance
Power vs Time
Observations – Two Motors
Our first trial with two motors resulted in a significantly faster AEV than any of the trials with one motor. Our AEV travelled about 3x farther than our longest trial distance with one motor. With two motors, our AEV was also more balanced. The AEV travelled too far in our first trial, forcing us to stop it on the track before it fell off and crashed.
Power vs Distance
Power vs Time
In our second trial, we adjusted the starting location of the AEV so that it would be able to stop by itself. The choice of starting location was poor as we started it just before an upslope on the track. The AEV was unable to accelerate quick enough to travel up the hill. This was an unsuccessful trial.
Power vs Distance
Power vs Time
Our third trial with two motors was identical to our first trial as it travelled a high speed and once again had to be stopped manually to avoid a collision.
Power vs Distance
Power vs Time
We once again adjusted our starting location for the fourth trial and this resulted in our gratestest speed and distance travelled. Also this was the first trial in which we did not have to manually stop our AEV. This was a result of correct placement on the track.
Power vs Distance
Power vs Time
Our fifth and final trial was identical in speed and distance as our fourth trial. It travelled from approximately the 90 mark to the 300 mark, therefore not requiring a manual stop.
Power vs Distance
Power vs Time
Takeaways
The division was in charge of testing how motor quantity affected the efficiency of the AEV and made detailed observations on its performance on the test track. The first set of observations were based on only one motor being connected to the Arduino. It was the team’s hypothesis that one motor would be less efficient than two motors. The amount of power generated would be half of what is possible. Our observations proved our hypothesis was correct. The AEV travelled very little, even though the power of the motor was set to 40%. The one motor caused the overall design to be very top heavy, because there was less weigh in the back. The AEV tended to lean to one side which is a safety hazard and an efficiency issue. This overall design was a disappointment due to all of these issues. The next set of observations were for two motors and was the ultimate design decision for the team. Using the same code as before, the AEV was able to travel about 220 inches versus the one motor that was about 4 inches. The AEV was able to glide across the track with ease at a reasonable speed, much faster than with one motor. Also the weight was more evenly distributed across the AEV with the added weight of another motor. This obvious choice is to remain with two motors to have an more efficient design for the AEV.